By Balqees Abeerah Muhd Nithya Thyalen
On 6 May 2025, Kolej Kediaman Tuanku Kurshiah, Universiti Malaya, proudly hosted its inaugural mobility program in a remarkable step towards regional academic exchange and cultural understanding. Malaysian Horizons: Thai Student Mobility (MAHOTS) welcomed 25 students from Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai Campus, and 10 student representatives from local universities. These local universities were Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (UIAM), and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).
Spanning four days of enriching experiences, the program ran from 6 to 10 May 2025. Participants were warmly welcomed with full-board hospitality at Kolej Kediaman Tuanku Kurshiah, giving students the chance to bond over shared meals and late-night conversations.
The academic highlight of the week unfolded on 7 May, when representatives from each university including Universiti Malaya partook in a symposium titled “BRICS and Sustainable Development Goals: Strengthening Global Partnerships for Inclusive Growth”. The panel of six judges, led by Dr. Muhammad Hilmi Abdul Rahman and Dr Shaiful Rizal Hassan, expressed their utmost support in this initiative to foster more meaningful discussions among the younger generation. “I’m glad to see all of you representing the younger generation presenting about BRICS and keeping up with global issues,” says Dr Hilmi.
They also offered constructive feedback on economic perspectives and presentation skills. “When discussing BRICS however, do keep in mind that poverty can’t be eradicated, it can only be mitigated,” he advised. The best speaker for the symposium was Shamsul Hariz bin Shamsul Bahril, a passionate and articulate representative from Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (UIAM).
Beyond intellectual exchange, the program offered immersive cultural and campus experiences. On 8 May, participants explored Universiti Malaya’s key landmarks such as Universiti Malaya’s Main Library, Tasik Varsiti and Dewan Tuanku Canselor. “Your university is really big, you know!” remarked a student from the Prince of Songkla University. The day continued with a batik painting session conducted by Dr Zakaria bin Idris, followed by an energetic Explorace activity, which encouraged teamwork and friendly competition. The top three teams proudly walked away with medals and certificates in hand.
On day three, students set out on a city adventure, uncovering the cultural gems of Kuala Lumpur through an LRT Hopping journey. Starting from LRT Universiti, the group made their way to Central Market via LRT Pasar Seni, then visited Dataran Merdeka and Perpustakaan Kuala Lumpur before heading to KLCC and finally Muzium Kompleks Kraf Tangan, via MRT Conlay. Here, they were treated to a guided tour by Encik Ahmad Faisal bin Abdul Wahab, who drew attention to personal batik works by Her Majesty Tunku Azizah. “If I were to explain everything in this museum, you would need to stay for three days and two nights!” Encik Faisal jokes.
Laughter, applause, and a shared sense of pride filled the hall as the program concluded on 9 May, graced by Professor Dr. Zamri bin Radzi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Student Affairs at Universiti Malaya. The presence of distinguished guests, including Associate Professor Dr. Roshidah Hassan, Principal of Kolej Kediaman Tuanku Kurshiah; Dr. Nurul Huda binti Hamzah, advisor of Academic and Intellectual Committee (DwC); Mr. Abdul Malik bin Anuar; Mrs. Aidahani binti Abdullah; Miss Nor Syakirin binti Mohamed Nasrudin; and Mr. Nik Ahmad Aqil Nik Azemi, fellows of Tuanku Kurshiah Residential College, made the event all the more momentous. Not to forget Miss Pimpaka Sripaiboon who represented the Prince of Songkla University.
“I’m proud to see such camaraderie between countries, and I’m proud of your initiative,” Professor Dr. Zamri said. “This is a valuable stepping stone for future collaboration work,” he added. Performances from Kolej Kediaman Tuanku Kurshiah’s own dikir barat troupe “Bujang Kurshiah” and Indian classical dance group “Trivanjali” brought a colorful close to the evening, as tokens of appreciation were exchanged between the participating institutions.
By the morning of 10 May, goodbyes were said and the students began their journeys home. The participants also filled out a feedback form to perfect the blueprint of this program. History was made in Kolej Kediaman Tuanku Kurshiah, and the pioneers of this program will be remembered with pride for laying the foundation of cross-border collaboration and lifelong learning.