Report - tphs.school.nz 2015/MASEE Report 2015 for...The aim of the trip was to provide Te Puke High School students with opportunities and challenges ... During day two, ... • Royal

Report

Context

On the 23 June twenty six Year 11 students and four teachers left Te Puke High School on a 17-day overseas educational adventure called MASEE (Malaysian and Singaporean Educational Experience) 2015.

The group flew from Auckland to the island of Penang off the northwest coast of mainland Malaysia. From there, the group travelled down through Malaysia to Singapore.

The aim of the trip was to provide Te Puke High School students with opportunities and challenges to help them develop as global citizens.

The cost of the trip was $4,000 per person. Students involved in the trip, along with their parents/caregivers made a significant commitment to being involved in numerous fundraising activities in the year leading up to the trip to cover most of the cost of the trip.

Day One: Tuesday 23 June 2015Te Puke to Penang

Itinerary included:

• 07.00 Travel from Te Puke to Auckland.• 14.15 Depart Auckland (MH130) arrive Kuala Lumpur 21.40.• 23.45 Depart Kuala Lumpur (MH 1194) for Penang.

Educational Outcomes:

This was an incredibly long day of travel for our students. They all had to assemble at Te Puke High School no later than 6:30am. For some students, this was the first time they had left New Zealand. By the time we arrived in Penang the group had been travelling for over 24 hours.

As a result of this experience, our students were provided with the immediate challenge of travelling long distances with limited sleep.

Day Two: Wednesday 24 June 2015Penang

Itinerary included:

• Arrive Penang 00:35• Penang Hill• Kek Lok Si temple• Georgetown


With our group arriving in Penang just after midnight from our all-day travel, we were only able to have a relatively short sleep in preparation for the first day of their Malaysian adventure.

During day two, our students were introduced to the all-encompassing heat of Asia. They quickly had to learn how to manage themselves in a hot, humid climate so that they remained actively engaged in the activities and kept up with the rest of the group.

The morning was spent up Penang Hill. At 833 metres above sea level, Penang Hill has a distinctly cooler environment compared with the tropic heat of Georgetown below. During British Colonial days, the affluent could afford to visit or live in the cooler climate up Penang Hill.

The afternoon was spent at Kek Lok Si, which is the largest complex of Buddhist temples in South East Asia. Through exploring the temples, shrines and pagoda our students gained an awareness of the Buddhist religion and some of the rituals carried out by its followers.

Day Three: Thursday 25 June 2015Penang to Cameron Highlands

Itinerary included:

• ‘Temple of the Azure Cloud’ (Penang Snake Temple)• Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge• Kuala Kangsar• Walking Trail Ipoh• Sam Poh Tong Temple• Travel from Ipoh to Cameron Highlands


Leaving our hotel at 8am, our first stop was the Temple of the Azure Cloud or as locals call it - the Snake Temple. For many of our students this was very challenging, especially for those who were seeing snakes close up for the first time. Some even took on the challenge of posing for a photo with a large python around their necks.

Next, we travelled across a 24 kilometre long bridge to Kuala Kangsar on the mainland. Here, our students got to see a beautiful mosque and start to gain an understanding of the Muslim people and the Islam religion.

Next stop, was the old tin mining city of Ipoh. Once a very prosperous city from 1920-1930, the old centre of Ipoh has since fallen into disrepair. In 2014, Lithuanian artist, Ernest Zacharevic, produced a series of seven large murals, many on the walls of the dilapidated buildings in oldtown Ipoh. Our group walked amongst the old buildings, allowing our students to see traditional Chinese architecture and appreciate the street art murals.

We visited a Buddhist cave temple giving our students the opportunity to gain more understanding of the Buddhist religion. The area around Ipoh consists of limestone from a range that extends from China! Our students gained an understanding of the geological history of the area.

The rest of day three was spent in the bus climbing the winding roads up into the cooler climate of the Cameron Highlands. Along the way our students got to see the changes in vegetation from the tropic lowlands to the temperate vegetation of the highlands.

