Participating in the Global Discovery Programme at Parul University from 1st to 15th February 2026 was a transformative academic and intercultural experience. Organised by the Centre for International Relations & Research (CIRR) in collaboration with the Department of Computer Science & Engineering (Parul Institute of Technology), the two-week programme seamlessly blended Artificial Intelligence (AI), sustainability frameworks, and India’s rich cultural heritage into a holistic global learning journey.
The programme comprised two main components: Cultural Immersion (25 hours) and the AI for Community Sustainability Project (20 hours). Together, they fostered intellectual growth while cultivating intercultural sensitivity.
The Cultural Immersion component offered hands-on exposure to Indian traditions, philosophy, and social structures. Activities included sessions on Indian history, Hindi language learning, and entrepreneurship, as well as yoga, meditation, leadership workshops, Indian music and dance, and traditional arts. Participants also explored block printing, Madhubani painting, Warli art, and pottery making under the guidance of skilled artisans. These immersive experiences nurtured cultural intelligence, empathy, and a global mindset, allowing participants to engage deeply with India’s rich cultural heritage beyond textbook knowledge.
The first day set the tone for the programme, marked by a warm traditional welcome at the campus temple, reflecting Parul University’s spirit of hospitality and global engagement. Orientation sessions introduced programme objectives and highlighted the collaboration between UNIMAS and Parul University, making participants feel valued as representatives of their home institutions.
In parallel, the AI for Community Sustainability Project challenged students to apply AI to address real-world challenges aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). My team developed “Public Speaking Path: A Multimodal AI-Based Coaching Framework Using Recorded Video Feedback Loops”, an AI tool designed to enhance public speaking skills by providing objective, data-driven feedback on confidence, pronunciation, body language, and audience engagement. Dedicated mentors guided teams throughout ideation, prototype development, and final presentation, while exposure to generative AI tools expanded our understanding of technology-driven solutions for societal impact.
Daily workshops, tech expos, and collaborative group work encouraged innovation and cross-cultural problem-solving. Interactions with peers from diverse backgrounds deepened my appreciation for teamwork, creative brainstorming, and the power of AI to create sustainable solutions for communities.
Beyond academics, shared experiences including cultural evenings, market visits, and group discussions strengthened intercultural bonds and emotional intelligence. The farewell dinner was particularly memorable. Dressed in traditional Baju Melayu, I shared Malaysia’s cultural diversity with my peers, reinforcing the notion that cultures are bridges, not barriers.
The Global Discovery Programme at Parul University was more than an exchange; it was a multidimensional journey that integrated technology, culture, and sustainability. I leave with not only practical AI skills and cultural knowledge but also lifelong friendships, deeper intercultural understanding, and a renewed commitment to ethical, socially responsible innovation. This experience has shaped me as a globally competent student and citizen, ready to contribute meaningfully to sustainable and inclusive development.
Story shared by Mrityunjayan Sundara Moorthy, participant of the Global Discovery Programme at Parul University, India
Jeyan participated in the Global Discovery Programme at Parul University, India, from 1st to 15th February 2026. He is a student at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), currently pursuing his studies at the Faculty of Education, Language and Communication, and joined the programme to enhance his understanding of Artificial Intelligence, sustainability, and intercultural learning through an immersive academic and cultural experience.
Edited 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.