12 April – A total of 63 students from Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), comprising members of UA Global Buddies and INSAN (International Students Association), came together for a dynamic, one-day collaborative programme titled Synergy Sessions & Bridging Borders, hosted at the Seminar Room, Pusat Hal Ehwal Pelajar (PHEP). The programme aimed to foster intercultural understanding, develop leadership and communication skills, and most importantly, to bridge the gap between local and international students through meaningful engagement and shared experiences.
Adding prestige and historical depth to the programme, the organising committee was honoured to welcome Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bablu Kumar Dhar as a special guest. As the former INSAN president during its formative years in USIM, Dr. Bablu’s presence served as a bridge between the association’s legacy and its future. In his brief yet inspiring address, he reminisced about the early days of INSAN, encouraging students to carry on the spirit of unity and cultural harmony that INSAN has always stood for.
The day began with an engaging and highly insightful session on Communication Skills, delivered by Puan Selvarani P. Kovil Pillai, a senior lecturer from the Faculty of Leadership and Management. Known for her warm and interactive delivery, Puan Selvarani captivated the participants by integrating real-life anecdotes and practical communication strategies. She posed a thought-provoking scenario involving a fictional student conflict arising from cultural misunderstanding which a “problematic question” that challenged students to step into the shoes of others, practice active listening, and communicate constructively. This sparked lively group discussions and highlighted the importance of empathetic communication, especially in a multicultural setting.
Following this, Puan Selvarani conducted a second session on Leadership Skills, where she emphasized the significance of purpose-driven leadership, active listening, and inclusive teamwork. Students were divided into small groups and given specific roles to complete a simulated task that required quick thinking, mutual respect, and collaborative decision-making. These practical exercises were designed not only to test leadership potential but also to demonstrate how different leadership styles can coexist and complement one another in a team environment.
The programme continued with a series of team-building activities that blended fun with purpose. From structured games that required strategic cooperation to informal ice-breakers that encouraged spontaneous interaction, these activities successfully broke down social and cultural barriers. Laughter, cheers, and shared victories filled the room, creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and genuine camaraderie among participants.
By the end of the day, both local and international students had not only gained valuable insights into effective communication and leadership but had also formed new friendships that transcended borders. Synergy Sessions & Bridging Borders proved to be more than just a programme, it was a step forward in creating a more inclusive and united USIM community.
After a short break, the atmosphere shifted from focused learning to vibrant camaraderie during the Bridging Borders segment. Participants were grouped and invited to engage in a series of interactive games designed to break the ice and build trust among teammates. One of the most memorable activities was the water balloon toss, where pairs had to throw and catch balloons without bursting them, a simple game that brought out laughter, cheers, and moments of unexpected teamwork. Another crowd favorite was the “Guess the Drawing” challenge, where team members attempted to identify famous Malaysian landmarks based on their friends’ imaginative sketches. The energy continued with a spirited round of musical chairs, which saw both local and international students enthusiastically competing in good fun.
Throughout these activities, language barriers dissolved, and cultural differences became points of interest rather than division. The room echoed with laughter and excitement, as bonds began to form naturally through teamwork and shared enjoyment. These moments served as powerful reminders of the universality of human connection.
As the programme drew to a close, reflections were shared over light refreshments, with participants expressing gratitude for the opportunity to connect with peers from different backgrounds. Many noted how informative and inspiring the speaker sessions were, and how the carefully designed activities had allowed them to forge genuine friendships within just a few hours.
The Synergy Sessions & Bridging Borders programme successfully highlighted the power of collaboration and intercultural engagement. Through knowledge sharing, interactive learning, and joyful connection, participants left with not only improved communication and leadership skills, but also with renewed appreciation for the value of unity in diversity.
“As the project director for this programme, I couldn’t be prouder, not just because we managed to execute everything smoothly, but because we created something more meaningful: a space where we laughed, learned, and grew together like one big family.” – Tuan Ainaa, Project Director of Synergy Sessions & Bridging Borders
“Being part of this programme was truly special. Surrounded by people who made us feel seen, welcomed, and loved. It really felt like home away from home. I’m already counting the days until the next program.” – Siti Norsyakilla, President of INSAN 24/25
“I am beyond words to describe how fun today was. At the start of the day, we barely knew each other, but in the end, we made a TikTok video together! Hahaha it was chaotic, but a very fun one with my little family here.” – Imran Haziq, President of Global Buddies 24/25