Putra International Center (i-PUTRA), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) has organized a farewell dinner for students who have completed their semester exchange at UPM. The splendid farewell ceremony to celebrate a total of 282 mobility students from 12 countries, was also attended by the Vice-Chancellor of UPM, YBhg. Profesor Datin Paduka Setia Dato’ Dr. Aini Ideris, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic and International Affairs, Director of the Office of Corporate Strategy and Communications, and Faculty deans and residential college Principal

The theme of the dinner was “cultural or formal attire”. The program received a warm welcome from the mobility students due to the theme and the variety of food provided to the guests. The guests were entertained with an opening dance by the dancers from the Adimastuli club, UPM. The event continues with a welcoming speech by the UPM Vice-chancellor. In her welcoming speech, she congratulated the mobility students who had completed their one-semester course at UPM and wished they can share their experiences can be shared with their family and friends upon their return home. "UPM hope that the differences from culture, language, cuisines, etc in which you have experienced throughout your stay here will be shared with your family and friends upon your return home".

Some of the activities held during the event were lucky draws, with exciting prizes offered and performances from the mobility students. In addition, each mobility students also brought home a Malay batik along with bunga telur as a souvenir from the event.  Two (2) mobility student representatives were also invited to share their experiences while in UPM and Malaysia along with their thoughts on the activities organized by i-PUTRA. In addition, the buddies association also contributed to the success of the event with their spectacular dance performances and other exciting activities such as free henna services, merchandise sales, and free purikura picture services. The event ended with a photo session and a dance party led by dancers from Adimastuli Club.

Before the event ended, a special slot to celebrate YBhg. Profesor Datin Paduka Setia Dato’ Dr. Aini Ideris was also made as a tribute to honor her contribution to UPM and internationalization initiatives introduced throughout her tenure as Vice-Chancellor of UPM. One of the mobility students From France, Charleen Cynthia Attiogbe said that the event was a memorable occasion and will be one of her fondest memories for her to cherish returning home.

"This event made my last moments in UPM and Malaysia more interesting as I was able to meet all my friends before returning home," she said. The event concluded at 11 pm. Hopefully, this event will become a meaningful memory for the mobility students and may the experience they gained in  UPM and Malaysia can be shared with friends and family upon their return home.

Date of Input: 30/01/2020 | Updated: 30/01/2020 | sitiafiqah