UTAR Alumni

JUNE 2015

Alumni Local Social Trip To Sabah

Tan Chin Hooi

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Batch of March 2015

UTAR alumni posing for a group photo in Kundasang, overlooking the majestic Mount Kinabalu

UTAR alumni enjoyed a local social trip to Sabah which was organised by the Department of Alumni Relations and Placement (DARP) from 1 May until 5 May 2015. The alumni were graduates of the Master of Business Administration, Master of Science and Foundation studies in UTAR.

The trip exposed UTAR alumni to the natural beauty and immaculate surroundings of Kota Kinabalu. Among the highlights of the trip included a city tour in Kota Kinabalu, a dinner at the scenic Tanjung Aru beach, water rafting in Ulu Kinta, and an excursion to the Mari Mari Cultural Village which is situated in a remote forest setting in Kionsom, Inanam.

The trip to the Cultural Village was an eye-opening experience for UTAR alumni. Apart from savouring the authentic Sabahan delicacies, they also gained insights into the daily routines and traditional way of life of the Sabahan ethnic communities. Through demonstrations of blowpipe-making, tattoo-making and fire-starting using bamboo, UTAR alumni gained a firm understanding of the mystical symbolisms behind these centuries-old practices.

UTAR alumni posing for a group photo with the indigenous tribes at Mari Mari Cultural Village

The trip also brought UTAR alumni to the 199-hectre Desa Cattle Farm which produces about 900,000 litres of milk every year. Nestled at the foothill of Mount Kinabalu and overlooking the beautiful green pastures with cool breeze, the farm offers one of the most breathtaking views one could ever imagine. At the picture-perfect farm which is a dream destination for wedding photography, UTAR alumni also tried their hands at the milking process and fed the calves with bottled milk and the goats with grass.

The team also dropped by the Poring Hot Springs which is located in Poring, about 40 kilometres northeast of the headquarters of Kinabalu Park. The lowland is a popular tourist destination where one can unwind and reduce their muscle aches by soaking in the spring?s hot sulfuric minerals. These minerals are deemed to have healing properties.

UTAR alumni posing at the entrance of Kinabalu Park headquarters, which is the gateway to Poring Hot Springs

UTAR alumni concluded their trip with a highly anticipated snorkelling spree at the Manukan Island and Sapi Island. The two islands are top tourist spots for snorkelling. From the crystal clear waters to the coral reefs to the sightings of Nemo and other eye-catching fishes, the islands are truly a paradise for nature lovers who are looking to indulge in an unforgettable rendezvous.

UTAR alumni embarking on a 15-minute boat ride to Manukan Island and Sapi Island

The trip served as a platform for UTAR alumni to meet on a regular basis for social and intellectual engagement, and to encourage friendship and networking opportunities among UTAR alumni and DARP. For the trip, DARP gathered alumni who love to travel, some from as far as Penang, Sandakan and Tawau, to visit other alumni who are living in Kota Kinabalu and to express their wish to reconnect even after they have left the University for some time.