Beyond the Classroom: Alor Setar’s Museum Extravaganza
News and Photos by Tan Mei Bing
Global Buddies Club (GBC) has organised ‘Beyond the Classroom: Alor Setar’s Museum Extravaganza’ to celebrate Malaysia’s cultural diversity and heritage. The focal point of this event was the visit to the enchanting Kedah Royal Museum, nestled in the heart of Alor Setar, a city known for its historical significance and warm-hearted locals. The event was attended by 36 participants, including 24 international students, mobility students, and GBC members.
The Kedah Royal Museum is a testament to the region’s rich history. In Alor Setar, the ‘Rice Bowl of Kedah’, the museum holds a treasure trove of artefacts showcasing Kedah’s cultural tapestry and royal heritage. As participants explored the museum’s exhibits, they knew they had embarked on a captivating journey through time, connecting with this vibrant city's roots and the Royal's story.
The program aimed to foster a shared cultural experience among local university students, GBC members, and international mobility students. Beyond traditional classroom boundaries, the event sought to promote unity and cross-cultural understanding by immersing participants in the art, history, and universal language of Alor Setar. The overarching goal was strengthening bonds and cultivating deeper social connections, enhancing appreciation for cultural diversity and global unity.
The ‘Beyond the Classroom’ program added an element of excitement, a spirited treasure hunt. It was divided into three checkpoints: participants engaged in Slipper Throwing Games, Throwing Up and Grabbing Pebbles Stone Game, and Tongue Twisters. These interactive activities added a fun dimension to the event and encouraged teamwork and camaraderie among participants.
The treasure hunt aimed to create an atmosphere of collaboration, where participants, irrespective of their backgrounds, worked together to decipher clues and conquer challenges. The Slipper Throwing Games, Throwing Up and Grabbing Pebbles Stone Game, and Tongue Twisters served as metaphors for overcoming obstacles, emphasising the importance of resilience, effective communication, and creative problem-solving – skills essential not only in the academic realm but also in the broader spectrum of life.
The day concluded with a closing ceremony, bringing together all participants to reflect on their experiences. A photography session immortalised the shared moments, creating lasting memories of a day filled with cultural exploration, friendship, and laughter.