MMU recently welcomed 15 students from Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), United Kingdom, for an eight-day Cultural and Study Visit, offering them an immersive journey into Malaysian culture, traditions, creativity and community.
Organised by the International Collaboration & Engagement (ICE) Unit, the programme combined cultural immersion, hands-on activities, educational visits and social interaction, allowing the students to experience Malaysia beyond the classroom during the March/April trimester.
The students explored Malaysian traditions through activities such as Silat, bamboo dancing, batik painting and traditional delicacy-making. One of the highlights was learning to prepare ondeh-ondeh, giving them a first-hand taste of Malaysia’s rich culinary heritage.
Their cultural journey also included visits to Batu Caves and Dataran Putrajaya, as well as industry visits to Royal Selangor and Monsta Studios. From Malaysia’s iconic landmarks to its growing creative industry, the visits offered the students a glimpse into the country’s diverse cultural and creative landscape.
A major highlight was the closing ceremony and farewell dinner held at Dewan Tun Canselor, Cyberjaya campus. The programme concluded with a special challenge for the students: preparing their own cultural performance for the farewell dinner. Drawing on what they had learned throughout the visit, the students worked together to showcase Malaysian cultural elements through their performance, turning their learning experiences into a memorable celebration of Malaysian heritage.
The programme also provided an avenue to strengthen the strategic relationship between MMU and LJMU. MMU welcomed Prof. Dan Silverstone, Director of the School of Law and Criminal Justice and International Lead for the Faculty of Society and Culture at LJMU, for discussions on potential areas of collaboration between the two institutions.
More than just a study visit, the LJMU programme demonstrated the value of international mobility through learning, participation and cultural exchange. From making ondeh-ondeh and painting batik to learning Silat and bamboo dancing, exploring Malaysia’s landmarks and creative industries, and ultimately taking the stage to perform, the students had the opportunity to learn about Malaysian culture, experience it first-hand and share it with others.
