The Short Program was
held from 12th – 22th August 2024, at Pukyong National University (PKNU),
Korea.
The A3I Campus Asia Mobility Program held at Pukyong National University (PKNU) in Busan, South Korea, from August 12–22, 2024, was an enriching and unforgettable experience for participating students from Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP). The program provided a dynamic blend of academic learning, cultural exploration, and international collaboration. Below is a day-by-day summary of the activities and highlights of the program.
UniMAP students arrived in Busan and were warmly welcomed by Program Chair Professor Chang and his team, including the supportive Mrs. So Young. After checking into the dormitories, participants received an orientation outlining the upcoming itinerary. Excitement and anticipation were high among all attendees.
Students began the day with a tour of the PKNU campus, joining international peers and forming new friendships. Later, participants engaged in a Korean cultural session, which included a vibrant K-pop dance class. The day concluded with a memorable seafood dinner with Malaysian students from PKNU and an enjoyable evening social outing.
The group visited the Busan Museum of Movies, where they learned about Korean cinema and experienced 3D augmented reality exhibits. Travel was made via public bus under the guidance of the Korean language tutor. Upon returning to campus, students attended an interactive Korean language class featuring games and group activities.
In the morning, students visited the serene Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, renowned for its scenic oceanfront location and architectural beauty. In the afternoon, the group enjoyed a luxury yacht tour at The Bay 101, with breathtaking views of the Gwangandaegyo Bridge and Busan skyline.
Participants attended an AI seminar conducted by Dr. Ahmad Ashraf, followed by a session on deep learning and image classification led by Professor Mi Gyung Cho, using TensorFlow and Keras. Meanwhile, students in the short-term program explored Gwangalli Beach and went ice skating at the Shinsegae Department Store.
On their free day, students explored Nampo-dong with Malaysian peers, shopping for souvenirs, tasting local street food, and visiting the Jagalchi Market. The day ended at Gwangalli Beach with a stunning drone light show over the sea.
The group visited Gamcheon Culture Village, famous for its colorful murals and artistic installations. Students took part in photo sessions, explored local galleries, and purchased handmade souvenirs, making it one of the most visually engaging days of the program.
The final Korean language class featured singing games and team competitions, with UniMAP emerging as the winner. For summer program students, the day was dedicated to developing and training AI models using Keras on Google Colab, applying machine learning techniques learned earlier in the week.
Students attended a Taekwondo workshop led by a certified black belt instructor. Participants wore traditional doboks and practiced basic techniques, including kicks and blocks. The afternoon was spent exploring the Busan Museum, where students viewed historical artifacts and learned more about Korean history.
The group traveled to Gyeongju World Amusement Park and participated in various thrilling activities, such as roller coasters, arcade games, and bumper cars. A team mission led by Miss Soyoung and Professor Chang added an element of friendly competition and group bonding.
On the penultimate day, students visited the Al-Fatah Mosque and Busan Tower, while others opted for shopping and sightseeing in downtown Busan. The evening was spent reflecting on the week’s experiences and capturing final group photos.
Participants checked out of PKNU and departed for the airport. Farewells were exchanged with program organizers and fellow students. The experience concluded with lasting memories, cultural appreciation, and meaningful international friendships.
The A3I Campus Asia Mobility Program at PKNU was a tremendous success, combining advanced academic exposure with rich cultural experiences. Students left Busan with enhanced knowledge, cross-cultural awareness, and a deeper appreciation for Korean society and technology.
