By Nigel Edgar
KUCHING, Feb 8: More than 80 students, researchers and lecturers from around South East Asia got together today for the state’s first International Intercultural Expedition Camp (IIEC) 2019.
Organised by Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), the camp was themed Night at the Museum, where the participants get to spend their first night camping on the Sarawak Museum ground.
The participants are from Thaksin University Thailand, Soutsaka College Laos, Southeast Bangkok College, Sinka Education Centre of Singkawang Indonesia, Sarawak Segi College, Swinburne University of Sarawak, and Unimas.
Unimas deputy vice-chancellor (Academic) prof Dr Fasihuddin Badruddin Ahmad said many activities had been lined up for participants, who are mostly students.
“Among the highlights of their activities during the camp are a visit to Sarawak Cultural Village and its vicinity; Sarawak Museum Treasure Hunt, which also requires them to explore Kuching City on foot; and of course, spending the night at Sarawak Museum.
“We believe most of them have never spent the night in the museum. Thus, we hope that the experience of spending the night at the museum will provide them good memories of their stay here and to encourage them to know more on the rich historical and cultural heritage that we have in Sarawak,” said Fasihuddin in his opening address during the opening ceremony this afternoon.
Meanwhile, guest-of-honour cum Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah hoped the participants not only learn a thing or two about Sarawak’s rich history but also get to know and delve into Sarawak’s culture and heritage throughout the camp.
“Maybe after the camp, you might want to extend your stay in Sarawak to experience its rich cultural diversity and heritage.
“This is also something we need to preserve, just like the artefacts in the museum,” he said in his speech. — DayakDaily
