The PI Recreation Department has organized a trip to Malaysia for 25 students representing all the five majors and all the academic levels. The main objective of the Malaysia Trip is not to provide PI students with an entertaining experience only, but also to develop self confidence, team spirit and students relationships with each other through working in teams and interacting with other cultures. The trip lasted for 8 days & 7 nights from 11th – 18th January 2008.
During this period, students had the opportunity to practice various activities and participate in several events. The activities varied from adventure, recreational and social activities to academic & educational activities. Adventure activities included a 4WD Drive in the jungles of the Malaysian famous tropical rain forests, a visit to the fabulous water falls of Lata Kijang and bamboo rafting at the river of Sungai Langat. Social activities included a social & traditional dance show representing the rich culture of the different Malaysian ethnic groups including Malay, Chinese and Indian, and a visit to the UAE Embassy in Kuala Lumpur where the PI group met his Excellency the ambassador Mr. Nasser Al-Obaidy for a social gathering. Academic & education activities included a visit to the head quarters of the national petroleum company of Malaysia, PETRONAS.
During this visit, the PI group was welcomed by a senior petroleum engineer who gave a presentation about PETRONAS and its activities in the oil & gas industry followed by a question & answer session where PI students had the opportunity to ask various questions related to engineering. The presenter also gave a brief introduction about the PETRONAS Engineering School in Malaysia which in principle is very similar to the Petroleum Institute. Also the PI group visited the Malaysian Scout Association head quarters where the group was welcomed by the chief commander, who gave a brief introduction about scouting activities in South Eastern Asian Countries in general and in Malaysia in particular. During this visit, the adventure team in the PI and the Malaysian Scout association explored the various opportunities of cooperation in the future. The educational tours also included a visit to a traditional batik showroom, a visit to a pewter factory and to a chocolate factory.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Mohamed Al Zaabi, Officer Housing & Recreation and Mr. El syed Zydan, Adventure Program & Trips Assistant for organizing this successful trip and for accompanying the students during their stay in Malaysia.
