The spirit of Ramadan was warmly felt at UNIMAS Global as staff members and international students came together for another meaningful session of the UNIMAS Global Iftar Kitchen, where the team prepared freshly made doughnuts to be shared during iftar. The activity brought together members of the UNIMAS community in a simple yet heartfelt effort to celebrate the values of generosity, togetherness, and compassion that define the holy month.
The doughnut-making session was led by Mdm Sukiah, with Ms Tracey and Ms Hana, and supported by other members of the UNIMAS Global team. The lively kitchen atmosphere was further enriched by the participation of international students who enthusiastically joined the preparation process, including mixing the dough, shaping the doughnuts, and frying them to golden perfection.
Among those who participated was Aasia Kanwal, a Doctorate student from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UNIMAS, who is originally from Pakistan. She shared that the activity provided a wonderful opportunity for international students to experience the warmth of Malaysian culture during Ramadan.
“This is a very meaningful activity,” she said. “It allows international students like us to participate in the spirit of Ramadan together with the local community. Preparing food for iftar and sharing it with others makes us feel connected and welcomed.”
Aasia also reflected on her observations about Malaysian culture, noting that Malaysians have a deep appreciation for sweet delicacies. She jokingly remarked that this fondness for sweet treats might explain why Malaysians are known for their warm and kind personalities.
“I have noticed that Malaysians really enjoy sweet delicacies,” she said with a smile. “Perhaps that is why Malaysians are very sweet and kind people.”
Once the doughnuts were prepared, they were distributed as part of the effort to share the joy of iftar and spread the blessings of Ramadan. The simple act of sharing food created moments of warmth and appreciation among participants, highlighting the universal values of care and generosity.
Programmes such as the UNIMAS Global Iftar Kitchen play an important role in strengthening intercultural understanding within the university community. By bringing together staff and students from different backgrounds, the initiative fosters meaningful interactions while celebrating the traditions of Ramadan.
Through activities like this, UNIMAS continues to demonstrate how small acts of kindness and collaboration can promote unity, friendship, and mutual respect among people of diverse cultures. As participants shared laughter, stories, and freshly made doughnuts, the event served as a reminder that the true sweetness of Ramadan lies not only in the food, but in the spirit of togetherness and goodwill it inspires.
By Mohd Ilham Abdullah, Head of Mobility, UNIMAS Global.
Mohd Ilham Abdullah has over five years of experience at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS). He previously served as Head of International Student Affairs and is currently serving as Head of Mobility, where he supports inbound and outbound mobility programmes, international student engagement, and collaborative initiatives that strengthen UNIMAS’s global presence