Colours of Malaysia at UNIMAS Global: Building Cultural Understanding Through Experience

On the evening of 21 January 2026, UNIMAS Global welcomed 45 students and five accompanying officers from Jiangsu Normal University Kewen College, China, for the Colours of Malaysia session held at UNIMAS Global. Organised under the short-term mobility programme by UNIMAS Business School in collaboration with UNIMAS Global, the session marked the beginning of the participants’ cultural journey in Malaysia.

The session introduced participants to Malaysia beyond academic learning. Through interactive activities and shared experiences, students explored Malaysia’s history, cultural diversity, social norms, places of interest, and local cuisine, encouraging learning through participation and real-life exposure.

One of the highlights was the Ringgit Malaysia simulation, facilitated by UNIMAS international buddies, which helped participants gain a practical understanding of how Malaysian currency is used in daily life. This was followed by daily dialogue sessions with the international buddies, creating opportunities for cultural exchange, language practice, and friendly peer interaction.

The spirit of togetherness continued through the Blooms of Unity activity, where participants worked in groups using LEGO blocks to build symbolic flowers that represented unity in diversity. The activity encouraged teamwork, creativity, and mutual respect across cultures.

The Colours of Malaysia session was facilitated by the Head of the Mobility Unit, Mohd Ilham Abdullah, with the support of UNIMAS Ambassadors (International Buddies) Hana, Dellaa, and Seth, who helped create a welcoming and engaging environment for all participants.

After the Colours of Malaysia session, the experience continued with a hands-on cooking workshop that brought Malaysian culture to life through food. The Penyaram and Teh Tarik workshop was coordinated by Yusrina Alyani Yunus, Head of International Student Affairs, who ensured participants were able to take part comfortably and enjoy the experience.

During the workshop, the Teh Tarik session was guided by Ms Wan Ivy and Mdm Azfa, who shared tips and stories behind Malaysia’s iconic beverage. At the same time, the Penyaram station was led by Ms Aisya and Ms Sheila, introducing participants to this traditional Sarawak delicacy and its preparation process.

Through cooking, sharing, and learning together, the workshop offered participants a fun and meaningful way to experience Malaysian traditions. The session encouraged cultural appreciation, hands-on learning, and lasting connections among participants.

Overall, the Colours of Malaysia programme created a positive and memorable experience by strengthening cultural awareness, practical understanding, and people-to-people connections. It reflects UNIMAS’ continued commitment to providing inclusive and impactful international mobility experiences that support global engagement and cross-cultural learning.