USM PENANG, 15 January 2025 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), through its International Mobility and Collaboration Centre (IMCC) and School of Computer Sciences, organised an enriching two-week exchange programme for students from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).

The USM’s Tropical Data Science School (TDSS) 2025 is designed to provide students with a holistic experience that merged academic pursuits with experiencing Penang’s vibrant cultural tapestry, leaving participants with unforgettable memories and valuable cross-cultural insights.

The first cultural activity introduced participants to the intricate art of henna application, a tradition deeply rooted in South Asian and Middle Eastern cultures.

Known for its aesthetic and symbolic significance, henna has long been used during celebrations, weddings, and religious festivities.

This activity served as a creative icebreaker, helping participants to bond while immersing themselves in Malaysian multiculturalism.

Another hands-on cultural experience involved making 'tang yuan', a traditional Chinese dessert consisting of glutinous rice balls served in sweet soup.

This activity coincided with the winter solstice, a significant festival in Chinese culture symbolising family unity and harmony.

These valuable experiences not only allowed participants to learn about the cherished traditions, but also Malaysia’s rich cultural diversity and harmonious blend of traditions.

This helps to deepen the participants’ understanding of Malaysian traditions, fostering connections that transcended borders.

The programme’s meticulously curated curriculum, taught by a team of experienced lecturers and industry trainers, focuses on topics like data visualization and storytelling, behavioural informatics, cybersecurity, statistical process control, computational linguistics, and blockchain.

Participants will be able to hone their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and at the same time, apply their newfound knowledge to real-world case studies in personalised groups guided by veteran data scientists.

Text: Shafinaz Md Ismail & Tan Ewe Hoe