Studying Public international law with MGCI in Malaysia
By Andy Ding
Allow me to tell you a bit about my fun, 3-week trip to Monash University’s campus in Kuala Lumpur (KL), Malaysia, which was the 2024 winter Monash Global Campus Intensives (MGCI) in Malaysia.
From our very first day, Monash Malaysia warmly welcomed us Monash Law students.
Monash Malaysia students, who had previously done study exchanges in Australia, guided us around the nearby area in an Amazing Race. The race took us to cultural locations, including a small Buddhist temple and a mosque.
Even though we weren't dressed for the mosque and hadn't initially planned on entering, our guides were happy to speak to the mosque attendants and ask whether we could borrow any necessary coverings and be allowed to enter. What followed was a unique tour of the Darul Ehsan Mosque, the first mosque ever built in the Subang Jaya area.
Not only did we get the opportunity to look around, take photos, and have the mosque explained to us, but we also even saw a religious class in progress! This was entirely something that was not part of the planned race, but truly epitomised the incredible cultural experiences that we could have whilst in Malaysia. It was entirely thanks to our amazing guides, Tze Ting and Pei Yi, and the kind people at the mosque. They were willing to let us explore the mosque and have this unique experience about this important aspect of Malaysia, a predominantly Muslim country.
The amazing race also took us to a nearby district, SS15, one of the many districts around KL with places to grab a flavourful bite to eat. Throughout the trip, one constant highlight was the variety of good food that could be found, from Malaysian nasi lemak, teh tarik and char key teow to Indian roti canai and even Middle Eastern shawarma.
After our rapid orientation, we had classes in the morning for LAW4122 Public International Law with Dr Monique Cormier. As would be expected of an introductory unit to the concepts of International Law, we covered many topics. However, the topics we covered were fascinating, including the laws of war and a crowd-favourite, the law of the sea.
We had a Moodle exam assessment at the end of three weeks, with the readings helping to provide case studies to support the international principles I referred to. There is also an essay assessment, with ample time for completion.
Several other fun activities were organised for us. On the Friday of the first week, we went on a day trip to Malacca, a historically significant state and the location of one of the earliest Malay sultanates before Portuguese occupation. The place itself had must-see striking red-coloured Portuguese-influenced buildings.
We went on a forest walk north of KL on the Tuesday of the second week. We were somewhat concerned about the remote chance of picking up leeches from leaves. There was a discouraging moment when, looking at our fully covered tour guides, we realised that we may have just exposed ourselves as perfect mosquito food in our shorts and t-shirts.
The forest walk guide did show us an intricate and thriving ecosystem, from different layers of the forest to crown shyness, how the humid condition leads to trees growing all year round and with their roots closer to the surface. We learned that hitting the roots can make a drumming sound that travels great distances, a perfect tool for any who are lost in the Malaysian forests.
We also had the opportunity to hear from international guest speakers on their areas of expertise, both in class and at a specially organised event. And there were so many opportunities to travel and see various other things.
Ultimately, the MGCI Malaysia trip is an exciting multi-cultural experience where students learn about international law in an international environment while making friends, both local and international. I highly recommend it to those considering it, and I know that I will certainly be going back to Malaysia someday.