The Asia Summer Programme (ASP x
A3I) 2026 was hosted by Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) from 3 to 16 August 2026. This
international mobility initiative convened 70 student delegates representing Pukyong National
University (Korea), Hangzhou Dianzi University (China), University of Yamanashi (Japan), Bangkok
University (Thailand), Dongseo University (Korea), Clark Memorial International High School (Japan),
Josai International University (Japan), and Petra Christian University (Indonesia), alongside
Malaysian student hosts. Centered on the theme Innovation in Nature, ASP 2026 served as a regional
platform designed to cultivate global leadership, facilitate credit transfer, and deepen
intercultural competence.
The core structure of the program
combined credit-bearing academic modules—spanning Engineering, Technology, Business, and Arts—with
structured field immersion and cultural workshops. Faculty members from participating partner
universities delivered interactive coursework aimed at addressing contemporary regional challenges.
By integrating classroom learning with experiential activities across Perlis and Langkawi, the
program successfully achieved its key objectives of enhancing cross-cultural literacy, strengthening
institutional partnerships, and building an enduring network of young Asian leaders.
The program was held in Malaysia from 3 August to 26 August 2026.
UniMAP became the host from 3 to 16 August 2026.
The Asia Summer Programme (ASP) x A3I 2026 officially commenced at Universiti Malaysia Perlis
(UniMAP), welcoming international participants for a two-week cultural and academic exchange running
from August 3 to August 16, 2026.
Arrival & Campus Check-in
Delegates from across the region arrived safely on campus throughout the day. Participants completed
their registration, checked into their accommodations, and took time to unpack and rest following
their travels.
Afternoon Ice-breaking Session
To help delegates settle into their new environment, local facilitators hosted an informal
ice-breaking session in the afternoon. The light gathering encouraged initial introductions and
allowed incoming students to meet their peers in a relaxed setting before the main program activities
began.
Academic Lecture Modules
Participants returned to the classroom for scheduled module coursework, engaging in active discussions
that integrated diverse regional perspectives into their studies.
Harumanis Mango Orchard Educational Visit
Delegates visited a local agricultural site dedicated to the cultivation of the Harumanis mango in
Perlis. The field visit provided practical insight into regional agricultural management, followed by
recorded interview sessions documenting participant feedback on local agricultural products.
Northern Craft Festival 2026 Excursion
The afternoon itinerary included an excursion to the Northern Craft Festival 2026. Students observed
traditional Malaysian artisanal techniques, including textile production and wood carving, gaining
insight into the cultural heritage of northern Malaysia.
Academic Lecture Modules
Morning lectures emphasized small-group discussions and practical application of course concepts among
multi-national student teams.
Official Grand Opening Ceremony
ASP x A3I 2026 was formally inaugurated during a opening ceremony attended by university executive
leadership, international faculty representatives, and distinguished guests. The program featured
official welcome addresses and cultural performances representing the participating partner
institutions.
Academic Lecture Modules
Coursework continued with a focus on collaborative problem-solving and cross-border case studies led
by visiting and host faculty.
UniMAP Campus Brisk Walk
Participants engaged in a guided walking tour of the UniMAP main campus, promoting physical wellness
while providing international delegates with an opportunity to explore university facilities and
infrastructure.
Academic Lecture Modules
Lectures progressed into specialized thematic topics within the respective tracks, emphasizing
analytical thinking and cross-cultural academic exchange.
Library Team Building & Traditional Dance Workshop
Delegates participated in an interactive team-building exercise at the university library designed to
familiarize them with institutional research resources. Following the activity, students attended an
introductory workshop on traditional Malay performing arts.
Academic Lecture Modules
Morning sessions centered on finalizing group project frameworks and preparing for upcoming academic
assessments.
Night Market Cultural Excursion
Students visited a local night market in Perlis to observe regional culinary traditions and engage in
informal community interaction.
Academic Lecture Modules
Delegates conducted final coursework synthesis and project preparation under the guidance of program
academic staff.
Batik Inderawasih Workshop
Participants attended a hands-on instructional workshop at Batik Inderawasih, learning the traditional
wax-resist dyeing techniques of Malaysian batik and producing individual textile samples
Rewang Community Experience at Kampung Paya Guring
The afternoon program featured a visit to Kampung Paya Guring for a traditional rewang experience.
International delegates collaborated with local residents in communal meal preparation, gaining direct
insight into rural Malaysian community practices.
Academic Lecture Modules
Students completed their formal classroom instruction, presenting preliminary project findings and
concluding the academic module requirements.
Gua Kelam Eco-Heritage Walk
The morning session brought delegates to Gua Kelam, a historic limestone cave renowned for its unique
subterranean rock formations and tin mining heritage. Participants walked along the illuminated
suspension path inside the cavern while local guides shared insights into the site's environmental
conservation efforts and industrial history.
Padang Besar Border Market Field Visit
In the afternoon, the group traveled to the border town of Padang Besar. Delegates explored the
bustling commercial arcades and local markets, gaining firsthand exposure to cross-border economic
activity, regional trade dynamics, and local cultural products shared between Malaysia and Thailand.
Taste of Malaysia Culinary Exhibition
An exhibition highlighting the culinary diversity of Malaysia was organized for participants,
featuring traditional dishes from various ethnic communities.
Talent Showcase Awards Presentation
Following the culinary exhibition, formal recognition and awards were presented to the outstanding
performers from the ASP Got Talent event.
Program Closing Ceremony
The formal institutional portion of the program concluded with an official Closing Ceremony.
Certificates of completion were awarded to all 70 delegates by university officials, accompanied by
closing addresses from university leaders and student representatives.
Langkawi Environmental & Cultural Immersion
Delegates explored prominent geographical and cultural landmarks, beginning with a visit to Dataran
Lang (Eagle Square) to study regional tourism dynamics and local heritage.
Kilim Geoforest Park Mangrove Eco-Tour
Accompanied by UniMAP’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International) and faculty members,
participants conducted a boat-based field investigation of Kilim Geoforest Park, focusing on mangrove
ecosystem conservation and karst limestone formations.
Langkawi SkyBridge Engineering & Inspection
Delegates visited Mount Machinchang via the Langkawi SkyCab to examine the structural engineering and
tourism infrastructure of the Langkawi SkyBridge.
Farewell BBQ Night
To mark the conclusion of the island trip, participants and organizers gathered for an outdoor
barbecue dinner. The evening provided a relaxed setting for students to reflect on their shared
experiences, exchange tokens of appreciation, and celebrate the friendships built over the course of
the program.
The final day of the program carried a tone of heartfelt reflection as Universiti Malaysia Perlis
(UniMAP) officially bid farewell to the visiting ASP x A3I 2026 participants. After two weeks of
shared academic sessions, cultural discoveries, and memorable excursions across Perlis and Langkawi,
delegates prepared for their homebound journeys, taking with them deep cross-cultural insights and
lasting international friendships.
UniMAP was honored to host the delegations from Pukyong National University, Hangzhou Dianzi
University, University of Yamanashi, Bangkok University, Dongseo University, Clark Memorial
International High School, Josai International University, and Petra Christian University. Although
physical distance now separates the participants, the strong bonds formed throughout the program pave
the way for enduring connections, cherished memories, and future international collaborations across
the region