By: Ahmad Daniel Syah Ahmad Effendi
LUMUT, 26 October 2025 – International, Mobility and Advanced Education Centre (IMAC), Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), in collaboration with UPSI Global Buddies, successfully organized Titian Budaya: A Foster Family Programme in conjunction with PULARA 2025 – Festival Puisi dan Lagu Rakyat Antarabangsa ke-11, held in Lumut, Perak.
The four-day programme, 23 – 26 of October 2025 conducted in Kampung Bharu and Kampung Telaga Nenas, Lumut, brought together more than 80 international students from 20 public universities (IPTA) across Malaysia, representing diverse countries, backgrounds, and cultures.
According to Dr. Nor Fadila binti Kasim, Deputy Director of IMAC, the programme reflected UPSI’s dedication to strengthening intercultural understanding and global awareness through community-based learning.
“This experience allows our international students to connect directly with local communities, appreciate Malaysian traditions, and gain valuable cultural insights that go beyond academic learning,” she explained.
Throughout the programme, participants had the unique opportunity to stay with foster families and experience the warmth and simplicity of traditional Malaysian village life.
They joined their host families in daily routines such as preparing meals, helping with household chores, and learning about local customs and traditions. Many students expressed that living in the village gave them a genuine taste of Malaysian hospitality and deepened their appreciation for the nation’s rural heritage.
In addition, a range of engaging community activities was held, including Together We Learn: English & Culture with Village Youth, gotong-royong, traditional sports, cooking sessions, and an introduction to traditional Malay wedding customs by the villagers.
These activities fostered strong bonds between international students and the local community, promoting teamwork, respect, and mutual understanding.
The programme also received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the participants. Many international students described the experience as “heartwarming,” “eye-opening,” and “unforgettable.”
The highlight of the event was the participation of the international students in the official opening ceremony of PULARA 2025, officiated by the Minister of Higher Education, Yang Berhormat Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir.
In his speech, he emphasized that festivals such as PULARA are vital platforms for nurturing national identity through cultural expression.
He noted that Malaysia’s identity must be rooted in its rich and diverse heritage, and events like PULARA encourage mutual respect and unity among communities, especially within the higher education sector.
Overall, Titian Budaya: A Foster Family Programme served as a meaningful platform for cultural exchange, friendship, and experiential learning. I
t stood as a testament to UPSI’s and IMAC’s ongoing commitment to fostering inclusivity, global awareness, and cross-cultural engagement among students in Malaysia. Participants departed Lumut with new friendships, cherished memories, and a deeper sense of belonging to the Malaysian community.