Photos Muhammad Iqbal Roslan
SINTOK, 23 June 2025: Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), through the Centre for International Affairs and Cooperation (CIAC), recently hosted a memorable farewell ceremony to celebrate the academic journey of 47 inbound mobility students from the A242 semester. Held at Manager’s Coffee, the event marked a significant milestone for the exchange students, offering a memorable conclusion to their enriching experience at UUM.
The event served as a meaningful send-off for students from six countries—France, Japan, Indonesia, Brunei, China, and Uzbekistan—providing them with an opportunity to reflect on their academic, social, and cultural experiences that shaped their time at the university.
Gracing the ceremony was Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Norliza Katuk, Deputy Director of CIAC, accompanied by Deputy Deans and representatives from various schools. Their presence underscored the university’s appreciation and support for the students, as they conveyed heartfelt messages and warm wishes for their future endeavours.
In her address, Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Norliza commended the students for their commitment, adaptability, and willingness to embrace UUM’s unique environment.
“Your presence at UUM has not only enriched your personal academic journey but has also contributed meaningfully to our internationalisation efforts. We sincerely hope your time here was both valuable and memorable, and that you will consider returning to Malaysia as postgraduate students – or even as tourists in the future,” she expressed.
During the A242 semester, UUM welcomed students from 16 partner institutions, including IPAG Business School, Chuo University, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, President University, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta, BINUS University, Universitas Islam Negeri Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh, Universitas Kuningan, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Universitas Negeri Malang, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Hebei Normal University of Science & Technology, Baoding University, Oriental University, and Tashkent International University of Financial Management and Technologies.
The celebration featured a certificate presentation ceremony and a heartfelt sharing segment, where students expressed their gratitude and fond memories of life at UUM.
“UUM has very beautiful scenery, and we have learned so much. What I love most is the food—especially nasi lemak and teh tarik! I always post about my experience here on social media,” shared Akbar Ahmad Khan, a mobility student pursuing the Bachelor of International Affairs Management programme at Tashkent International University of Financial Management and Technologies, Republic of Uzbekistan.
The event concluded with lively performances by the students, showcasing traditional songs and contemporary hits from their home countries. The vibrant cultural exchange captivated the audience and created an atmosphere of joy and celebration. As a thoughtful gesture, the CIAC team presented each student with a souvenir to commemorate their participation and mark the occasion.
Through such programmes and initiatives, UUM continues to strengthen its role as a dynamic global education hub- committed to fostering international collaboration and nurturing cross-cultural understanding. – Amierul Husniey Che Abd Rahman
