Langkawi: A total of 90 international students from 38 countries are taking part in the three-day MYDiscovery Langkawi 2026 cultural immersion programme, which began last Monday. Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) Chief Executive Officer Novie Tajuddin said the programme not only provides international students the opportunity to experience Malaysian culture first-hand but is also held in conjunction with Malaysia Day celebrations.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, EMGS is a government-owned company in Malaysia established under the Ministry of Higher Education responsible for managing student visa applications to Malaysia, including other related services for international students. "The Malaysia Cultural Discovery (MYDiscovery) programme offers participants the opportunity to discover Malaysia beyond the classroom through direct interaction with the local community," Tajuddin stated.
He explained that the programme, organised in collaboration with MAHA Tower Langkawi, combined cultural, heritage and nature-based experiences with local cuisine to showcase the Malaysian way of life more intimately and authentically. "MYDiscovery reflects the experience Malaysia wishes to offer international students - one rooted not only in quality education but also built upon genuine human connections," he added.
Novie emphasized that the programme enabled international students to take home a more comprehensive understanding of Malaysia to share with their families and communities in their respective countries. He noted that holding the programme during Malaysia Day celebration week added another dimension to the participants' experience by highlighting the spirit of unity in diversity.
Throughout the programme, participants had the opportunity to engage in various traditional games, kayak at Tanjung Rhu Beach, go jungle trekking, join the 'Sarong Fun Walk' and visit the Langkawi Craft Complex. They also toured the mangrove areas of Kilim Geopark and attended a meet-and-greet session and dinner with the local community of Kampung Sungai Itau.
MYDiscovery Langkawi follows the inaugural edition held in Teluk Ketapang, Kuala Terengganu. Langkawi was chosen for its unique blend of rich culture, heritage, culinary delights and natural beauty. The programme continues to support EMGS' efforts to enhance the international student experience and strengthen Malaysia's image as a quality, welcoming and inclusive education destination renowned for its cultural diversity.
This edition involved international students from Algeria, Bangladesh, Burundi, Cambodia, China, C´te d'Ivoire, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Sweden, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Trkiye, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Yemen.