PENANG, October 2014 - Students need to understand the cultural diversity of the world to meet the future challenges, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Professor Dato’ Dr. Muhamad Jantan said while officiating the USM International Week 2014 held at Dewan Tuanku Syed Putra (DTSP) USM recently.

“In the main campus itself we have a large group of international students from different countries to share their different cultures together with the cooperation of foreign embassies that are supportive of this event,” said Muhamad.

Students from more than 30 countries gathered for the USM International Week to show the diversity of cultures that unite them under a single platform allowing them to understand each other better besides providing a healthy ecosphere to strengthening peace and prosperity particularly among the ASEAN region students who share a common culture and aspirations.

“I am proud of USM students who have worked tirelessly organising the various programmes held in the campus, including this Ninth International Week,” said Muhamad.

This programme was organised by the Graduate Student Association, Institute of Postgraduate Studies (IPS), Non-Hostelite Students (PETAS), Strategic Communications Office and the International Office of USM.

According to the Director of International Office, Associate Professor Dr. Anees Janee Ali, the programme involves students and representatives from several countries such as India, Nigeria, Iraq, Indonesia, China, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Turkey, Russia, Japan, and Korea.

“More than 1,000 participants were involved, including students from USM and other Asian universities and I hope that our students will take this opportunity to learn more about international cultures to understand, appreciate, respect, and develop together,” said Anees.

Among the activities conducted were Cultural Attache’ Talk, Culture Exhibition, Cultural Games, Cultural Painting Competitions, Cultural Movie Festival, Cultural Food Festival, and culminated with the Gala Night on 17 October 2014, 8.00 p.m., at DTSP where mixed performances will be performed by students from Japan, Korea, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Middle East, Europe and Russia. - Translation: Siti Faizah Abd Halim/Text: Suhaili Mohd Zaini/Photo: Yong Check Yoon​