By Alyani Azhar
Pictures by Shahiddan Saidi

BANGI, 6 September 2017- UKM Global Student Mobility Partnerships (UKM-GSMP) 2017 programme exposed Hong Kong and Mexico students on the diverse culture in Malaysia and gave them the opportunity to soak in the beautiful tropical environment in Malaysia.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic and International Affairs, Prof Dato’ Ir Dr Riza Atiq Abdullah O.K. Rahmat said UKM Global Student Mobility Partnerships 2017 encompasses of two programmes: Sustainability of Tropical Heritage (STH) and the Indigenous Community of Malaysia (ICM).

“The interactive experiential programme was designed to ensure that participants are equipped with theories and knowledge before the go on their study trip and site visits,” he said during the closing ceremony of the 9th UKM-GSMP 2017.

The STH students had the opportunity to visit Langkawi and Fraser Hills for their field trip.

He said, Langkawi was bestowed the Geopark status by UNESCO through UKM conservation and research efforts.

“I am sure they had the opportunity to observe UKM’s effort in conservation and sustainable development during the site visits,” he said.

Meanwhile, ICM participants were brought to Selangor, Perak, Bukit Kepong, Port Dickson and Pahang, to visit Orang Asli villages.

The Director of International Relations Centre (UKM-Global), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yazrina Yahya said the programme was created to enlighten international students on Malaysian culture and environment.

“I hope that more international students will participate next year,” she said.