Malaysian Students Abroad Should Foster Cross-cultural Understanding
From Ahmad Erwan Othman
WELLINGTON, July 17 (Bernama) -- Malaysian students abroad have been reminded not to focus solely on academics, but also to engage with the local communities to foster cross-cultural understanding.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stressed that the involvement in local communities and understanding their cultures are vital for nurturing well-rounded and reputable graduates.
'Don't just learn from inside the lecture rooms, tutorials, or professors' offices.
'We should also introduce ourselves to the local communities and learn their cultures, especially the Maori culture here, which is rich with historical values and a spirit of resilience,' he said during a gathering with over 250 Malaysian students and residents in New Zealand, here.
Also present were Malaysia's High Commissioner to New Zealand Mazita Marzuki, alongside official delegates and senior Malaysian government officers.
In his remarks, Ahmad Zahid also expressed his admiration for the Maori community's strong identity and spirit, highlighting their success in preserving cultural heritage while managing community economic assets through their trust agencies since the 19th century.
'I would like to congratulate the Maori leaders and community here. We need to learn from their spirit and strength in fighting for their rights and adapt that to the Malaysian context, especially in empowering the Orang Asli communities,' he said.
The deputy prime minister also praised the achievements and positive image upheld by students sponsored by various agencies, including the Public Service Department (JPA), Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), government-linked companies (GLCs), and government-linked investment companies (GLICs).
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