From August 30 to September 6, 2024, eighteen students and three staff members  from the Faculty of Computing at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) embarked on an enlightening journey to Korea as part of the Global Outreach Program (GOP). This unique initiative blended cultural exploration, academic collaboration, and professional development, offering participants a transformative experience. Organized by UTM in partnership with Dongguk University’s WISE Campus in Gyeongju, Korea, the program spanned seven days of immersive learning, with a focus on fostering cross-cultural understanding and paving the way for potential academic collaborations.

The week-long program invited participants to dive into Korea’s rich cultural heritage while simultaneously representing Malaysia’s own. The overarching goal of the program was to deepen international relations between UTM and Dongguk University, with special attention to building relationships through cultural exchange and initiating academic discussions that could lead to joint research efforts.

Exploring Heritage and Tradition
One of the most captivating aspects of the program was the cultural exchange between UTM and Dongguk University students. Through interactive sessions, participants shared and celebrated their respective traditions and customs. Malaysian students presented their traditional attire, local delicacies, and heritage games, while their Korean counterparts showcased Korea’s own rich cultural tapestry. This exchange allowed students from both countries to engage in meaningful discussions, exploring both the similarities and differences in their cultures. These experiences fostered a deeper understanding and appreciation of global diversity, broadening the participants’ worldviews.

Field Trips: From Historical Heritage to Technological Innovation
The program also included a series of field trips that took the students on a journey through Korea’s historical and modern achievements. Visits to iconic landmarks like Bulguksa Temple and Gyeongbokgung Palace offered a glimpse into Korea’s ancient spiritual and architectural heritage, immersing participants in the country’s history. These experiences were balanced by tours of cutting-edge facilities, such as the Samsung Innovation Museum, where students witnessed firsthand the innovations that have made Korea a leader in technology and engineering. The field trips underscored Korea’s remarkable ability to blend its rich historical past with its forward-looking technological advancements, offering a parallel to the students’ own experience of transitioning from cultural heritage to modern innovation.

Academic Collaboration and Future Prospects
Beyond cultural exchange, the program placed a strong emphasis on academic growth and collaboration. Faculty members and student representatives from both UTM and Dongguk University engaged in formal discussions about potential joint research projects, particularly in the fields of computing and engineering. These talks focused on areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, and cybersecurity, laying the foundation for future collaborative research. The promotion of UTM’s Summer School program also furthered the dialogue between the two institutions, with both sides expressing enthusiasm for continued academic partnerships.

Conclusion: A Journey from Heritage to Innovation
The 2024 Global Outreach Program to Korea was a resounding success, providing participants with a holistic experience that blended the exploration of cultural heritage with academic growth. The students not only gained a deeper understanding of Korea’s cultural and technological achievements but also forged academic connections that could lead to future research collaborations. This program served as a testament to the importance of global engagement in higher education, showing that understanding a nation’s heritage is just as important as embracing its innovations. The bridges built between UTM and Dongguk University during this program are sure to lead to enduring partnerships, promoting academic excellence and cross-cultural collaboration.

Prepared by: Dr. Nurfazrina Mohd Zamry & Muhammad Faiz Zakaria