Serdang, 6 October 2025 — PUTRA International Centre (i-PUTRA) welcomed more than 180 new international exchange students to Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) this semester, with approximately 116 students attending the opening day of the New International Student Welcoming Programme (NISWP) at UPM’s Experimental Theatre. Representing more than 18 countries, including Austria, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Finland, France, Germany, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Pakistan, the Philippines, Russia, Spain, Thailand, and Uzbekistan, the students added a vibrant mix of cultures and perspectives to the UPM community.

NISWP Semester 1, 2025/2026 was organised as a three-day programme designed to support students as they begin their academic journey at UPM. The first day featured a series of interactive sessions and briefings, starting with an ice-breaking activity led by the UPM Buddies Association, which helped students connect with one another and ease into their new environment. This was followed by an introduction to the Mobility Section by Mr. Muhammad Azim Khairul Amir, Head of the Mobility Section at i-PUTRA, who outlined mobility processes and support services available to international students. Mr. Abdul Razif Abdul Razak, Head of the Visa and Pass Section at i-PUTRA, then delivered a practical session titled “Visa and Pass: Stay in Malaysia Legally,” providing essential guidance on immigration matters.

The programme continued with a welcoming address by Professor Ir. Dr. Abd Rahim Abu Talib, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International), followed by an introduction to UPM by Professor Dr. Alyani Ismail, Director of i-PUTRA. Students also attended a session on Malaysian culture and social etiquette titled “About Malaysia and Etiquette (Do’s and Don’t’s),” delivered by PLC GS Ts. Dr. Mohammad Mujaheed Hassan, Deputy Director (International Relations) of i-PUTRA. The session offered useful insights to help students adapt smoothly to local norms and daily interactions. Adding to the day’s practical focus, the Auxiliary Police and Security Centre (APSeC) presented a talk on campus safety titled “Safety is Everyone’s Business,” while Dr. Suhyna Mohamad Sulaiman, Head of the Outpatient Department at the University Health Centre, shared health-related guidance in her session “Staying Healthy Throughout Your Study,” bringing the first day to a close.

The momentum continued on the second day, which focused on student engagement, language development, and familiarisation with academic resources. These sessions aimed to help international students build confidence, form connections, and make full use of the support systems available at UPM. After a morning ice-breaking session by the UPM Buddies Association, students participated in several sharing sessions delivered by key campus representatives. Ms. Norazira Mohamed, Librarian at the Sultan Abdul Samad Library (PSAS), introduced library services and resources, while Madam Nur Abidah Samad, Academic Director of the English Language Centres (ELS), led a session titled “Campus Without Borders: English Empowerment.” The programme also featured a session by Ms. Harini A/P Barathithasan, President of the UPM Buddies Association, who introduced the association’s activities and outlined opportunities for students to stay connected and involved throughout the semester.

NISWP for this semester concluded on a celebratory note with a cultural trip to Malacca on the final day, organised by the UPM Buddies Association. Students visited iconic historical landmarks such as A Famosa and the Stadthuys, explored local crafts and street food at Jonker Street, and ended the day unwinding by the seaside at Pangkalan Balak beach.

Through a combination of practical briefings, cultural exposure, and peer engagement, the programme reflected i-PUTRA’s ongoing commitment to providing a supportive and welcoming environment for its international student community.

Date of Input: 02/10/2025 | Updated: 05/01/2026 | nurulshabila