Deepening College Exchanges between UM and UKM: Advancing Cross-Cultural Learning through Arts, Humanities, and Community Engagement

Deepening College Exchanges between UM and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia: Advancing Cross-Cultural Learning through Arts, Humanities, and Community Engagement

To foster cultural understanding and student development among international residential colleges, delegations of staff and students from Ibu Zain College and Tun Syed Nasir College of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) visited Henry Fok Pearl Jubilee College (HFPJC) at the University of Macau (UM) from March 2 to 8, 2026, for a seven-day program of cultural exchange and academic interaction. Hosted by HFPJC, the visit openly recruited “exchange buddies” from across the UM student body. The visit focused on themes such as college education, cultural heritage, Islamic culture, student leadership, and co-creation in the arts, further strengthening the partnership between the two institutions’ residential colleges.

During the visit, the UKM delegation and UM students jointly engaged in a variety of cultural and academic activities, including campus tours, collaborative art projects, student dialogues, martial arts workshops, batik painting and calligraphy experiences, talent showcases, and urban explorations—applying experiential learning to practice intercultural exchange and mutual understanding.

In the student dialogue session, representatives from both universities shared their experiences of life and leadership within their colleges. UM students presented their roles as student leaders, highlighting practices in student self-governance and community building; UKM students introduced their college structures and organizational operations, illustrating models of student participation within Malaysia’s collegiate system. These exchanges facilitated dialogue on student affairs and pathways for student development.

Over the multi-day programme, students from both universities jointly completed a large-scale acrylic artwork themed “Malaysia, Macau, University and College Life,” showcasing the fusion of the two cultures and campus life from a youth perspective. The piece not only enhanced students’ artistic expression and teamwork but also became a symbol of friendship and collaboration. In terms of martial arts exchange, UM alumna Wong Sam In, a World University Game gold medalist in Nanquan, was invited back to campus to teach the Five Stance Form and engage UKM students in discussions on Silat, reflecting the inheritance and dialogue of traditional cultures. Meanwhile, “The Fok’s Singer”, the choir of HFPJC specially rehearsed the UKM anthem “UKM Varsiti Kita” for this exchange, and the staff and students from both universities sang together, bringing the talent show to a rousing climax.

Many UM students who participated noted that the exchange deepened their understanding of Malaysia’s multiculturalism and collegiate education model, and significantly improved their cross-cultural communication skills. Student Sam Tim U remarked, “Through interacting with UKM students, I realized that cultural exchange is not just about sharing traditions—it’s about two groups from different worlds coming together as one. That sense of integration moved me deeply; I had never experienced anything like it before.” UKM student Aki also said, “I’m very glad to have been selected to take part in this exchange. The warm reception from UM students made me feel truly welcome. Through a series of activities, I not only experienced Macao’s culture and residential college life, but also learned many valuable lessons about communication and exchange. I’ll bring these takeaways back to Malaysia and share them with more fellow students.”

Prof. HUI Sai Chuen, College Master of HFPJC, stated that collegiate education is not merely an extension of academics, but an important platform for holistic student development. UKM’s visit exemplifies the proactive role colleges play in promoting internationalization and cross-cultural learning. Looking ahead, the two universities will continue to deepen cooperation, promote student exchanges and joint projects between their colleges, and broaden learning environments across diverse contexts.

Dr. Bahar, Principle of Ibu Zain College, and Dr. Hajar, Deputy Principle of Tun Syed Nasir College, expressed gratitude for Jubilee College’s warm hospitality and thoughtful arrangements. By experiencing first-hand the operational model of UM’s residential college system, they witnessed UM students’ openness and vitality in cultural interaction. They hope to establish closer cooperative mechanisms in the future, enabling more students to participate in cross-border college programs and strengthening cultural and educational ties within the region.

This exchange programme was coordinated by HFPJC, with strong support from multiple UM departments and external organizations/companies, reflecting the cultural engagement and international outlook of UM’s collegiate education.