Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), 4th-5th June 2024 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s Faculty of Science hosted a group of Global Sports Partners (GSP) students from the United States of America (USA) for a two-day academic visit. The students are Jack Douglas and Katherine Williams, both from William Carey University (WCU), Mississippi; Todd Smith from Midwestern State University (MSU), Texas; and Audrey Taylor from Carl Albert State College (CASC), Oklahoma. They were accompanied by their leader, Sir Douglas Ladner, who is also the founder of GSP Malaysia. The group participated in a series of activities that facilitated cultural exchange, academic engagement and memorable encounters. The program was led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fong Wan Heng and co-organized by the Faculty of Science and Persatuan Sains & Teknologi (PESAT) with Dr. Nazrin Abd Aziz as advisor.
A group of volunteer students from the Faculty of Science known as UTM Buddies welcomed the students on the first day. They were transported to the Department of Biosciences by the UTM Fleet from Scholar’s Inn. Their day began with a lecture on immunology by Dr. Wan Fatin Amira Wan Mohd Zawawi, followed by a quick breakfast at the T02 cafeteria. The academic activities continued with a lecture on enzymology by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Goh Kian Mau, and then a lunch break at Cengal and Meranti Cafeterias. In the afternoon, the team had a hands-on cultural experience with a co-curriculum Gamelan class under the School of Undergraduate Studies (UGS), led by Dr. Nur Izwanne Mahyon from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (FKM). In the evening, the group organized a Fun Frisbee event for UTM students, followed by a relaxing game of Farkle, and dinner at Lestari Café.
The second day started with a traditional Malaysian breakfast with UTM Buddies, followed by a meeting at the Faculty of Science with the Dean, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shafinaz Shahir, and the Director of the Department of Mathematical Sciences, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zarina Mohd Khalid. They discussed their respective educational missions, exchanged souvenirs, and even had a frisbee demonstration. After the meeting, the team visited the UTM Premium Career Festival (UTM PEARL) at Dewan Sultan Iskandar before taking a brief tour of the Perpustakaan Sultanah Zanariah library. The day continued with a lecture on linear algebra by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fong Wan Heng from the Department of Mathematical Sciences. Following lunch at Meranti Cafe, the team toured the newly opened Student Union Building and had an insightful cross-cultural conversation circle, hosted by Sir Douglas. The discussion provided opportunities for deeper understanding and connection between UTM students and their international peers from the USA. The visit concluded with a heartfelt panel discussion, more souvenir exchanges, and a final dinner at an Arabic restaurant. The entire visit was filled with rich discussions on cultural understanding, serving as a bridge between cultures and fostering mutual respect and understanding.
(Prepared by: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fong Wan Heng, Dr. Nazrin Abd Aziz, Nurul Irdina Mohammad Zamri)
