INTERNATIONAL YOUTH ECONOMICAL CAMP (IYEC) 2022: FOSTERING INTERNATIONAL EXPOSURE
Faculty of Business and Economics, UNIMAS (FEB UNIMAS) together with Persatuan Mahasiswa Fakulti Ekonomi dan Perniagaan, UNIMAS (PERFEP) have successfully hosted “International Youth Economical Camp (IYEC) 2022” from 13th-15th June 2022 in collaboration with Tanjungpura University (UNTAN), Indonesia. The cultural exchange mobility programme was joined by 44 participants from UNIMAS and UNTAN students.
The opening ceremony was held on 13th June and graced by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs & Alumni) UNIMAS, Prof Dr. Kamarudin Kana. The opening ceremony was also attended by Professor Dr Rossazana Binti Abd Rahim, the Dean of Faculty of Business and Economics, UNIMAS, Dr Janifer anak Lunyai, Deputy Dean of Students Affair and Alumni, Miss Ivy anak Rigar, Head of Mobility and International Relations of UNIMAS Global, and Dr Helma Malini, Manager of International Class and International Affairs, FEB UNTAN.
During her speech, Professor Dr Rossazana welcomed the students and staff from UNTAN to UNIMAS and looking at the event as one of the opportunities to strengthen the ties between both institutions since the establishment of the partnership through MoU signing in 2019. Despite activities being halted for the past two years due to the pandemic, it was an honour to finally receive the first batch of mobility students from UNTAN since the opening of the international borders.
UNIMAS is not unfamiliar to Dr Helma Malini who was also an alumna of FEB UNIMAS. In her speech, she shared her experience as a student in UNIMAS back in the days and her joy for being able to return, not as a student, but as an academic herself.
IYEC 2022 sees the opportunities for students from both institutions to meet and share valuable knowledge and experience especially pertaining to culture and tradition. Apart from that, the programme also aims to build rapport between the students from both institutions showcase the beauty of Malaysian culture to the world. The programme also allows students from both institutions to work together in organising a programme by putting their existing skills in practice.
Various activities were carried out during IYEC 2022 which include a tour around the campus and Kuching town. The students had the opportunities to try kayaking around UNIMAS lake, a first experience to most of them.
The most anticipated visit was to the Borneo Cultures Museum, which was officially open for visit in March 2022, and a visit to the Tapak Warisan Sungai Jaong. These places offer interesting learning experience to local culture and heritage enthusiasts.
Irvanny Aulia Fadhilah from UNTAN expressed her joy for being part of the programme, “I have never been to UNIMAS before. I am really amazed with the infrastructure and facilities in UNIMAS. I also get to meet new friends, new experiences - something I have never previously imagined I would get to do.”
Another student from UNTAN, Felicia Priscilla, stated that it was such a fun programme where she had the opportunities to brainstorm ideas with fellow participants and watched Exchange Cultural Performances between Sarawak and Pontianak which she found mesmerizing.
Echoing her campus mates, Jesslyn Casella also had an enjoyable time in UNIMAS and Kuching. Apart from learning more about the local culture and making new friends, she also expressed her amazement towards the great hospitality they received throughout their visit.
Mayang Puspita Sari, also from UNTAN expressed her experience throughout the programme as valuable where she was able to make new friends, appreciating the diversities between cultures as well as being part of the co-organising committee.
Annescia Franciene Anak Patres from UNIMAS stated that the programme would not be successful and enjoyable if not because of the roles played by everyone in the programme. The planning was discussed online prior to the programme and it was amazing to see how successful it turned out to be. She hopes that IYEC 2022 could strengthen the ties between both institutions and encourages more future programmes.
“I certainly looked forward to more collaborations and activities together! Maybe we can have our IYEC 2023 in Pontianak?” she said.
As the organising committee from UNIMAS, Nur Hadianna Binti Samad said being able to organise the programme with other committees from UNTAN was a wonderful experience. Everyone got to make new friends and learn from each other throughout the programme.
Gabriel Beckham Anak Joseph from UNIMAS stated that it was an exciting experience where he had the chance to learn more about the cultures from Kalimantan. He also finds the programme able to provide the students the opportunities to deepen their understanding about Sustainable Development Goals especially relating to business digitalisation through some activities conducted.
The students from UNIMAS and UNTAN bid farewell to each other during the farewell dinner on the last day of the programme. Through the various interesting activities held during the programme, the participants had the chance to learn and appreciate the similarities and differences between people of different cultures as well as their roles and responsibilities as a global citizen. Both institutions hope for more successful collaborations in the future and looking forward to IYEC 2023!
Prepared by:
Dr Helma Malini
