Accounting Study Program, Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) provides an opportunity for 10 students to take part in the Summer Program at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sarawak, 12-17 August 2024. The Summer Program at UiTM was also attended by students from several countries, such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, and China.

Four students of the International Accounting Undergraduate Study Program in 2023 and 6 (six) students in 2021 who participated in the program were accompanied by Risca Dwi Jayanti, SE., M.Ak., Lecturer of FEB UNS. The 10 students are Muhammad Hisham Asadul Haq, Nabila Syaharani Selima, Naufal Sadewa, Michelle Chin Lee Yan, Sandi Bimasena, Alwan Faiz Raditiyo Utomo, Muhammad Haidar Ashif, Muhammad Daffif Abyan Rusydi, Nurul Yantika, and Syeda Seerat Fatma.

To feb.uns.ac.id, Hisyam recounted that his arrival at the venue, along with the team and also other students from various countries, was welcomed warmly by Local Buddies from UiTM, which added a positive impression to the program. On the first day, the participants learned the Sarawak language, starting from vocabulary, how to spell, and how to make sentences. Then practice conversations with random interlocutors from several other universities, to help better understand the local culture.

On the second and third days, participants learned about leadership in Sumiran. This is a favorite experience for participants through various competitions that hone leadership skills, while also gaining knowledge about nature. On the fourth day, participants visited Sarawak Culture Village, where we were able to get a first-hand look at traditional houses and traditions in Malaysia, providing an in-depth insight into the local culture.

Photo of the Opening Ceremony of ‘Come Discover Bumi Kenyalang’ 2024

The next day, participants were invited to practice Malaysian batik, which is a very valuable and in-depth experience of their traditional art. During the program, participants train intensively in the evening to prepare for a performance at the closing event, which is held at the Riverside Hotel, attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia, Datu Sherrina Hussain.

The event consisted of dinners and performances from various universities, where the UNS group performed a medley of Indonesian regional songs arranged with attractive movements while wearing traditional clothing from various regions in Indonesia. “Alhamdulillah, we won the Best Group Performance Award, which was presented directly by Datu Sherrina Hussain,” said the student who was appointed as the person in charge of the closing ceremony.

Best Group Performance Trophy Handover

According to him, the experience of attending this Summer Program not only enriches the participants’ knowledge but also opens insight into other cultures and strengthens leadership and teamwork skills. “We are so grateful to participate in this program and look forward to applying everything we’ve learned,” he says.

Hisyam said, with this activity, students get a deeper insight into Malaysian culture, especially in Sarawak. Direct interaction with the local community, learning their language and traditions, as well as involvement in activities such as making batik and baking lapis Sarawak, provides invaluable new perspectives.

In addition, this program also improves our leadership and teamwork skills. Activities in Sumiran, for example, are very effective in honing leadership skills through challenging competitions and simulations. “This experience taught us how to work together in a team under pressure, which is an important skill in the professional world. We all feel more confident in communicating across cultures, which is important in this era of globalization,” he said later.

In addition, the opportunity to perform at the closing ceremony also strengthened our pride in Indonesian culture, while improving our ability to compile and display programs professionally. The whole experience, while brief, is very enriching both academically and personally.