Nasrimah R. Sampaco-Fayez
Mindanao State University (MSU)-Main Campus recently hosted two exchange lecturers from Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) in Malaysia. This visit, part of a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed on May 21, 2024, further solidifies a partnership forged between the two universities in 2018. Ms. Juliazilah binti Junit, a Ph.D. student in Linguistics and Associate Dean at TAR UMT, and Chef Mohd Nor Ahmar bin Mohd Sanip, a former Master Chef Malaysia judge and Hospitality Management faculty member, arrived on April 21st.
Beginning their second day with a morning walk at the golf course, the visitors made courtesy calls on key MSU-Main Campus officials, including the President, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and the International Affairs and Linkages Office. They also met with faculty and students from the English Department and the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management (CHTM).
From April 23rd to 24th, Ms. Junit conducted two large GEC 102 classes at the Kalimudan Hall of Meranaw Cultural Heritage Center (MCHC), where faculty and students wore cultural attire. She lectured on cross-cultural communication, emphasizing cultural understanding and sharing Malaysian customs and traditions. Simultaneously, Chef Sanip held a full-day cooking demonstration for CHTM students, showcasing Asian cuisine. The students expressed their gratitude with a singing performance of Yeng Constantino’s “Salamat.”
On April 24th, Chef Sanip toured local restaurants, joined Ms. Junit’s class, and toured the MSU Oval Grounds. April 25th featured visits to the MSU Pasalubong Center and CEO Hub, courtesy calls to the City Tourism Office and significant Marawi City landmarks including the National Park (0 km and Tales of Marawi) and the Ground Zero (Rizal Park and Stadium), participation in the Juma’at prayer, lunch at Binolawan Cafe, and visits to the Torogan in Toros and the Aga Khan Museum within MSU. The day concluded with a Pagana Meranaw and Sining Kambayoka performance at the UVS.
This exchange strengthens the ongoing collaboration between MSU-Main Campus and TAR UMT. Future collaborations will include joint webinars and conferences, and collaborative research in linguistics, halal foods, communication studies, peace education, and cultural preservation. The partnership, now in its sixth year, continues to foster mutual understanding and promises exciting research opportunities.
