By : Suhailah Abdullah, PhD Candidate in Physics Education
MALANG, INDONESIA – The Student Mobility Programme in Malang proved to be a memorable highlight, strengthening the bonds between students from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Malaysia, and Universitas Malang (UM), Indonesia. Bringing together 40 UM and 20 UPSI students, the program commenced with an official opening ceremony at the FMIPA Hall. The day featured a lively mix of cultural performances and engaging games, leaving all participants with lasting connections and joyful memories.
The ceremony was formally opened by Prof. Habiddin, Head of the Department of Science, who expressed his delight in hosting the UPSI delegation and highlighted the value of international learning and cultural collaboration. The event was then officiated by Prof. Dr. Hadi Suwono, Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA). The UPSI delegation comprising 20 students was accompanied by Dr Shakinaz Desa, Dr Afiq Radzwan and Dr Riswan Efendi.
Representing UPSI, Dr. Afiq delivered a heartfelt address, expressing gratitude to the hosts and emphasizing the importance of building lasting academic and personal bonds between the two institutions.
Following the speeches, the spirit of collaboration was further cemented as Prof. Dr. Hadi Suwono and Dr. Afiq took to the stage to exchange commemorative tokens on behalf of their respective institutions. This gesture served as a tangible symbol of the newly strengthened partnership between UM and UPSI.
The cultural segment began with a captivating traditional Javanese dance performed by two UM students. Their graceful choreography and expressive gestures offered a insightful window into local traditions, setting a warm and appreciative atmosphere for the day. In appreciation, the UPSI students presented a cultural showcase titled “Peragaan Busana Tradisional Malaysia” (Malaysian Traditional Costume Fashion Show). The performance featured traditional attire representing Malaysia’s main ethnic communities Malay, Chinese, and Indian as well as distinctive outfits from Sabah and Sarawak. This colorful cultural parade celebrated Malaysia’s diversity and earned enthusiastic applause from the Indonesian audience.
The highlight of the session was the Fun Activity Slot consisting of ice-breaking activities, facilitated by UPSI’s postgraduate students to encourage interaction and teamwork. These activities quickly turned the hall into a space filled with laughter and friendship.
The session featured a series of lively games, beginning with Find Your Group, where each student received a small picture card and had to silently locate others with matching images, effortlessly mixing participants from both universities. This was followed by Two Truths and a Dare, a light-hearted activity that encouraged students to share funny or surprising facts about themselves, sparking laughter and instant connections. Next came the energetic Team Challenge “Pick Up the Cup”, which tested teamwork and coordination as students worked together to pass a cup using only their heads, shoulders, and knees. The fun concluded with the Follow-the-Clap Game, a rhythm-based activity that required focus and synchronization, filling the hall with cheerful claps and laughter.
The Team Challenge ‘Pick Up the Cup,’ in particular, became a scene of joyous chaos. The hall echoed with shouts of encouragement and laughter as students contorted themselves, desperately trying to pass the cup without using their hands, their initial hesitation completely forgotten. By the end of the session, the once-separate groups had transformed into a unified, spirited community. Students were seen chatting comfortably, exchanging contact details, and planning to stay connected beyond the programme.
Through shared performances, laughter, and teamwork, the participants demonstrated that meaningful learning flourishes best when grounded in friendship, understanding, and mutual respect. The connections made in that hall promised to extend far beyond the week’s agenda, building a foundation for a truly international network of peers and friends.