Beyond Borders, Beyond Horizons

Beyond Borders, Beyond Horizons

                     Kavinash Kumar Kunarajah, Foundation Sem 2, ME                    

BATU EMPOH- A group of foundation students have successfully organized a homestay programme known as ‘Kenali Malaysia 2013’ (KM-13) which lasted from 10^th until12^th September, with the theme of ‘Beyond Borders, Beyond Horizons’. Co-organised by ISCUTP, the ultimate goal was to foster a harmonious relationship between UTP students and the rural communities. This programme provided an opportunity to international students specifically, in getting to know the unique cultures of some of the Malaysian indigenous communities or Orang Asli.

 

A great deal of activities were organised to augment and deepen the understanding on the lifestyle of Orang Asli. Night walking in a dense jungle, doing the Bamboo Dance (a tribal dance), interacting with children, cleaning-up and recreation time in a hot spring were just some of the highlights of the three days-two nights programme.

 

The international students were amazed to experience the lifestyle of the Orang Asli, so much so that they requested the organisers of KM-13 to arrange for more visits of a similar naturefuture. Currently, the organizers are developing a proposal for the sequel of the programme with more exploration and fun activities.