CHRISTCHURCH, Sep 4 – Beyond the technological frontiers of extended reality (XR) and immersive learning, the New Zealand XR Trip 2026 (NEXT’26) delegation from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) enriched their international journey through a series of meaningful community and cultural engagements in Christchurch, New Zealand. Engaging with the local Muslim community, the Canterbury Malaysia Students’ Association (CMSA), and Christchurch’s multicultural community, the students gained profound lessons in resilience, cross-cultural connection and global networking.

A deeply humbling highlight of the delegation’s community outreach was a meaningful visit to Masjid Al Noor. This engagement provided the students with a space to connect with the local Muslim community and gain deeper perspectives on resilience and gratitude.

During the visit, the Imam of Masjid Al Noor, Ustaz Mohd Idris Osman, spoke about the tragic incident of 2019 and its lasting impact on the community’s journey toward healing. The students were also privileged to meet a survivor of the incident, Rahimi Ahmad, who shared his personal reflections.

The session offered a powerful reminder that global exposure extends beyond sightseeing and academic pursuits. It is about listening, understanding different experiences, and gaining lessons in peace and the value of life that can be translated into meaningful action back home.

The delegation also focused on fostering international ties through their ongoing engagement with the Canterbury Malaysia Students’ Association (CMSA). Having previously joined the 69th Malaysian Independence Day celebration at the University of Canterbury (UC), the UTM students continued to bring a piece of home to the international campus by hosting a collaborative mencanting batik session. The interactive activity served as a meaningful platform to celebrate Malaysian heritage while building lasting connections.

The spirit of cultural exchange continued at a Community Potluck Gathering, organized by the Welcome Academy Trust at the Multicultural Recreation and Community Centre. Through food, music, and shared stories, the event brought together a vibrant mix of individuals from diverse backgrounds—including Iran, Singapore, Malaysia and the local New Zealand community.

As a gesture of cultural exchange, the NEXT’26 students prepared and served nasi lemak, introducing Malaysia’s beloved national dish to the wider Christchurch community. The shared meal became a natural bridge for people to exchange stories and discover common ground. The students also contributed to the evening’s atmosphere through vibrant cultural performances. They led the crowd in singing the iconic Malaysian track “Standing in the Eyes of the World” by Ella and joined the local community to perform the Māori waiata “Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi”.

For the NEXT’26 delegation, comprising Bachelor of Computer Science (Graphics and Multimedia Software) with Honours students from the Faculty of Computing, UTM, these diverse interactions emphasized that cultural fluency is just as crucial as technical expertise. Through this multi-faceted outreach, the delegation embodied UTM’s strategic commitment under the UTM ASCEND 2030 vision, showcasing what it means to be globally competent, socially conscious graduates equipped to bridge communities across borders.