The short Summer Program was held from 6th – 16th August 2024, at Hangzhou Dianzi University (HDU),China.
The A3I Campus Asia Short Summer Program at Hangzhou Dianzi University (HDU), Hangzhou, China, was successfully held from 6th to 16th August 2024. A delegation of Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) students participated in the program, alongside peers from the University of Yamanashi (Japan), Pukyong National University (Korea), and HDU (China). The program provided students with a rich blend of academic engagement, cultural immersion, and international collaboration.
The
journey began with a midnight departure from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). After
a short layover in Guangzhou, the group arrived in Hangzhou, where they were warmly welcomed
by HDU students Boey and Junior. While awaiting the arrival of the Japanese participants,
students enjoyed lunch and began acclimating to the vibrant city of Hangzhou. Upon full
arrival, the group transferred to the HDU-owned hotel, which provided comfortable
accommodations and excellent amenities.
Ms. Wu, Vice Director of the
International Office at HDU, warmly greeted the students and provided snacks and
refreshments to help them settle in. The evening featured a formal welcome dinner,
comprising approximately 20 local dishes. The seating arrangements encouraged
cross-cultural interaction among participants from Malaysia, China, Japan, and Korea.
After dinner, students explored the local area, enjoying a lively night walk to a nearby
shopping mall.
The day began
with the official opening ceremony, hosted by Ms. Wu, who provided an insightful overview of HDU
and its notable alumni, including Jack Ma. The participants were then introduced to cutting-edge
developments in digital technology and toured HDU's advanced laboratories. A highlight included
an AI-powered diagnostic device for eye diseases, capable of detecting 12 conditions and already
in use commercially.
In the afternoon, students visited the
renowned West Lake (Xihu), a UNESCO World Heritage site. They enjoyed a scenic boat ride and
admired the historic pagodas and gardens. The evening concluded with dinner at Xin Bailu
restaurant near the Wulin Night Market, followed by a relaxed walk through the vibrant
streets of Hangzhou
Students began
the day with their first Chinese language class, focusing on pronunciation and finals (vowels
and diphthongs). A fun pronunciation challenge was held, fostering team spirit. The subsequent
lecture introduced traditional Chinese food culture, with particular emphasis on Hangzhou
cuisine. Students learned about the symbolism of food in Chinese traditions and participated in
a guessing game involving regional dishes.
In the afternoon, the group visited Lingyin
Temple, one of China’s oldest and most revered Buddhist temples. Students engaged in spiritual
reflection and purchased meaningful souvenirs, such as bracelets symbolizing various
blessings
The morning
comprised a Chinese language lesson introducing consonant sounds and the four Chinese tones.
Later, a lecture on Chinese tea culture was conducted by a tea expert, who explained the six
types of Chinese tea and demonstrated brewing techniques.
In the afternoon, students visited the
China National Tea Museum, located amidst Longjing tea plantations. The visit provided an
immersive experience into the history and significance of Chinese tea. Many students
purchased tea as souvenirs before returning to the hotel for a free
evening.
The part on swords was an interesting tour through the evolution of ancient Chinese weaponry. The complex blade patterns and gorgeous hilts was overwhelming. Each sword had its own story, whether it was linked to a legendary warrior or a certain historical period. These weapons' craftsmanship and beauty were breathtaking, showing the mix of practicality and aesthetics in Chinese sword-making.
Students, along with participants from HDU and PKNU, visited the Hangzhou Zoo, where they observed various animals, including pandas, lions, and red pandas. A highlight was the impressive sea lion performance. Lunch was enjoyed at a Chongqing-style restaurant near the in77 shopping outlet, followed by souvenir shopping and mall exploration before returning to the hotel.
The morning
featured a hands-on workshop on origami robots using Arduino technology. Participants programmed
their robots to move, applying principles of electronics and coding. This was followed by a
Chinese language class focusing on grammar and vocabulary.
In the afternoon, an engaging lecture on
Artificial Intelligence was delivered by a drone company CEO, highlighting AI applications
in agriculture, logistics, and entertainment. Students gained valuable insights into the
integration of AI with drone technologies.
Language classes
in the morning included practicing a Chinese poem to be presented during the closing ceremony. A
subsequent lecture on Chinese etiquette explored familial traditions and intercultural taboos,
with students from each country sharing their own customs.
In the afternoon, students visited the
Xixi National Wetland Park and Museum. Surrounded by natural beauty and historical exhibits,
the visit offered both ecological education and scenic
enjoyment.
Participants
practiced writing Chinese characters and revisited their poem during the morning session. They
then attended a Chinese calligraphy class, each crafting a traditional fan with written
characters.
After lunch, the group visited Hikvision,
a leading security technology company. Students toured the showroom and attended a
presentation on AI integration in surveillance systems. A Q&A session followed, offering
in-depth understanding of the field.
The final
language class marked the end of formal sessions. During the closing ceremony, Dr. Gu delivered
an emotional address, and participants performed the Chinese poem they had practiced.
Certificates were awarded, and UniMAP presented tokens of appreciation to fellow
institutions.
In the afternoon, students visited the
historic Hefang Street, known for its Qing Dynasty architecture and traditional markets.
They explored tea houses, souvenir shops, and enjoyed a traditional "Chinese burger"
dinner.
The final day was marked with heartfelt farewells. Students exchanged parting gifts, including a group photo frame from PKNU. After emotional goodbyes at the airport, the UniMAP students returned to Malaysia, concluding an unforgettable international experience.
The A3I Campus
Asia Short Summer Program at HDU offered an extraordinary opportunity for academic growth,
cultural exchange, and friendship-building among students from Malaysia, China, Korea, and
Japan. Participants returned with a deeper appreciation for Chinese language and culture,
alongside new global perspectives and lasting international friendships.
UniMAP and HDU are gratefully acknowledged
for their dedication and commitment to this enriching international
collaboration.
