SHAH ALAM - Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) is stepping into the spotlight with its new Edu-Tourism Programme, designed to attract international students and turn the university into a vibrant hub of cultural exchange.
This initiative aims to enrich the campus with diverse global perspectives while promoting Malaysia's unique heritage.
Spearheaded by Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Yuserrie Zainuddin, the university's Edu-Tourism Programme aims to draw students from around the globe to immerse themselves in Malaysian culture, education and politics.
"Our goal is to attract students from abroad to learn about Malaysian culture, education and politics. These students will gain valuable insights and then continue their studies.
"By increasing the influx of foreign students through inbound programmes, we aim to enhance our university's diversity and global presence. While we also have outbound programmes for our students to study abroad, we are equally focused on welcoming foreign students to Malaysia,” he said.
The Edu-Tourism initiative is more than just an educational exchange; it is a cultural experience wrapped in specially designed packages that highlight the richness of Malaysia and Pahang.
This programme not only aims to foster international cooperation but also aligns with the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 agenda, which targets 26.1 million foreign tourists.
One of the standout elements of this initiative is the participation of 50 international students from Beijing Polytechnic and Beifang Automotive Education Group (Beifang) in China.
These students are currently engaged in English, culture and heritage packages at UMPSA, providing them with a deep dive into the Malaysian way of life.
This programme builds on the Malaysia-China Advanced TVET Education and Training Mobility Programme (MYCHAT), a collaboration between UMPSA, BAEG and Tang International Education.
MYCHAT has already seen Malaysian youth travel to China for high-level skills training, and now it is bringing Chinese students to Malaysia for an equally enriching experience.
In addition to the Edu-Tourism Programme, UMPSA is also gearing up for its Alumni Day on Aug 12. This event is set to celebrate the achievements of alumni who have made significant contributions to the university, serving as inspiration and role models for current students.
With these initiatives, UMPSA is not just enhancing its academic landscape but also UMPSA’s innovative approach to education and cultural exchange is setting the stage for a more interconnected and diverse academic environment, making it a place where students from all corners of the world can come to learn and grow.