Orientation Day 1:

The air was thick as if you could practically taste the mix of nerves and excitement oozing from all the freshmen; it was the first day of university, after all! Each and every auditorium was packed with new students, mingling with each other while killing time before the real show began. “Selamat Datang to Monash Malaysia!”, presented by the Monash University Student Association (MUSA), was the first session of the day. And who better to open the session than the one and only Professor Dato’ Adeeba Kamarulzaman, the Pro Vice-Chancellor of Monash University, offering the warmest welcome. 

Following the heartfelt speech from the Pro Vice-Chancellor, the stage was handed over to none other than Ibrahim and Kirara from the MUSA Student Body as they revealed the essentials and latest tea of the student association. As the session was concluded, the students dispersed into groups and began the campus tour, which will come in handy for their first week as they wander around campus to find their classes.

Orientation Day 3: Wonders of Malaysia

Envision this: the beauty of Malaysia all compressed into one Badminton Court, a perfect blend of amusement and afternoon soiree. This was the vision the MUSA Activities team had as they rolled out the welcome mat for the first-year students with an array of games and culinary delights. Various booths with fun activities lined up on the court’s left side while mouth-watering food stalls were across them.

Among the day’s diversions, the Scavenger Hunt stood out, challenging participants to uncover three hidden items within the venue—a task that proved intriguing and rewarding. Took some time, but it sure was interesting! Another highlight of the afternoon includes the batik painting session, a nod to Malaysia’s rich cultural tapestry, igniting the inner artists of each student. This was complemented by captivating performances courtesy of the Monash Music Club (MMC), adding a touch of elegance to the afternoon’s festivities. A brutal Speed Eating Competition occurred right at the front stage to end the day. The challenge was to finish a whole container of ice cream. The crowd gasps in shock as the contestants rush through the cold, brain-freezing treats with bare hands and leave with even more anticipation.

Go Global Festival

Just before the commencement of their “Go Global” journey, the freshmen were greeted by the lively Lion Dance, a fitting spectacle on the 15th day of Chinese New Year. The instruments were loud, and the crowd was ecstatic as the lions took the dance floor by storm. What a way to start the day!

After a splendid journey in Wonders of Malaysia, they are ready to embark on a worldly adventure, for Monash University Malaysia has unveiled an array of booths, each a gateway to a different nation where their esteemed exchange partners hail from, including Italy, New York, Australia, Japan, France, and London. Even under the relentless embrace of the sun, students assembled to explore these interactive portals, driven by a thirst for knowledge. Besides the lions, a gigantic inflatable balloon arch drew curious gazes near the field. It was a distinctive photobooth by Japan! Various other games awaited, including the Slingshot Shooting Game, Speed Puzzle Challenge, Surfing Balance Board Challenge, Toss The Ring, and the ever-entertaining Jenga Challenge.

Thus, the Go Global Festival has concluded the festivity of February Orientation 2024 with a bang. It is safe to say Monash University Malaysia, with MUSA’s help, has done it again!

Once again, we would like to welcome the first-year students heartily. May you have smooth sailing on your journey!

Written by: Teresa; Photos by Ezriq, Shawn, Thong Chen & Bryan