Petaling Jaya, April 2025 – City University Malaysia recently hosted a vibrant and culturally rich summer camp for a group of hospitality students from Uzbekistan.
Organized by the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism, the short-term programme brought together a delegation of Uzbek students from Bukhara State University and City U students in a cross-cultural exchange focused on food, language, and hospitality practices.
The camp offered a blend of classroom learning, hands-on culinary workshops, and experiential visits that deepened the participants’ appreciation for Malaysia’s diverse culture and traditions.
Campus Tour
Upon arrival, students from Bukhara State University Uzbekistan were treated to a tour of City University Malaysia’s campuses in Petaling Jaya and Cyberjaya. Image/City University Malaysia
Warmly welcomed upon arrival at City University Malaysia’s Petaling Jaya campus, the Uzbek students mingled with the City U students, then hopped on a bus for a tour of the sprawling new City U campus situated in Cyberjaya.
Visit to Putrajaya mosque
Students from Bukhara State University Uzbekistan were given a tour of Putra Mosque in Putrajaya, one of only 4 pink mosques in the world. Image/City University Malaysia
After the tour of the Cyberjaya campus, students took a nice evening walk in Putrajaya, walking along the lake and visiting the iconic Putra Mosque.
Students from Bukhara State University Uzbekistan were taught Bahasa Melayu during their visit to City University Malaysia. Image/City University Malaysia
The second day of the programme began with an engaging Bahasa Malaysia language class and ice-breaker sessions, as well as introducing them to traditional Malaysian marble games like congkak.
Making Nasi Lemak, Kuih, and Pengat Pisang
Students from Bukhara State University Uzbekistan learning how to make Malay kuih-muih, pengat pisang, and nasi lemak at City University Malaysia. Image/City University Malaysia
Students were fascinated by the delicate and colourful presentation of kuih. Group leader, Ms Nigina, shared, “We truly fell in love with the nasi lemak and desserts, it was a new culture and new experience for us.” In a lovely surprise, the Uzbek visitors taught their Malaysian peers to prepare Uzbek plov—a hearty national dish made with lamb, rice, onions, and carrots.
Spread out over the course of the summer camp, the students had the rare opportunity to take part in various culinary classes where they learned to prepare traditional Malaysian deserts – kuih-muih, pengat pisang as well nasi lemak, Malaysia’s unofficial national dish.
The cooking classes, run buy City University’s culinary instructors Azwan Fariz & Nadiah Nabilah, offered a taste of home-style food and desserts from the region and emphasized the central role of traditional ingredients like sambal (chilli paste), coconut rice, ikan bilis (dried anchovies), bananas, pandan, and palm sugar in Malaysian cuisine.
A Visit to 5-star RuMa Hotel
Students from Bukhara State University Uzbekistan enjoyed their 1-day visit to The RuMa Hotel and Residences in Kuala Lumpur. Image/City University Malaysia
One of the key highlights of the itinerary was a visit to The RuMa Hotel and Residences, a five-star luxury hotel situated near the Petronas Twin Towers in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. The day tour was an opportunity for students to get a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse of the operations, professionalism, attention to detail, and service culture of a 5-star hotel.
A Visit to 5-star RuMa Hotel
A group photo of Students of Bukhara State University Uzbekistan holding the Uzbekistan flag and certificates of participation during the closing ceremony at City U. Image/City University Malaysia
City U held a closing ceremony and farewell lunch officiated by Deputy Dean Norman Chu, who presented certificates of participation to each student.
As the students of Bukhara State University return to Uzbekistan with new skills, memories, and connections, they mentioned how they will cherish this experience forever. “The most lovely part of this program was spending time together with the group as a big family and meeting new friends,” said Sasha, an Uzbek student.
Students of Bukhara State University Uzbekistan pose for a group photo at City University Malaysia. Image/City University Malaysia
City University Malaysia continues to uphold its mission of nurturing international exposure and cultural exchange between students across all nations, and looks forward to hosting more delegations of students from all over the world in future.
For more information about City University Malaysia and its programs, please visit our website, City University Malaysia.
