RASA SAYANG CAMP: DESTINATION MALAYSIA 2021
16th- 20th of August 2021, Centre for Modern Languages and Centre for International Relations, Universiti Malaysia Pahang launched its first virtual summer camp, Rasa Sayang Camp: Destination Malaysia 2021.
Twenty-one campers from China and Japan as well as 5 Malaysian facilitators from various faculties in UMP participated in the week-long, online experience. Over the duration of five days beginning Monday 16th August 2021, participants from Ningxia University, Tianjin Normal University, Honghe University (Republic of China) and Setsunan University and Kansai University (Japan) were brought in virtually to improve their command of the English language embedded in a module incorporating Malaysian culture and language. The camp was mainly conducted on the Zoom and Canva platforms. On top of that, the WeChat application was used as the main communication platform especially during the asynchronous sessions.
Throughout the virtual camp, the participants were made to feel as if they were in a traditional overnight summer camp where they had to participate in individual as well as group activities such as learning and practising Malaysian ethnic dances, learning about arts and crafts such as the making of Malaysian Batik and learning about local cuisines, as well as how to cook Malaysian famous cuisines such as nasi lemak. Trainers, facilitators and camp participants also shared what they normally have as breakfast in a session called ‘Breakfast Bash’ with everyone showing their meal and explaining more about the food to everyone during the session.
On the final day, a montage featuring the highlights of the camp was presented containing video clips and snapshots of activities and tasks conducted throughout the camp. Over 80 participants were online during the closing ceremony including honourable guests from both organising centres- the Dean of Centre for Modern Languages, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nik Aloesnita Binti Nik Mohd Alwi and the Director of Centre of International Relations, Dr. Mohd Azmir bin Mohd Azhari as well as staff members from both centres. The audience too were presented with participants’ virtual campbooks where participants compiled accomplished tasks such as their groups’ virtual background with logo and slogan, photos of them in their traditional attires, cooking videos, and many other activities to be shared.
“Rasa Sayang Camp activity made me understand the enthusiasm and friendship of the Malaysian people,” said Ma Qingmiao from Ningxia University. Li Aohua from the same university added “This virtual summer camp is a terrific travel”. “I loved the energy and participation not only from campers, but from all the trainers, and facilitators, even the tech support team. I see a real sharing of cultures.” said Dr. Wan Jumani Fauzi, the lead trainer for this week-long Rasa Sayang Camp. The camp director, Pn. Ezihaslinda Ngah expressed “I truly appreciate the effort and commitment shown by everyone involved in the camp. My very special thanks go to module developers/trainers, facilitators, secretariat and of course the main organiser of the programme - Centre for International Relations (CIR),”.
The program concluded with speeches from the head of the respective organizing departments and speeches from each participating country, starting with Felicia representing China, followed by Junya Ogawa representing Japan in full English language before wrapping up with a rendition of Rasa Sayang from everyone involved. It is hoped that the Centre for Modern Languages and Centre for International Relations, Universiti Malaysia Pahang will host more virtual camps like this as it offers a wonderful and unique virtual camp experience for students from all over the world, due to continuing COVID-19 safety precautions.
