{"id":29789,"date":"2025-10-13T09:50:24","date_gmt":"2025-10-13T01:50:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/epena.com.my\/?p=29789"},"modified":"2025-10-13T09:50:26","modified_gmt":"2025-10-13T01:50:26","slug":"building-friendships-in-malang-a-day-of-culture-and-fun-with-universitas-malang","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/epena.com.my\/index.php\/2025\/10\/13\/building-friendships-in-malang-a-day-of-culture-and-fun-with-universitas-malang\/","title":{"rendered":"Building Friendships in Malang: A Day of Culture and Fun with Universitas Malang"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>By : Suhailah Abdullah, PhD Candidate in Physics Education<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>MALANG, INDONESIA<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bringing together 40 UM and 20 UPSI students, the program commenced with an official opening ceremony at the FMIPA Hall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The day featured a lively mix of cultural performances and engaging games, leaving all participants with lasting connections and joyful memories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-layout-1 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"852\" height=\"775\" src=\"https:\/\/epena.com.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/1-14.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-29791\" srcset=\"https:\/\/epena.com.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/1-14.png 852w, https:\/\/epena.com.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/1-14-300x273.png 300w, https:\/\/epena.com.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/1-14-768x699.png 768w, https:\/\/epena.com.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/1-14-600x546.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 852px) 100vw, 852px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/epena.com.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/2-12-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-29792\" srcset=\"https:\/\/epena.com.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/2-12-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/epena.com.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/2-12-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/epena.com.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/2-12-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/epena.com.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/2-12-600x338.png 600w, https:\/\/epena.com.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/2-12.png 1043w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1020\" height=\"602\" src=\"https:\/\/epena.com.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/3-11.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-29793\" srcset=\"https:\/\/epena.com.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/3-11.png 1020w, https:\/\/epena.com.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/3-11-300x177.png 300w, https:\/\/epena.com.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/3-11-768x453.png 768w, https:\/\/epena.com.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/3-11-600x354.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The ceremony was formally opened by\u00a0Prof. 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The event was then officiated by\u00a0Prof. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-layout-2 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1012\" height=\"570\" src=\"https:\/\/epena.com.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/4-11.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-29794\" srcset=\"https:\/\/epena.com.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/4-11.png 1012w, https:\/\/epena.com.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/4-11-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/epena.com.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/4-11-768x433.png 768w, https:\/\/epena.com.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/4-11-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 1012px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"952\" height=\"616\" src=\"https:\/\/epena.com.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/5-7.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-29796\" srcset=\"https:\/\/epena.com.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/5-7.png 952w, https:\/\/epena.com.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/5-7-300x194.png 300w, https:\/\/epena.com.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/5-7-768x497.png 768w, https:\/\/epena.com.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/5-7-600x388.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 952px) 100vw, 952px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"866\" height=\"497\" src=\"https:\/\/epena.com.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/6-8.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-29797\" srcset=\"https:\/\/epena.com.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/6-8.png 866w, https:\/\/epena.com.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/6-8-300x172.png 300w, https:\/\/epena.com.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/6-8-768x441.png 768w, https:\/\/epena.com.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/6-8-600x344.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 866px) 100vw, 866px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Following the speeches, the spirit of collaboration was further cemented as&nbsp;Prof. Dr. Hadi Suwono and Dr. Afiq took to the stage to exchange commemorative tokens on behalf of their respective institutions.&nbsp;This gesture served as a tangible symbol of the newly strengthened partnership between UM and UPSI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In appreciation, the UPSI students presented a cultural showcase titled \u201cPeragaan Busana Tradisional Malaysia\u201d (Malaysian Traditional Costume Fashion Show). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The performance featured traditional attire representing Malaysia\u2019s main ethnic communities Malay, Chinese, and Indian as well as distinctive outfits from Sabah and Sarawak. This colorful cultural parade celebrated Malaysia\u2019s diversity and earned enthusiastic applause from the Indonesian audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The highlight of the session was the Fun Activity Slot consisting of ice-breaking activities, facilitated by UPSI\u2019s postgraduate students to encourage interaction and teamwork. These activities quickly turned the hall into a space filled with laughter and friendship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The games are<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Find Your Group: Each student received a small picture card and had to silently locate others with matching images, seamlessly blending participants from both universities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Two Truths and a Dare: Students shared amusing or surprising facts about themselves, sparking humor and creating instant friendships.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Team Challenge&nbsp; \u201cPick Up the Cup\u201d: This energetic game tested coordination as students worked together to pass a cup using only their heads, shoulders, and knees.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Follow-the-Clap Game: A rhythm-based activity requiring full attention and synchronization, bringing the entire hall to life with cheerful claps and laughter.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The Team Challenge &#8216;Pick Up the Cup,&#8217; in particular, became a scene of joyous chaos.\u00a0The 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-layout-3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"977\" height=\"550\" src=\"https:\/\/epena.com.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/7-7.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-29798\" srcset=\"https:\/\/epena.com.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/7-7.png 977w, https:\/\/epena.com.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/7-7-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/epena.com.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/7-7-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/epena.com.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/7-7-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 977px) 100vw, 977px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"977\" height=\"550\" src=\"https:\/\/epena.com.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/8-4.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-29799\" srcset=\"https:\/\/epena.com.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/8-4.png 977w, https:\/\/epena.com.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/8-4-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/epena.com.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/8-4-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/epena.com.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/8-4-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 977px) 100vw, 977px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Through shared performances, laughter, and teamwork, the participants demonstrated that meaningful learning flourishes best when grounded in friendship, understanding, and mutual respect.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The connections made in that hall promised to extend far beyond the week&#8217;s agenda, building a foundation for a truly international network of peers and friends.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By : Suhailah Abdullah, PhD Candidate in Physics Education MALANG, INDONESIA\u00a0\u2013 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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":29790,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[121],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/epena.com.my\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29789"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/epena.com.my\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/epena.com.my\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/epena.com.my\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/epena.com.my\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=29789"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/epena.com.my\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29789\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":29800,"href":"https:\/\/epena.com.my\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29789\/revisions\/29800"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/epena.com.my\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/29790"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/epena.com.my\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29789"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/epena.com.my\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=29789"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/epena.com.my\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=29789"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}