INTERNATIONAL MOBILITY PROGRAMME: CHINESE CULTURAL CAMP AT TIAN JIN NORMAL UNIVERSITY, CHINA
GAMBANG — The UMPSA Mandarin Language Society (MLS) had the privilege of participating by invitation in a Chinese Cultural Camp at Tianjin Normal University (TJNU), China, from November 12th to November 19th, 2023.
The delegation comprised seven UMPSA students from different races (including Malay and Chinese students), and Ms. Kang Mei Feng, MLS club advisor from Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA).
The objectives of this programme encompass various facets aimed at enhancing cultural and educational exchanges between Malaysia and China. The primary focus was on reinforcing educational ties between universities in both countries.
Additionally, the initiative sought to facilitate mutual integration among teachers and students in Malaysia and China, fostering a collaborative learning environment. Another significant goal is to provide UMPSA students with the opportunity to explore and discover their talents in Chinese art while gaining new knowledge.
Beyond these objectives, the programme yields substantial benefits by fostering closer relationships and creating opportunities for collaboration between teachers and students from Malaysia and China.
The immersive experience enables students to deepen their understanding of another culture, broadening their minds and horizons through exposure to new perspectives and experiences. Hence, throughout the programme, the UMPSA students had the privilege of visiting remarkable places in China, Beijing and Tianjin:
12 to 13 November 2023: The students explored Beijing’s rich history and enjoyed various local delicacies under the guidance of Ms. Hao and Ms. Sun from TJNU. Their itinerary included visits to iconic locations such as the Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City, Nanluogu Alley, Huguo Temple snacks, and Shi-cha-hai Lake.
14 November 2023: The grand opening ceremony featured speeches from Ms. Kang Mei Feng (Mandarin teacher from Centre for Modern Languages), Wong Sing Yee (UMPSA student representative), Mr. Liu Tong (Director Office of International programmes), Mrs. Gao Hang (Vice Dean Centre for International Chinese Education) and TJNU teachers, marking the start of the International Mobility Chinese Cultural Camp.
14 to 19 November 2023: The UMPSA teams resided in TJNU international dormitories, participated in six Chinese culture classes, covering traditional Chinese opera, Chinese martial arts, Chinese paper cutting art, Chinese crosstalk, Chinese tea culture, and Chinese traditional painting. During leisure time, the UMPSA students explored the TJNU campus, visited the nearby night market, and visited the Tianjin Museum and Tianjin Five Great Avenues.
18 November 2023: Ms. Kang Mei Feng and UMPSA students interacted with teachers and students from the College of Literature. Ms. Kang Mei Feng shared her experience on past Global Classroom activities conducted by both Universities for Mandarin language courses, and expressed hope to continue collaboration with College of Literature, Tianjin Normal University, to promote advanced global classrooms in the future. Notably, Ms. Kang Mei Feng was also invited to become an industry mentor in Teaching Chinese to speakers of other languages at the College of Literature, TJNU.
The programme finally concluded with the participation of Ms. Kang Mei Feng and UMPSA students in the graduation ceremony, where representatives from both TJNU and UMPSA expressed gratitude. Each participant was presented with a certificate of completion and souvenirs. As a token of appreciation, the UMPSA delegation extended Malaysia traditional batik bags as gifts to the hosts.
Following the programme, UMPSA students submitted their reflective report, highlighting the Chinese Cultural Camp at Tianjin Normal University (TJNU), China, as an incredibly enriching experience. They emphasised how the programme enabled them to immerse in unfamiliar cultures, learn new languages, explore different traditions, broaden their perspectives, and unleash their potential.
Moreover, the programme unearthed students' talents in the field of Chinese arts and culture, bridging ethnic ties among UMPSA students through exposure to diverse cultural expressions.
Ms. Kang Mei Feng, as the officer accompanying the participants of this programme, also seized this opportunity to meet face-to-face with Prof. Zhou Bao Dong, Vice Dean of College of Literature, and Mr. Liu Tong, Director of the Office of International Programs. Her effort from the meeting helped to strengthen cooperation between UMPSA and TJNU, paving the way for potential mobility programmes offered by PBM and Advanced Global Classroom (AGC) collaboration for CML Mandarin courses.
Prepared by: Kang Mei Feng