Day Four: Friday 26 June 2015Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur

Itinerary included:

• BOH Tea Plantation• Butterfly Farm• Market• Travel from Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur• Visit Orang Asli people


Leaving our hotel at 8am, our first stop was the BOH Tea Plantation, which was established during British colonial times. A visit to the plantation gave our students the opportunity to gain an understanding of how tea is grown, manufactured and marketed.

Next, our group visited the ‘Butterfly Farm’, which was much more than initially met the eye. In addition to thousands of butterflies, this ‘farm’ housed lots of creepy crawlies, including: Rhinoceros beetles, snakes, giant Katydid, tortoises, lizards and scorpions. The students’ fears were again challenged as they had the creepy crawlies draped on their arms, shirts, shoulders and heads.

Leaving the ‘Butterfly Farm, our students walked through the local market, interacting with the locals and purchasing locally grown strawberries.

Our bus travelled back down the winding road to the tropical lowlands. Along the way, we stopped to meet the Orang Asli, the original people of Malaysia, who live in small huts beside the road and still engage in subsistence living in much the same way as they have always done. Our students were shown how to use a blow dart, then entertained with an impromptu dance and song. In reply, our students performed waiata and haka. This insight into a considerably different culture was a significant memorable moment in our educational adventure.

During the rest of the trip to Kuala Lumpur, our students got to see the extent of Palm Oil plantations, which provides significantly to the Malaysian economy.

Day Five: Saturday 27 June 2015Kuala Lumpur

Itinerary included:

• Kuala Lumpur Heritage Walking Tour• Marketing Kiwifruit• Islamic Arts Museum• Batik Workshop• Petronas Twin Towers 6pm - Sky Bridge & Observation Deck


Leaving our hotel, the students had a particularly challenging morning of a 2-3 hour guided walk through the centre of Kuala Lumpur. First point of interest was Chinatown, where our group met with Lai Kim Tee, Marketing Manager for Zespri, Malaysia. After a brief introduction, our students engaged in a marketing activity with locals. They were given samples of gold kiwifruit and were asked to give samples away to locals in Chinatown. It was a great opportunity for our students to engage in an interesting approach to marketing kiwifruit in Malaysia and help Zespri. Furthermore, it provided our students who are involved in kiwifruit the opportunity to see an aspect of overseas marketing.

Next stop on the walking tour was the Central Market, where our students could engage with locals. From there, our students had to manage themselves in the topical heat as we visited Merdeka Square for a 360 degree view of the contrasting architecture of modern day and past Malaysia.

Our group walked to the National Islamic Arts Museum, where our students got the opportunity to gain a greater appreciation of the art, culture and religion of Muslim people.

During the heat of the afternoon, our students attended a Batik workshop, where they learnt the techniques involved in creating their own batik painting.

Towards dusk, our group visited Petronas Twin Towers, a landmark of Malaysia and the tallest twin towers in the world. The group visited the sky bridge between the 41st and 42nd floors before travelling up to the observation deck on the 86th floor. From here, our students were able to get a great overview of Kuala Lumpur as the sun began to set.

Day Six: Sunday 28 June 2015Kuala Lumpur to Port Dickson

Itinerary included:

• Batu Caves• Pulled tea and Roti Chanai• Royal Selangor Pewter Factory• Putrajaya• Port Dickson


Leaving our hotel early before the heat of the day arrived, our first stop was Batu Cave, 12 km north of Kuala Lumpur. Despite it being early, there were already numerous families climbing the 272 steps to the Hindu Temple inside Batu Cave. For many of our students, it was their first encounter with monkeys. At the top, our group took time to observe and gain some insight into the customs and rituals of the Hindu religion.

Back down at ground level, our group was given the opportunity to see ‘pulled tea’ in action, where locals pour tea from one cup to another about one metre apart. In addition, many of the females in our group got intricate henna drawings on the back of their hands. Our students watched the process of making Rotai Chanai and then enjoyed some with samples of curry.

