Written by: Emmy Afila Binti Tumin, Muhammad Ammar Bin Mohd Salleh

Participating in the Chula-AUN Summer Camp 2025 was an unforgettable and deeply enriching academic experience. Over the span of two weeks, I was immersed in a learning environment that combined academic exploration, cultural exchange, environmental awareness, and personal development. Looking back, the program was not just about gaining knowledge. It was about building connections, challenging my perspective, and growing both intellectually and emotionally.

The camp began with our arrival in Bangkok, followed by a warm welcome reception that helped break the ice between participants from various ASEAN countries. Although I was initially nervous about stepping into a space filled with strangers, I quickly realized that everyone was just as eager to connect and learn. The icebreaking sessions on the first day at Sichang Island helped ease that anxiety. We laughed, shared stories, and began forming friendships that would soon become a major part of this journey.

Our days on Sichang Island were packed with activities that opened my eyes to sustainability, ecology, and cultural preservation. One of the most impactful experiences for me was learning about local waste management systems. Visiting freshwater sources and observing how organic waste was managed using Black Soldier Fly bioconversion taught me how important practical, local solutions are for global environmental challenges. The ecological fieldwork sessions were both physically engaging and intellectually stimulating. I still remember walking along the beach with my group, doing beach profiling and rocky shore surveys where we collected plankton samples and analyzed them under a microscope. These moments sparked my interest in coastal and marine ecosystems, and they deepened my appreciation for field-based learning. Beyond the scientific aspects, our group reflections helped us connect these lessons with real-world sustainability goals. It was during these moments that I began to feel a strong sense of purpose.

Cultural immersion was another beautiful part of the program. Visiting historical and religious landmarks taught me how culture, religion, and environment coexist harmoniously in one's country. I also enjoyed the handicraft workshops where I learned how to make Thai herbal inhalers and crochet souvenirs. It felt empowering to create something with my hands, guided by local artisans who were proud of their heritage.

When we returned to Bangkok, the learning took a different but equally meaningful turn. We visited iconic sites like Wat Pho and explored the lively Chatuchak Weekend Market. These excursions gave us a rich understanding of Thai cultural identity beyond the academic setting. Workshops at Chulalongkorn University also gave us a creative outlet. I especially enjoyed the ceramic and pattern drawing sessions. Even though I wasn’t very skilled in art, the instructors were incredibly patient, and I found myself enjoying the process of creating something from scratch. As the end nears, Thai Night was the perfect closing chapter to our experience. Dressed in traditional attire, we participated in cultural performances, made Thai desserts like khanom krok and luk chup, and danced alongside Thai students in a Long Drum Dance. I felt deeply honored to be part of such a vibrant celebration of Thai culture. As we took our final group photos and shared heartfelt goodbyes, I realized how much I had changed in just two weeks.

This program taught me more than I could have imagined. I learned how to observe and understand ecosystems, how local communities adapt to sustainability challenges, and how culture plays a critical role in shaping identity and resilience. I also learned how to collaborate in diverse teams, how to communicate across language barriers, and how to appreciate different worldviews.

Date of Input: 01/07/2025 | Updated: 28/08/2025 | nurulshabila