From March 30 to April 3, students from the International Relations major completed a meaningful internship trip in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This was a journey combining academic exchange sessions with experiences in culture, politics, history, and society in one of the most dynamic countries in Southeast Asia. The delegation participated in working sessions, academic exchanges, and experiential activities at prestigious universities and the Malaysia-Vietnam Friendship Association (MVFA).
At the University of Malaya (UM) – a leading prestigious university in Malaysia, students participated in two academic exchange sessions with two units. At the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), Professor Roy Anthony Rogers shared a talk on the topic “The Role of ASEAN and Major Powers, with Particular Attention to Malaysia.” Through this session, students gained a more comprehensive perspective on Malaysia's strategic position in Southeast Asia as well as its strategy in establishing diplomatic relations with major powers and maintaining its position in international relations. Afterward, the delegation toured the campus to learn about the modern facilities and the long-standing history of one of Malaysia's most prestigious universities. In the afternoon, students had the opportunity to visit the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics and participate in a thematic talk led by the Deputy Dean – Dr. Nurul Huda Hamza on the topic “Malaysian English: The Background, The Present, and The Future”. Through stories related to the formation and diversity of language in Malaysia, Dr. Nurul Huda Hamza helped International Relations students better understand language characteristics, the role of English in the multicultural context of Malaysia, and its potential applications in international exchange.
Students taking exchange photos with lecturers and students at UM – FASS
Students taking exchange photos with lecturers and students at UM – FLL
Next, the delegation had a working session with the Malaysia-Vietnam Friendship Association (MVFA). The speaker was Ms. Nguyen Thuy Thien Huong with the topic “Strengthening Vietnam-Malaysia relations through understanding language and culture: The role of MVFA, Education, and Youth Engagement”. The working session at the Association provided students with deep practical insights into the role of the Association in promoting bilateral relations, emphasizing the value of language and culture as a bridge to promote people-to-people diplomacy between the two countries, as well as discussing the role of education and the younger generation in the cooperation process between Vietnam and Malaysia. On the same afternoon, at the International Institute for Science Diplomacy and Sustainability (IISDS) – UCSI University, Professor Emeritus Zakri, head of the IISDS research institute, presented the topic “Science Diplomacy as a Tool of Peacebuilding” with fresh and practical perspectives on using science-technology in diplomacy and promoting international peace.
Students taking exchange photos with the President and members of MVFA
Students taking exchange photos with lecturers and students at UCSI
Besides that, the internship journey also took students to impressive cultural and architectural landmarks such as: the majestic Petronas Twin Towers, the magnificent Royal Palace of Malaysia, the solemn Muzium Negara, the sacred Batu Caves, Genting Highlands, and the modern and exquisite administrative city of Putrajaya. The trip not only helped students consolidate their specialized knowledge firmly but also practiced international communication skills, expanded their global vision, and preserved beautiful, unforgettable memories.
Students capturing memories of the internship trip in front of the iconic symbol of Malaysia - Petronas Twin Towers
Students capturing memories of the internship trip at the sacred Batu Caves