Last stop before leaving Kuala Lumpur was the Royal Selangor Pewter factory, where our students were given a guided tour. As a result, our students gained an understanding of the process of manufacturing pewter and the products that are made from this metallic alloy.

Leaving Kuala Lumpur, our next stop was Putrajaya, the administrative capital for the government of Malaysia. We stopped at Putrajaya Mosque, known as the Floating Mosque for the optical illusion of the seemingly floating mosque as it’s seen across the lake. Our group was given a guided tour of the mosque providing our students with a greater insight into the Islam religion.

Continuing south and west, our bus arrived at Port Dickson, a seaside resort. During the early evening, our students swam and played volleyball with Malaysians.

Day Seven: Monday 29 June 2015Port Dickson to Malacca

Itinerary included:

• School Programme at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Dato’ Shamsudin Nain• Palm Oil Plantation• Rubber Tree Plantation• Travel to Malacca


Up extra early and wearing their school uniform, our students checked out in preparation for their visit to a Malaysian school (Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Dato’ Shamsudin Nain).

We travelled inland from Port Dickson along roads that passed through Palm Oil and Rubber Tree Plantations. Just south of Rantau, we arrived at SKM Dato’ Shamsudin Nain at 8am. After a wonderful welcome, our students were paired up with a Malaysian buddy, from one of the three ethnicities; Malay, Chinese or Indian. During the morning the students engaged in sporting, cultural and classroom activities. It was great to see our students engaging so well with students from totally different ethnicities and culture. By the time we shared lunch together, our students had formed friendships and had exchanged social media details.

Leaving the school, we visited Palm Oil and Rubber Tree plantations to give our students an understanding of how these trees are grown and provide products that are sold overseas contributing significantly to the Malaysian economy.

Our bus continued south then west to the coast to the historic city of Malacca.

Day Eight: Tuesday 30 June 2015Malacca

Itinerary included:

• Malacca Straits Mosque• Baba Nyonya Museum • Dutch Square, St. Paul’s Hill and A Famosa• Menara Taming Sari• Rickshaw Ride


Leaving our hotel early for our day’s excursion around the historic city of Malacca, our first stop was Malacca Straits Mosque, which provided a fantastic photo opportunity of this interesting structure perched over the water. Next stop was the Baba Nyonya Museum, which was located in one of the original Chinese-Malay homes. The guided tour through the home gave our students an insight into the lives of the wealthy during historic times when Malacca was an important trading port.

Leaving the museum, we walked the narrow streets around the old centre of Malacca. Our students got to see the interesting architecture that dated back hundreds of years. Our walk beside the river took us to the Portuguese fort dating back to 1500-1600 AD and Dutch Square dating back to 1600-1800 AD. Our students got to appreciate the buildings and ruins, which gave a real sense of history.

To end the day’s sightseeing, our group took a ride in an elevated platform (Menara Taming Sari) to get an overview perspective of historic Malacca.

Later that evening, the students were given a treat in the form of a rickshaw ride. This was a memorable experience for all our students who enjoyed their ride in a highly decorated rickshaw complete with its own stereo sound!

Day Nine: Wednesday 1 July 2015Malacca to Johor Bahru

Itinerary included:

• Travel to Kukup• Pulau Kukup Island Johor National Park• Fish Farm• Walk Through Kukup Village• Travel to Johor Bahru


Leaving Malacca, our group travelled down the mainland to Kukup, a small fishing village on the southernmost point of Malaysia. Kukup is situated on the coast of the Malacca Strait, a very busy waterway. This stretch of water has been and still is notorious for pirates. Our students learnt that some of the pirates ended up becoming Kukup fisherman.

Our group took a ferry to Kukup Island National Park. Here, our students gained an understanding of the importance of mangroves and the life that depends on that type of habitat. The group walked into the national park, with two students taking up the opportunity to plant a mangrove plant.

Back on the ferry, our next stop was a fish farm, where our students saw first-hand how fish are grown for local markets.

The ferry dropped us off at the village, providing our students with the opportunity to walk through the fishing village to get an insight into the way of life of the locals.

