📝 Summary
A delegation from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) visited the University of Canterbury in New Zealand as part of the New Zealand XR Trip 2026 (NEXT’26) programme. The programme combines cultural exchange, academic engagement, and creative exploration in digital media, with the delegation participating in a welcome ceremony, digital screen product design, and a stop-motion animation workshop. The visit aims to provide UTM students with international exposure and experiential learning opportunities.
CHRISTCHURCH, 31 Aug – Marking a significant milestone for the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) delegation visiting New Zealand, the New Zealand XR Trip 2026 (NEXT’26) officially began its academic programme at the University of Canterbury (UC) in Christchurch. The delegation, comprising academic staff and students from the Bachelor of Computer Science (Graphics and Multimedia Software) with Honours, Faculty of Computing, UTM, undertakes this visit that brings together cultural exchange, academic engagement and creative exploration in digital media.
The programme commenced with an official welcome ceremony featuring insights from the leadership of both institutions. Representing UTM was Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), Prof. Ts. Dr. Intan Zaurah Mat Darus, alongside key UC figures, including Advisor UC Māori Lyndon Waaka, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Prof. Catherine Moran, and Associate Director of International Development, Global Engagement, Monique van Veen.
The welcoming ceremony provided a meaningful platform for cultural exchange between UTM and UC. UTM students proudly performed “Keranamu Malaysia”, taking the opportunity to honour Malaysia’s Independence Day on 31 August, while the delegation and UC representatives came together to sing the traditional Māori waiata “Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi”.
The shared performance reflected more than cultural appreciation; it demonstrated how music and tradition can create connections across borders, bringing students and academic communities together through mutual respect and understanding.
Following this, the focus shifted towards digital innovation with a visit to Dovedale Campus, UC’s digital screen facility. Students were introduced to digital screen product design before taking part in a hands-on stop-motion animation workshop.
The experience connected creative concepts with practical application, allowing students to explore how digital technology, visual storytelling, and innovative production can come together to produce engaging digital experiences. The programme also offered students direct exposure to UC’s academic environment and creative facilities, complementing the international learning objectives of the visit.
This opening day at UC established a meaningful foundation for the remainder of the programme, combining cultural understanding with advanced academic and creative exploration. As the short course progressed, these early engagements developed into a comprehensive learning experience that UTM students completed, marking an important milestone in their international exposure.
The NEXT’26 delegation’s visit to New Zealand reflects UTM’s commitment to producing globally competent graduates through international exposure, experiential learning, and cross-cultural engagement. It also supports the aspirations of UTM ASCEND 2030 by strengthening global partnerships and providing students with opportunities to learn within diverse academic environments.
