by Kuan Wee Ling (Senior Language Teacher, FELC)
Part 1: No passport, no borders. Just connection!
On 29 April 2026, the Faculty of Education, Language and Communication (FELC) at UNIMAS opened the doors to Southeast Asia through the launch of the Mandarin Global Classroom. What began as a virtual meeting quickly evolved into a lively intercultural experience, as UNIMAS joined hands with Universitas Jenderal Soedirman (Unsoed), Indonesia, creating a shared space where language, culture, and perspectives come alive.
A Meeting of Visionary Leaders
The programme commenced at 9:30 a.m. with an official opening ceremony, reflecting the strong institutional commitment to advancing regional collaboration. UNIMAS was represented by Dr. Dilah bin Tuah, Dean of FELC, and Dr. Remmy anak Gedat, Deputy Dean (Academic and International).
The Unsoed was represented by a distinguished delegation, including Prof. Dr. Ely Triasih Rahayu, S.S., M.Hum (Dean of Faculty of Humanities), Dr. Chusni Hadiati, S.S., M.Hum (Vice Dean of Academic Affairs), and Mr. Riefki Fajar Ganda Wiguna, S.Pd., M.Hum. (Head of the International Cooperation Team). The presence of such senior leadership highlights a mutual commitment to building lasting institutional friendships that transcend borders.
Bridging Cultures: Food, Flavor, and Etiquette
The 2026 series consists of four dynamic sessions designed to foster student interest and interaction. Kick-starting the series, Mdm. Kuan Wee Ling, the Elective Courses Coordinator at UNIMAS, led the first session by centering the lesson on everyone’s favourite topic, the universal language of food and drink.
This session served as a rich cultural exchange:
- Cultural Exploration: UNIMAS students explored the diverse culinary landscape of Indonesia, while Unsoed students gained insights into the iconic flavors that define Malaysia.
- Practical Traditions: Beyond vocabulary, participants delved into Chinese cultural heritage, practicing the proper etiquette and techniques associated with the use of chopsticks.
- Interactive Learning: Utilizing various digital tools, the session was characterized by high levels of energy and engagement, proving that language acquisition is most effective when paired with cultural discovery.
Looking Ahead: The Journey Continues
The momentum is set to continue with the upcoming second session. Leadership for the next stage will be handed over to Teacher Destyanisa Tazkiyah, the Coordinator of the Mandarin Diploma study program at Unsoed, who will guide students through the next phase of their linguistic journey.
FELC: Preparing Graduates for a Global Stage
By spearheading these international opportunities, the Faculty of Education, Language and Communication demonstrates that language learning at UNIMAS extends far beyond the confines of a textbook. The initiative is dedicated to fostering empathy and global citizenship, providing students with the unique chance to connect with regional neighbours and build authentic, real-world connections.
Through programs like the Mandarin Global Classroom, FELC ensures its graduates are equipped for a multicultural workforce, ready to speak, learn, and grow on the international stage.
This is only the beginning of a vibrant four-part journey that promises even deeper cultural discoveries and lasting regional friendships. As this collaboration continues to break borders and redefine the future of language learning, the best is yet to come; to be continued.