Back on the bus, our group continued onto Johor Bahru, the Malaysian city closest to Singapore.

Day Ten: Thursday 2 July 2015Johor Bahru

Itinerary included:

• Legoland Theme Park• Legoland Water Park• Travel from Johor Bahru to Singapore


Day 10 was planned as a ‘rest day’ for our students - yeah right. Near Johor Bahru, we spent most of our day at Legoland Theme Park and Legoland Water Park. Our students enjoyed the thrills and spills on the rides and activities.

Leaving Legoland our group gave an emotional farewell to our Malaysian guide and driver.

Travelling across the border into Singapore, our students managed themselves well through the two check points.

As we drove to our hotel near the city centre, our students quickly gained an understanding of the contrasting economic difference between Singapore and much of Malaysia.

Day Eleven: Friday 3 July 2015North Vista Secondary School

Itinerary included:

• School Programme at North Vista Secondary School• River Safari at Singapore Zoo


Up extra early and wearing their school uniform, our students boarded our bus by 6:45am to travel to the north of Singapore, arriving at North Vista Secondary School in time for their assembly at 7:30am. Assembly was an eye opener for our students with the Singaporean’s very patriotic approach.

After the assembly, our students were buddied up with North Vistarian students and spent the morning in class with their buddies. This gave our students an insight into what learning looks like in a very different country. Again, it was great to see our students engaging so well with students from totally different ethnicities and culture. By the time we shared lunch together, our students had formed friendships and had exchanged social media details.

The afternoon was spent at Singapore Zoo, where our students had the opportunity to see many exotic animals up close.

In the evening our students were taught how to use the MRT, the Singaporean underground system.

Day Twelve: Saturday 4 July 2015Singapore

Itinerary included:

• Zespri Office• Shopping• Travel by MRT to Clarke Quay• River Cruise


Saturday was assigned as a rest day for the members of our group.

First though, we travelled to the Zespri head office to meet Tracy Ho, Zespri Marketing Manager for Singapore and Thailand. Here, our students gained a good understanding of the marketing campaign used by Zespri in Singapore.

Our students spent the rest of the day with their North Vistarian buddies, enjoying shopping in Singapore.

Our group met back for dinner then our students had to get our group to Clarke Quay using the MRT so that we could enjoy a cruise on Singapore River. This was another eye opener for our students who saw the Singapore skyscape lit up in all its glory.

Day Thirteen: Sunday 5 July 2015Singapore

Itinerary included:

• Marina Bay Sands Sky Park• Super Tree Grove and Skyway• Travel by MRT• Luge • SEA Aquarium


Leaving our hotel early, our students were given the challenge of navigating using the MRT to the various sights and activities.

First challenge was to get to Marina Bay Sands, a 57 storey hotel, casino and convention centre, which has become an iconic symbol of Singpore with its cruiseship like observation deck complete with infinity pool. Taking our students to the observation deck gave them a 360 degree view of the city below. Students could see the congestion of ships around the second largest port in the world, as well as the high risers that constitued the banking sector, which housed all the major world banks. In addition, our students could see Marina Barrage, the dam which separates the fresh water of the artificially produced Singapore River from the salt water of the ocean. It was obvious to our students that land was a precious comodity in Singapore.

Back at ground level, we found our way to the Super Tree Grove. Inspired by Avatar, these massive metal trees housed hanging plants. These trees provided inspiration for our students to be creative and innovative in their thinking.

From the Super Tree Grove we navigated to Sentosa Island, where we enjoyed a Luge ride, before visting the SEA (South East Asian) Aquarium. This massive aquarium complex provided our students with the opportunity to learn about the diverse range of plants and animals that live in the oceans of South East Asia.

