06/06/2025

FRIDAY | JUNE 6, 2025

23

LYFE

Immersive learning M ALAYSIA is well-placed to become a key player in the global edu-tourism sector, leveraging its

o Demand for experiential travel shines spotlight on Malaysia’s edu-tourism potential

strengths in education, cultural diversity and affordability to attract international students, said National Association of Private Educational Institutions (Napei) president Datuk Lau Wai Cheng. In a statement, Lau said edu-tourism, the convergence of education and tourism, offers Malaysia a timely opportunity to diversify its visitor economy while highlighting the nation’s educational strengths. “As demand for experiential travel grows globally, international students and families are increasingly seeking programmes that offer more than classroom instruction,” she said. She noted that the country’s affordability, cultural diversity and English-speaking environment make it well-suited to capitalise on the growing shift towards edu-tourism, aligning with Visit Malaysia 2026 by providing learners with enriching experiences that blend education, culture and personal development.

global reach of Malaysian education, she said. She noted that Napei members have offered short courses for students seeking to improve their English proficiency while immersing themselves in Malaysian culture, incorporating cultural and heritage experiences, collaborations with local schools, homestays with local families, sports tourism, eco- and nature-based activities, as well as modules aligned with sustainable development goals. “This format provides international learners, especially from neighbouring countries, with meaningful exposure to our society and values. The approach aligns with national efforts such as Edu+, an initiative with Tourism Malaysia to expand access to culturally anchored short-term learning experiences,” she said. She highlighted Malaysian institutions secured top 50 positions

Lau added that Malaysia has been able to take the lead in delivering immersive learning experiences that are relevant, inclusive and globally competitive, with strong partnerships, supportive policy frameworks and institutional readiness. “We are not simply promoting programmes through edu-tourism. We are helping to build mutual understanding, empower communities and shape a future where education extends beyond borders and leaves a lasting impact,” she said. On Napei’s role, Lau explained for over three decades, the association has played a pivotal role in enhancing the private education ecosystem and its global presence. By engaging with its member institutions, the association has promoted high standards in academic delivery and supported initiatives that have expanded the

Napei says Malaysia is well-placed to become a key player in the global edu-tourism sector. – PIC FROM FACEBOOK @NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PRIVATE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

archives, with the permission of his estate. Unlike other AI-based experiences, each script is written, checked and approved by a team of people. “All narratives are human-curated, authentic and responsibly produced,” promised Treefort Media, which emphasised its “ethical” approach to AI. “Welles was a relentless innovator, who worked effortlessly across multiple platforms during his long and storied career, so bringing his voice into this new medium feels like a continuation of that legacy,” said David Reeder of Reeder Brand Management, the agency for the Orson Welles Estate. Kelly Garner, founder and CEO of Treefort Media and creator of StoryRabbit, said: “Integrating Welles’s voice gives our storytelling unparalleled resonance. Having the opportunity to work with a voice of this calibre is extraordinary. His timeless perspective offers users a unique lens, simultaneously nostalgic and forward-looking, to discover the world as it speaks, revealing incredible true stories.” In addition to Welles, StoryRabbit also features the voice of Dominic Monaghan, the actor known for initiate meaningful conversations with Japanese families, educators and institutional stakeholders. “We created awareness of Malaysia’s ability to host short-term, immersive learning experiences, listened to our Japanese counterparts to better understand their expectations and highlighted our strengths as a safe, accessible, and culturally rich education destination. “We believe Japan will play a key role in the next chapter of Malaysia’s edu-tourism growth. We are ready to work together to create meaningful, student-centred experiences that reflect the values of both countries,” she said. – Bernama

FOUR decades after his death, Orson Welles is still telling stories. Thanks to artificial intelligence (AI), the legendary voice of the Citizen Kane director will be heard in a new project, this time as a digital tour guide. Open the app, select a point on the map and listen. Are you standing in a dingy Hollywood alleyway? On Broadway in the heart of New York City? Every location becomes an opportunity to discover the behind-the-scenes history of cinema and TV series from a new perspective. The StoryRabbit app now offers its users the chance to discover this world through the voice of one of the most iconic directors in the history of cinema – Welles. “No matter where you are, Welles peels back the curtain on the hidden architecture of film, television, history and culture that surrounds you. What may look ordinary is, in his telling, anything but,” read the press release unveiled by Podnews. Launched by Treefort Media, in collaboration with Younite.ai, “Orson Welles Presents” is now available on the app for iOS and Android starting at US$4.99 (RM21) per month. StoryRabbit in key areas, such as petroleum engineering, hospitality and leisure management, education and data science in the 2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject. “These achievements strengthen the country’s standing as a trusted education destination in the region,” she said. Furthermore, she said Malaysia’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka marks a significant step in showcasing the country’s edu-tourism potential to a global audience, with a particular focus on Japan. “Rather than approaching the expo as a platform for immediate recruitment, we saw it as a chance to

Film legend Orson Welles can be your travel guide thanks to AI

The MV Doulos Hope will dock at Labuan Port from July 7 to 29. – PIC FROM FACEBOOK @DOULOS HOPE

Labuan book lovers in for treat with MV Doulos Hope coming over

continues a legacy that began with its predecessor the MV Logos Hope. The ship’s mission is to serve communities through knowledge, help and hope – offering not just books, but also cultural performances, interactive exhibits and engagement activities with local communities. Labuan and Kota Kinabalu (Aug 20 to Sept 10) will be the only Malaysian stops for the vessel this year, making this a rare opportunity for book lovers, families, educators and tourists alike. Further details on booking procedures and the full schedule of onboard activities will be released early this month through the its agent’s platforms. – Bernama

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THE MV Doulos Hope, home of an iconic floating book fair, will make Labuan its next port of call, docking at Labuan Port for a 23-day stay from July 7 to 29. The visit is part of the vessel’s ongoing Southeast Asia voyage, following its recent stop in Magong, Taiwan and ahead of its journey to Puerto Princesa in the Philippines. The MV Doulos Hope, operated by GBA Ships, is widely known for hosting one of the world’s largest travelling book fairs at sea. On board, visitors can browse thousands of titles ranging from children’s literature and academic works to world literature, all offered at affordable prices. The unique cultural attraction aims to promote literacy, education and cross-cultural

global tour. Labuan Port operator Megah Port Management Sdn Bhd confirmed the vessel’s arrival, with its managing director Datuk Seri Patrick Tiong saying the extended port call is expected to bring positive economic and tourism spillovers to the island. According to the agent handling the ship’s visit, bookings are required for the public to come onboard – and due to limited capacity, visitors are encouraged to book online in advance, and safety protocols and scheduled entry slots will be enforced to manage crowd flow. The MV Doulos Hope, which is part of a long-standing maritime initiative by the German-based GBA Ships organisation,

uses geolocation to enable travellers to hear contextualised audio stories narrated by famous voices, including Welles, recreated with uncanny accuracy from voice

his roles in The Lord of the Rings trilogy and the TV series Lost . – ETX Studio

Cinema legend Welles is revered for his film Citizen Kane . – AFPPIC