“I felt a sense of joy,” shared a relieved Refal when asked how he felt about being able to return to university after nearly four months of being on lockdown.
Refal is currently pursuing his Certificate in Hotel Operations in INTI International College Subang’s School of Hospitality
Mohamad Refal Hamballi bin Mohamad Yunus, or also known as Refal to his family and peers, were one of the many INTI students who were able to return to university following the Ministry of Higher Education’s announcement on allowing certain categories of students to return to campus.
Pursuing his Certificate in Hotel Operations at INTI International College Subang’s (INTI) School of Hospitality, Refal was eligible to return to campus since he had to undergo practical lessons under his programme. He shared that when he and his family first heard about the news, his parents were initially worried about him returning to campus.
“They wondered why universities would reopen in the middle of a pandemic, but after they learnt that there would be proper SOPs in place and that INTI was going to do everything they can to ensure the safety of their students, they felt calmer about me returning,” shared the 18-year-old student.
He added that his parents also felt reassured since his return to INTI meant there would not be a delay in his graduation.
An INTI staff (left) teaching while practising social distancing in INTI Penang’s School of Hospitality
While resuming his practical lessons on campus, Refal shared an appreciation for INTI in implementing its social distancing measures, along with adhering to all the other required SOPs.
“I had to wear a mask and I had to stay one to two-metres apart from people at all times while I was in university. I also had to have my temperatures checked and ensured I washed my hands as regularly as possible,” said Refal.
He elaborated, “It felt different at first for my friends and me, but we did not want to contract the disease and we understood the necessity of these measures, so we made sure to abide by them.”
Tan Lin Nah, Chief Executive Officer of INTI International University & Colleges, shared that INTI has strictly adhered to the guidelines mandated by the Ministry of Higher Education and that they will continue to do so until advised otherwise.
She said, “Our students’ health and safety are our utmost priority. Every one of our staff has dedicated their time and effort to ensuring everyone, particularly our students, are safe. I am grateful for their support and I am hopeful that with everyone’s cooperation, we will be able to pull through these trying times.”