By Anne Das
Forty-nine undergraduate Communication students from Quest International University (QIU), accompanied by three lecturers, embarked on an educational trip to Taiping and Kuala Sepetang. This journey aimed to bridge classroom learning with practical experiences, deepening their understanding of cultural heritage and environmental sustainability.
The students’ exploration began at the historic Perak Museum, the oldest museum in Malaysia, which now features augmented reality (AR) to enhance visitor engagement. During discussions at the museum, QIU student Thanushhkumar A/L Saravanan suggested tailoring content to different age groups to improve engagement. “Creating content that resonates with a wide variety of age groups ensures greater relevance,” he explained.
The transition to hands-on learning was highlighted by student Chen Li Jie, who emphasized the importance of active participation. “Hands-on activities help younger audiences engage more deeply with the content, making the learning experience more impactful,” he said.
Fellow student Yau Chee Seng proposed creating creative hubs and cafés to enhance visitor experiences and generate additional revenue. “A well-designed environment can transform how people engage with the content,” Yau noted.
Adding to the conversation, student Puveneswari Govindarajoo suggested using virtual reality to make abstract concepts more understandable. “Technology can make learning more immersive, providing memorable experiences that bring difficult subjects to life,” she said.
The students also explored Taiping’s rich food culture at the Larut Matang Hawker Center, where they connected their academic knowledge with the community’s culinary heritage. With over 100 food stalls, this vibrant hub provided a firsthand look at how food plays a crucial role in the town’s multicultural history.
Their final stop was at the Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve Eco Park in Kuala Sepetang. Here, students learned about the vital role of mangrove ecosystems in biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation. “This trip made me understand the balance between nature and culture and the importance of preserving ecosystems while promoting sustainable tourism,” reflected student Lam Yuen Yin.
QIU Communication lecturer and trip organizer Law Yee Chin stressed the importance of learning outside the classroom. “Experiences like this inspire students to think creatively and apply their academic understanding in practical contexts,” she said.
Senior Lecturer Kalei Joethi Sahadevan, who also accompanied the students, added, “Experiential learning fosters intellectual maturity and helps students articulate ideas that contribute to intercultural appreciation and societal growth.”
Looking ahead, the insights gained from this trip will help shape future initiatives focused on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including an upcoming SDG Exhibition at QIU aimed at raising public awareness about sustainability and encouraging community involvement in environmental conservation efforts.
For more information, visit www.qiu.edu.my
