Students from Rizal Technological University (RTU) embarked on a week-long Cultural Immersion Program at INTI International University in Nilai, Malaysia. Running from March 2 to 8, 2025, the program provided students with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Malaysia’s rich culture and traditions through interactive workshops and experiential learning.
Among the participants was Supreme Student Council President Joshua Regndrei Verzo, alongside fellow student leaders from various college departments. The delegation included:
- Jirah C. Martin
- Mary May A. Pagaran
- Daniella Beatrice T. Nicar
- Jhon Lorence A. Delingon
- Barron Iverson E. Sevilla
- Rowel Rafael B. Sevilla
- Zildjian Faith A. Salazar
- Lorilyn L. Cabiling
- Daniela T. Lamban
- Jonald A. Cordero
- Gloven Mark M. Ng
- John Carl Nicko B. Gamboa
- Carlo Felecio Virtudazo
- Queenly Audney C. Gregorio
- Joseph A. Florendo
- Janelle Alexa A. Sotea
- Julliana Marie Lp. Tubio
- Angelo Q. Unida
- Jocelyn P. Timario
As part of the program’s structured activities, the immersion proved to be an engaging and enriching experience. There was Bahasa Melayu Workshop where students were introduced to Malaysia’s official language, which is also spoken in Brunei, East Timor, and Indonesia. The session was both educational and interactive, culminating in a friendly competition that tested their newly acquired language skills. Despite learning Bahasa for the first time, the RTU delegates emerged victorious, demonstrating not only their adaptability but also the linguistic similarities between Bahasa Melayu and Filipino, which made the learning process more intuitive.
Building on this cultural exposure, students then took part in a Traditional Music Workshop.They were given the opportunity to play traditional Malaysian instruments, including the gong, a percussion instrument similar to the kulintang of the Philippines. The highlight of the session was a live demonstration of a gamelan performance, an Indonesian musical ensemble composed of gongs, drums, and xylophones. Students also had hands-on experience playing the saron, a metallophone widely used in Indonesian and Malaysian music. This workshop deepened their appreciation for the shared musical heritage across Southeast Asian cultures.
Students enthusiastically participated in various traditional Malaysian games, fostering camaraderie and strengthening their cultural connection with their Malaysian counterparts. This immersive experience not only broadened the students’ understanding of Malaysian culture but also highlighted the interconnectedness of Southeast Asian traditions. It reinforced the idea that despite differences in language and geography, cultural similarities continue to bridge communities. None of this would have been possible without RTU’s commitment to fostering global learning experiences, ensuring that its students gain valuable international exposure that extends beyond the classroom.
The day concluded with an interactive Traditional Games Workshop, facilitated by Ms. Shakira and Ms. Vsha. Students enthusiastically participated in classic Malaysian games, fostering camaraderie and strengthening their cultural connection with their Malaysian counterparts.
This immersive experience not only broadened the students’ understanding of Malaysian culture but also highlighted the interconnectedness of Southeast Asian traditions. It reinforced the idea that despite differences in language and geography, cultural similarities continue to bridge communities. None of this would have been possible without RTU’s commitment to fostering global learning experiences, ensuring that its students gain valuable international exposure that extends beyond the classroom.
