MATARAM – On Saturday, March 23, 2024, the Office of International Affairs at the University of Mataram held the inaugural “Unram Cross Cultural Exchange” event in the M. Yusuf Abubakar Auditorium. This enriching activity was attended by distinguished representatives from both institutions, including Mr. I Wayan Agus Arimbawa, ST., M.Eng., Coordinator of Partnership Management, and Mr. Rusdi Bastian Ilham, S.Pd., M.Sc., Coordinator for Program Development and Networking, alongside two representatives from Temasek Polytechnic Singapore, Mr. Andrew Tham and Ms. Qiu Ting Goh, along with 30 International Student Buddies from the University of Mataram and 25 students from Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore.
In his address as a representative of the Office of International Affairs, Mr. Agus Arimbawa extended a warm welcome to the representatives of Temasek Polytechnic Singapore. “We extend a heartfelt welcome and express our gratitude for your visit to the University of Mataram. We hope that this event marks the beginning of a fruitful collaboration, and we look forward to the possibility of future exchanges where representatives from the University of Mataram can reciprocate the visit to Temasek Polytechnic Singapore,” he remarked, expressing optimism for ongoing partnership endeavors.
The activities conducted during the Cross Cultural Exchange were thoughtfully designed to introduce the cultural nuances of Ramadan in Indonesia, as well as Indonesian traditional outfit and Bahasa Indonesia. Presented in the form of interactive games, these activities provided an engaging platform for cultural exchange and mutual learning among the students. Additionally, Temasek Polytechnic students were treated to a comprehensive tour of the UNRAM campus, serving as a promotional showcase for the University of Mataram. The students were divided into groups and guided through various spots on campus where they participated in interactive games facilitated by the committee and UNRAM International Student Buddies.
Following the activities, students collectively broke their fast and proceeded with evening prayers. The event concluded with captivating performances of traditional Indonesian dances by each group of Singaporean students, who were previously instructed by UNRAM international student buddies. Reflecting on the experience, students expressed their appreciation for the warm hospitality and the opportunity to immerse themselves in a new cultural experiences Mr. Andre Tham expressed his gratitude, stating, “Thank you for the exceptional hospitality extended to us during our visit to the University of Mataram. We anticipate further collaboration between our institutions in the near future.”
