VIRTUAL CAMP 2023: CAMP RASA SAYANG

Virtual Camp 2023, Destination Malaysia: Exploring New Places, People, and Culture from Your Comfort Zone, was successfully organised by the Centre for International Relations and the Centre for Modern Languages, Universiti Malaysia Pahang.

The virtual camp was held from March 4 to 7, 2023, via Zoom from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., bearing the theme, "Destination Malaysia: Camp Rasa Sayang."

Through the camp, 16 participants from Yonago College, Japan, got to take a dive into the unique diversity of Malaysia through a global language.

The aims of the camp were to introduce the Japanese students to Malaysian people, local delicacies, places, and culture. In addition, it also aimed to introduce useful expressions for interacting, and talking about oneself and one's culture, as well as expressing opinions.

The camp was led by Dr. Abdullah Adnan, the Program Director, along with a team of experienced trainers and facilitators: Dr. Wan Jumani Fauzi, Dr. Ezihaslinda Ngah, Ms. Siti Ainun Jariyah Hassan, Mr. Shamsul Harbi, Mr. Abdul Jalil Abdul Rahim, Ms. Arulselvi Uthayakumaran, Ms. Farah Liyana Ahmad A'azmey, Ms. Nur Anisnabila Dianah, Ms. Noor Azlinda Zainal Abidin, Ms. Noraisah Fatwa Mohd Razali, and Ms. Hamizah Zahari.

In supporting this camp, six students-facilitators were also involved, namely Ericsson Yong Min Wei, Arshada Nadia Abdullah, Siti Khadijah Kiram @ Kiraman, Muhamad Fadzrul Naim Rustam, Muhammad Amir Faisal Rosemadi, and Wan Ashraf Muzaffer Wan Mohd Zaini.

The four-day camp covered different themes each day, allowing participants to gain insight, and making memories as they were introduced to Malaysia’s diverse culture heritage, language, and the folk song Rasa Sayang.

At the end of the camp, the trainers, facilitators, and trainers sang Rasa Sayang song together. Before proceeding to closing speeches, Dr. Wan Jumani was selected as the Best Trainer and Wan Ashraf Muzaffer as the Best Facilitator.  The virtual camp not only introduced the participants to Malaysian culture, but also created lasting friendships between the trainers, participants, and facilitators.

In short, with great dedication and contributions from the trainers, facilitators, and participants, the objectives of the camp were achieved, and everyone had a memorable experience.

Prepared by: Siti Ainun Jariyah Hassan, Noraisah Nurul Fatwa Mohd Razali and Noor Azlinda Zainal Abidin