Blog Article: PSU Pattani Students Join UiTM Kelantan for a Day of Cultural Exchange and English Communication
Lavanya S
Highlight (Summary): PSU Pattani and UiTM Kelantan students spent a meaningful day learning about each other''''s cultures through group activities, performances, and practical English communication in a cross-border exchange program.
On August 3, 2025, students and staff from Prince of Songkla University, Pattani Campus, traveled to Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Kelantan (UiTMCK), Malaysia, for a one-day cultural and language exchange under the “Conversation in Workplace” program. The day began early in the morning as students, dressed in their assigned group-colored shirts, gathered behind the Father’s image on campus. Staff members coordinated check-ins and handed out snacks for the journey, setting the tone for a well-organized trip across the border.
The group, led by Assistant Professor Dr. Woraphak Maitriphan, Assistant to the President for Research and Social Mission, arrived at the Rantau Panjang Border checkpoint where passports were collected and processed with the help of staff and group leaders. Once across, students transferred to a UiTMCK bus, continuing on to the university’s Kelantan campus, where they checked into their hostel accommodations and were provided lunch.
The afternoon began with a student-led ice-breaking session organized by the PTA (Parent-Teacher Association) and UiTMCK student volunteers. Participants were placed into mixed groups and took part in a cultural Q&A activity using a “blind box” format. Each group selected random questions aimed at helping them reflect on and discuss cultural differences in a fun and inclusive way. The informal setting encouraged students to speak comfortably in English, meet new friends, and develop a better understanding of how diverse cultural backgrounds shape communication styles.
After dinner, students returned to their hostels to prepare for the evening’s Cultural Night, a much-anticipated event held at the university’s Student Theatre. Students from both PSU and UiTMCK showcased their talents through a variety of performances. UiTMCK students performed “Dikir Barat,” a traditional Malaysian art form combining music, singing, and storytelling. What stood out most was their interactive approach; they invited PSU students to join in, teaching them parts of the song and putting together a joint performance on the spot.
In total, there were eight performances, five from PSU and three from UiTMCK, that highlighted each group’s cultural identity through dance, music, and collaborative storytelling. The energy was positive and inclusive, with each performance receiving warm applause from the audience of students and staff. The event closed with a group photo and exchange of souvenirs, marking a gesture of appreciation between both institutions.
The event served not only as an opportunity to practice English in real-world conversations but also as a space where students learned about each other’s customs and traditions through firsthand interaction. It was a day of shared learning, supported by faculty, student leaders, and the close cooperation between PSU Pattani and UiTM Kelantan. A strong example of how international exchange fosters mutual respect and deeper communication.