Day Fourteen: Monday 6 July 2015Singapore

Itinerary included:

• Urban Redevelopment Authority• Buddha Tooth Relic Temple • Sri Mariamman Temple • Chinatown• Kampong Glam• Little India


First stop of the morning was the Urban Redevelopment Authority, which contains a large 3D model of Singapore. With a country of 5.5 million people that fits within the area of Lake Taupo it was obvious that careful planning is needed to use their precious land. From this presentation, our students gained an appreciation of the need for careful planning of the development of Singapore right down to trees that lined the streets!

A short walk brought us to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. Here our students got to witness some of the amazing rituals that take place in a Buddhist temple. Down the road our students entered Sri Mariamman Temple and got further insight into the Hindu religious rituals. These visits provided an opportunity for our students to compare and contrast these religions. Walking through Chinatown gave our students and opportunity to engage with the locals and do some bartering. From Chinatown we travelled to Kampong Glam, the Muslim quarter, where our students could engage further with local Muslim people.

Later that day, our bus driver dropped us off in Little India, to enable our group to walk back to our hotel through the crowded streets and interesting shops.

This day provided our students with opportunities to learn about the different ethnicities and their culture that make up Singapore.

Day Fifteen: Tuesday 7 July 2015Singapore

Itinerary included:

• Kranji War Memorial• The Changi Museum• NEWater


Day fifteen promised to be a thought provoking one and it delivered.

First stop of the morning was Kranji War Memorial War Cemetry, which is the final resting place for 4,458 allied servicemen in marked graves laid out in rows on maintained and manicured lawns. Over 850 of these graves are unidentified. Our students were confronted by the shear number of graves of allied serviceman who had given their lives to support Britain defend Singapore. We formed a circle and recited The Ode. Each student was given poppies to place at the headstones of New Zealand soldiers. While walking through the multitude of headstones our students were able to reflect on those who had made the ultimate sacrifice. It was a solemn visit that impacted on our students.

Continuing the thought provoking theme, our group visited Changi Museum, which is situated close to the infamous WWII POW Camp. Inside the museum, our students read the personal accounts of allied prisoners and Singaporeans. This experience impacted on our students, who once again reflected on the sacrifices made by those during this horrific time.

Final stop for the day was the NEWater plant, which is one of the solutions possed by Singaporean authorities to overcome the problem of a water shortage. NEWater is a recycling plant for water. Confronted by this fact, our students were required to develop a marketing campaign to encourage people to drink NEWater.

Day Sixteen: Wednesday 8 July 2015Singapore to Auckland

Itinerary included:

• Universal Studios• 16.00 Transfer to Changi Airport• 19.15 Depart Singapore (MH616)• 20.25pm Arrival in Kuala Lumpur• 22.45pm Depart Kuala Lumpur (MH131)


The final day of our overseas educational adventure was planned as a ‘rest day’ - yeah right. Rather, most of the day was spent at Universal Studios, where our students took on the challenge of doing as many adventure rides as they could.

In the late afternoon, our group travelled to Changi International Airport to board our plane bound for Kuala Lumpur then Auckland. Our students handled themselves well as they progressed through airport security like professionals. It was obvious that they had learnt many lifeskills on their overseas adventure.

During the overnight flight to New Zealand, our students managed themselves well.

Day Seventeen: Thursday 9 July 2015Auckland to Te Puke

Itinerary included:

• 11.45 Arrived in Auckland.• Travelling from Auckland to Te Puke.


Arriving in Auckland our students did well, managing themselves through the airport security.

The group reassembled for the last time on the trip at the arrival area. After a final count off, the group loaded the minibuses and drove the three hours southeast to Te Puke.

Conclusion

MASEE (Malaysian and Singaporean Educational Experience) 2015 was a great success.

The aim of the trip was to provide Te Puke High School students with opportunities and challenges to help them develop as global citizens.

On behalf of the MASEE 2015 group I would like to thank First Sovereign Trust Limited for the $20,000 grant and Zespri for a $5,000 grant and teeshirts.

Thank you First Sovereign and Zespri.

Documents

Report - tphs.school.nz 2015/MASEE Report 2015 for...The aim of the trip was to provide Te Puke High School students with opportunities and challenges ... During day two, ... • Royal