INTI International University (IIU) welcomed a delegation from the Islamic University of Maldives (IUM) from 24 July to 2 August. Organised by the Centre of Institutional Relations & Collaboration, the study visit exposed the group of eight students and five lecturers from IUM to a new culture and learning environment.
(Fourth from left) Prof. Dr. Wong Ling Shing, Pro Vice Chancellor (Research and Knowledge Transfer) of INTI International University, and Dr. Lai Ying Ling (third from right), Pro Vice Chancellor (Academic Operations) of INTI International University, pose for a group photo with the delegates from the Islamic University of Maldives.
They started the tour visiting the campus facilities which included the Fabrication Lab (FabLab), Tan Sri Abdul Majid Library (TSAM), moot court, physiotherapy lab, lecture rooms, and sport facilities. Mr. Choo Mun Young, Assistant Manager from the Centre of Institutional Relations & Collaboration, led the tour while also giving an overview of how the university system differs from IUM.
Masilah Mansor (seated in the middle), librarian from the Tan Sri Abdul Majid Library (TSAM), teaching the delegates how to play the gamelan.
Besides that, their schedule also included various classes initiated by the Student Services Department (SSD) to broaden their perspectives and increase intellectual development through different learning styles. The delegates got a taste of Malaysian culture by learning traditional Malay music and dance. Other activities they participated in off campus included exploring historical and cultural sites located in Melaka, Putrajaya, and the Kuala Lumpur City Centre.
According to Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Choo Wou Onn, Pro Vice Chancellor (Cross Functional Centre) of INTI International University, initiatives such as this are an opportunity for INTI to collaborate with IUM in various areas to become a more globalized institution.
Nadia Abdul Shukor (fourth from left), a senior lecturer from the Faculty of Education and Liberal Arts (FELA), with delegates from the Islamic University of Maldives during a traditional Malay dance class.
Aishath Rasheeda, a student pursuing the Masters’s in Teaching and Learning programme at IUM, expressed how she enjoyed her first experience visiting IIU.
“I like how peaceful it is here. The staff and students gave us such a warm welcome that you don’t feel like you’re at a university but at home. This made me want to stay on even after our visit ended, and I will come back when I have the chance,” said Aishath.
Aishath Rasheeda, a student pursuing the Master’s Degree in Teaching and Learning programme at Islamic University of Maldives, said she enjoyed her first trip to INTI International University.
Meanwhile, Mariyam Shihama, who is pursuing the Master’s in Economics and Management programme at IUM, said she would love to recommend INTI to her peers in Maldives.
“It is astounding how well the university’s vision and mission are communicated among the staff regardless of their position. The university is very much focused on providing quality education to achieve its goals and objectives. The facilities offered are everything that students look for and want ,” she said.
Khaulath Saaed, a lecturer from the Faculty of Education at the Islamic University of Maldives, poses for a photo with INTI’s sports facilities in the background.
Meanwhile, Khaulath Saaed, a lecturer from the Faculty of Education at IUM, said activities carried out during the study tour encouraged critical thinking and creative development among the students.
“This trip has made students more aware of the cultures around them. It gives them more knowledge and networking opportunities, enriching their education journey further,” she concluded.