Written by: Faustina Michelle A/P Andrew Michael
From May 9th to May 17th, 2026, the Year 3 International Economics class from the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, participated in a short mobility programme to Zhejiang Province, China. The programme, which involved 11 students accompanied by two lecturers, Prof. Dr. Rossazana Bt Ab Rahim and Dr Shirly Wong Siew Ling, covered the cities of Hangzhou and Yiwu. The mobility programme combined academic exploration, industry engagement, cultural immersion, and leadership development, offering students a meaningful international learning experience beyond the classroom.
Academic Exploration and Global Insights
Led by Programme Director Faustina Michelle A/P Andrew Michael and Vice Programme Director Vince Chong Tze Jian, the programme was carefully curated to broaden students’ global perspectives, strengthen cross-cultural understanding, and connect classroom learning with real-world economic and business environments. One of the main highlights of the programme was the students’ participation in the “One Belt One Road” Global Classroom activity at Zhejiang Mechanical and Electrical Technicians College, where they were exposed to diverse cultures, international perspectives, and meaningful cross-cultural exchange. The students also visited the campus of the School of Economics at Zhejiang University, one of China’s leading universities, where they observed the campus environment and gained a general sense of global academic standards and university facilities.
Industry Engagement and Community Exposure
Students were also exposed to China’s dynamic business and community landscape through visits to Yiwu International Trade City, Yanwen Clothing Co., LTD, Zhuji Yijia Yi Public Welfare Development Service Center and Zhuji Xinyu Social Work Service. At Zhuji Wanzhong Vocational Skills Training School, the students received practical training on operating drones, gaining hands-on technical skills and exposure to vocational education in China. These visits allowed students to better understand international trade operations, entrepreneurship, global market strategies, and community welfare initiatives. Beyond academic and industry engagement, the students experienced China’s rich cultural heritage through visits to West Lake, Jimingshan Park, Zhuji Pearl Market, Halal Street Market, and Binwang Street Market. Overall, the programme broadened students’ global perspectives, strengthened their appreciation of cultural diversity, and provided valuable learning experiences for their academic and future professional development.
Embracing Culture and Growth
Beyond academic and industry visits, students had the opportunity to experience China’s rich cultural heritage through visits to West Lake, Jimingshan Park, Zhuji Pearl Market, Halal Street Market, and Binwang Street Market. These experiences allowed students to appreciate the uniqueness of Chinese culture, local hospitality, and the importance of cultural understanding in today’s interconnected world.
Programme Impact and Key Takeaways
The mobility programme left a significant impact on the students by broadening their perspectives in economics, business, culture, and global cooperation. Through direct exposure to international academic institutions, industries, communities, and cultural settings, the students gained practical knowledge that will contribute to their academic development and future professional pathways. The experience also strengthened their appreciation for diversity and highlighted the importance of global readiness among university students.