📝 Summary
Students from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) who participated in the New Zealand XR Trip 2026 shared their international learning experiences on a biweekly podcast, Success Stories with Faten. The podcast featured UTM students discussing their academic and cultural experiences in Christchurch, as well as their perspectives on Malaysian culture and education. The podcast engagement complemented the NEXT’26 program, which aimed to broaden students’ exposure to international learning environments.
CHRISTCHURCH, Sep 7 — Students from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) participating in the New Zealand XR Trip 2026 (NEXT’26) were invited to share their experiences in New Zealand through Success Stories with Faten, a biweekly podcast hosted by Faten Ahmed of Plains Media, a not-for-profit community media organisation broadcasting on 96.9 FM.
The first podcast session, broadcast on 16 September, featured three NEXT’26 participants: Zahin Irdina, Nurul Farisa and Yusri Izzet. They shared their two-week experience in Christchurch, including academic activities, cultural experiences and interactions with the local community, as well as their experiences adapting to a new environment.
The second session featured Muhammad Khairil Hakim, Hannah Nurbatrisyah and Muhammad Hazeem, who are Computer Science students majoring in Graphics and Multimedia Software at UTM. They discussed their exposure to technology and industry during the visit, their experiences adapting to life in New Zealand, and their thoughts on studying or working in Christchurch in the future.
Across both sessions, the students shared their perspectives on Malaysian culture, food and education, including how they introduced nasi lemak to the local community during a multicultural potluck. They also discussed differences between the Malaysian and New Zealand education systems, as well as the challenges of adapting to Christchurch’s colder weather, public transportation and earlier business closing hours.
The conversations also highlighted memorable visits to the Christchurch Gondola, Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, alongside discussions on cultural differences, particularly Māori cultural preservation in New Zealand compared with Malaysia’s multicultural society.
The podcast engagement complemented NEXT’26, which brought students from UTM’s Bachelor of Computer Science (Graphics and Multimedia Software) with Honours programme, Faculty of Computing, to Christchurch for academic, cultural and community engagements. The programme aimed to broaden students’ exposure to international learning environments while encouraging independence, cultural awareness and international connections.
For the students, appearing on Success Stories with Faten provided an opportunity to reflect on their journey, share their perspectives with a wider audience and represent UTM on Canterbury’s local radio. They highlighted that success extends beyond academic and career achievements to include personal growth, resilience, meaningful relationships and the courage to step outside their comfort zones.
The experience reflects UTM’s Ascend 2030 vision of producing globally adaptable, future-ready graduates. Through international learning opportunities such as NEXT’26, students can build confidence, embrace new cultures and represent UTM on an international stage.
