From July 7 to 13, 26 students from Nanning University, accompanied by Quan Qiyan, teacher from College of ASEAN Studies, successfully conducted a week-long overseas English immersion and cross-cultural exchange program at Malaysia’s Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TARUMT), leveraging the platform of the Neighbor Partners Alliance Among UNN-ASEAN Universities. The initiative aimed to enhance students’ English proficiency, cross-cultural competence, and global readiness through immersive language practice and cultural engagement.
On the first day, leaders from TARUMT and UNN, and participating students attended an opening ceremony at TARUMT. Mr. LEE KIM CHAI, Director of TARUMT’s Centre for Continuing and Professional Education, and Ms. Li Junyi, Deputy Director of UNN Office of Development Planning and Cooperation and Exchange (concurrently Deputy Dean of College of ASEAN Studies), exchanged symbolic gifts to cement friendship between the two universities. Both emphasized their commitment to deepening faculty-student exchanges and collaborative projects under the Neighbor Partners Alliance framework.
Ms. Quan Qiyan delivered a speech
Mr. LEE KIM CHAI praised the program as a vivid example of mutual learning among alliance members, encouraging students to fully immerse themselves in Malaysian culture during their week-long stay. Ms. Quan Qiyan expressed gratitude for TARUMT’s hospitality, stressing that the program marked a key step in Nanning University’s efforts to cultivate international talents through Alliance-based cooperation. She urged students to seize the opportunity to practice English communication boldly.
During the program’s cultural immersion phase, students participated in a series of hands-on workshops and lectures. At the Malaysian Culture Introduction Session, participants gained insights into the "pluralistic coexistence" of ethnic groups, including Malays, Chinese, and Indians. In practical Malay language classes, students mastered everyday phrases such as Terima kasih (Thank you) and Selamat pagi (Good morning). In the batik-making workshop, students designed their own patterns using traditional wax-resist dyeing techniques. They also engaged in Indian Kolam and Henna Tattoo sessions, experiencing firsthand the vibrant traditions of Malaysia’s Indian community.
The program also featured TARUMT’s signature interactive English courses, where tutors integrated music, storytelling, and role-play to create a dynamic "learn-through-play" environment. During public speaking sessions, students delivered presentations in English about their cultural observations, honing both linguistic proficiency and confidence in cross-cultural communication.
Experience local traditional costumes
Display batik works
Group photo in class
Alongside classroom studies, students embarked on immersive cultural excursions in Kuala Lumpur under the guidance of TARUMT faculty. They witnessed traditional dance performances, explored the Petronas Twin Towers Skybridge, and engaged in cultural exploration of local customs, gaining firsthand appreciation for the city’s blend of modern architectural grandeur and Southeast Asian heritage.
Kuala Lumpur City Exploration
On the program’s last day, students traveled to Malacca for a cultural heritage tour. At Baoshan Temple, they learned about its history as a structure built by Zheng He’s crew during his 15th-century expeditions to honor the goddess Mazu, and its enduring impact on Malacca’s cultural landscape. This firsthand encounter highlighted the profound integration of Chinese traditions with local Southeast Asian heritage.
Malacca Cultural Survey
At the closing ceremony, TARUMT leadership presented completion certificates to the 26 Nanning University students who successfully concluded the program. This initiative marked a milestone in faculty-student exchange programs under the Neighbor Partners Alliance framework, offering participants an immersive language environment and profound cultural engagement while solidifying the strategic partnership between Nanning University and TARUMT. Nanning University will further leverage the Alliance platform to expand diversified, deep-level collaborations with ASEAN member institutions.
Group photo at the closing ceremony
