By: Nurul Syafiah Mohd Aliman (275456)
After a two-year postponement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual Buddies Jamboree has made a triumphant return with the theme "METAMORPHOSIS BUDDIES JAMBOREE 2023: TRANSFORMATION CREATES EVOLUTION." This four-day event, held at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) from 13 to 16 September 2023. It aims to nurture leadership, advocate for sustainable development goals (SDGs), celebrate cultural diversity, and promote unity among Global Buddies of Malaysian universities. The program facilitated student leadership and development initiatives to enhance the employability of university graduates in Malaysia, foster globally competitive individuals, and foster networking and collaboration between universities. UUM was represented by Nurul Syafiah Mohd Aliman, Nurul Syamimi Saharuddin from the Global Buddies Club (GBC), as well as Afifa Nur Aisya Muhammad Hezri and Yap Pei Shi representing the Student Council MPP.
They participated in activities centred on building strategic identities and effective communication. They were also encouraged to introspect their strengths, values, and aspirations throughout the sessions, guiding them in crafting unique and compelling personal brands. The importance of individual identity within a broader context remained a recurring theme throughout these activities. On the program's second day, participants received a comprehensive briefing on the SDGs and the pivotal roles that young people play in their implementation. Later that day, participants were challenged to propose solutions that incorporated SDG elements to address pressing global challenges, with plans to present these proposals on the final day of the Jamboree. Leisure activities, such as traditional games and tug-of-war, underscored participants' determination to excel.
Distinguished guest speakers, including media personality Dr. Kartini Ariffin and TV host Awal Ashaari, delivered an inspiring talk on "Creativity for a Culture of Excellence." Dr. Kartini Ariffin shared insights on crafting original and impactful content, emphasising innovation and understanding viewers' preferences. Awal Ashaari stressed the importance of connecting with the right audience and creating content that effectively addresses their needs, motivating participants to think creatively and strive for excellence.
The closing day of the program featured discussions on "Unity in Diversity," aligning with Malaysia Day on 16 September. Dr. Shazlin A. Hamzah from the Institute of Ethnic Studies elaborated on how the singing of Malaysian patriotic music could serve as a platform for integration and unity in diversity. The Metamorphosis Buddies Jamboree successfully brought together Global Buddies from various public universities in Malaysia, offering a valuable platform for student collaboration, fostering an appreciation for the culture of excellence in creativity, and highlighting the significance of SDGs in addressing global issues at the educational institution level.