Having concluded the last of the official sessions for the In Search of Saigon leg, we set out bright and early on the seventh day for an overnight trip to the Mekong Delta, which branches out to six different countries, its trademark murky waters providing much amusement for the brave travellers. Hopping by boat from place to place, students witnessed among other things how rice noodles, honey and even rice is produced. Packed off in little boats, the next day we saw the Cai Rang floating market up and close selling fresh market produce at wholesale rates while also experiencing a mobile petrol station in the middle of the Delta! By night however, the students weren’t taking it easy. Cultural Night practices, to put on a show for our gracious hosts, were in full swing, even being taken out to Saigon’s public parks the next day when travellers returned from the Mekong Delta (causing mild excitement amongst tourists and locals both in the park).

Camaraderie at its fruity best - pineapples being savoured at Cai Rang floating market

Our host institution for the trip was the Regional Centre for Social Science and Sustainable Development (RCSD), a sub-division of the Faculty of Social Sciences from Chiang Mai University, Thailand. Dr. Chayan Vaddhanaphuti, the director of RCSD, and Dr. Prasit Leepreecha, a colleague from the centre, initiated our introduction to the social landscapes of northern Thailand by presenting a lecture on national development priorities and the many indigenous hill tribes which inhabit  this region.  From this, the travelers learnt about an alternate reality that exists in Northern Thailand apart from those seen in brochures. This was the foretaste   of more to come.

On day two, we met up  with staff  of  the Inter-Mountain People’s Education and Culture in Thailand Association (IMPECT), a people-based organisation.  Here, we were  enlightened on  the major issues that mountain peoples are faced with.  Among others, they struggle with the nationalist agendas of the government which often go against their traditional ways of life,   especially in the areas of education and natural resource management.

On  day three, we were given the opportunity to cycle around the city. We headed our way to the ancient Buddhist temples of Wat Phra Singh, and Wat Chideeluang  where we learnt a little about the political, social and cultural significance of Buddhism in Chiang Mai and Thailand. We also cycled to a Muslim community mosque called Masjid Al-Attaqwa situated on another part of Chiang Mai to meet up with the local leaders. Religion, it would seem, is an integral factor within Chiang Mai’s social milieu and we were grateful to have been able to experience it, if only for a day. Later that evening, we were  treated to various cultural performances  at the  Chiang Mai Cultural Centre.

Arriving at AIDSNET

With the women of Masjid Al-Attaqwa

On  day four of the study trip, we were given the liberty to explore Chiang Mai on our own. And so some of us got up early in the morning to   follow the Buddhist monks who walked along the streets of Chiang Mai  in order to give devotees the opportunity to offer food and other items to them. Others chose to check out   Chiang Mai’s many vibrant street markets, try  out traditional Thai massage or learn more about Thai cuisine in one of the cooking schools nearby.  In the evening, many of us witnessed muay thai, Thai traditional boxing or  indulged in the hype of the FIFA World Cup fever by joining large excited crowds in bars to view the game on giant screens.

The next two days were the most exhausting  as the pace picked up considerably. We met up with  six NGOs (non-governmental organizations) scattered throughout the city.  While the distance between the NGOs meant a lot of sitting in our usual mode of transportation (the lut deng which resembled jeeps) this allowed  the travelers time to bond as well.

On day five, we  listened intently to the varied work of the AIDS Network Development Foundation (AIDSNET), Human Rights Education Institute of Burma (HRIEB), and Gabfai Community Theatre group.   All of them gave us a clearer  picture of the many invisible and marginalized social groups that inhabit Northern Thailand and the different strategies they use to represent their interests.

Similar lessons were learnt on day six of the trip.  Friends without Borders is a group that  draws on  popular media  to promote human rights awareness among the general public on  the plight  of indigenous communities, migrant workers and refugees in northern Thailand. 

Migrant Assistance Program (MAP) addressed issues of  migrant worker  protection while  EMPOWER (Education Means Protection of Women Engaged in Re-creation)  lobbies  for the  legal and formal protection of sex workers in Thailand. These NGOs wrapped up our journey to Chiang Mai ever so fittingly as they were showed us how struggle is an emulation and a practice of hope. This left a lasting impression on all of us.

Learning more about the situation of Burma

Being theatrical at Gabfai Community Theatre

On the final day of the trip,  we loaded up our suitcases for  our last lut deng ride across Chiang Mai. With heavy hearts, we silently thanked the city for its hospitality and for allowing us to explore it and its people.   The Chiang Mai experience was for  all formal intents and purposes  a study trip  allowing us to exercise our creative writing, photography and videography skills. But it  was also a journey  that made us question our own lives and its complacencies, to see the world beyond the worn-out pages of over-read books, and to write some pages of our own.

Our documented experiences can be found at http:insearchofchiangmai.blogspot.com.

By Nadiah Ahmad, Editor-in-Chief

Characteristic of previous study trips, the travellers documented their experiences in a collective blog (http://insearchofyogyakarta.blogspot.com) set up and managed by themselves.

What was different about this year’s trip was the diverse backgrounds of the travellers who came together, hungry for fresh experiences in a foreign land. The trip brought together Monash University's Arts students from Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. In addition, two alumni members, Aron Raj and Eunice Phang also accompanied the travellers on this trip. Organized and planned by our pathfinder, Dr Yeoh Seng Guan, in consultation with a former traveller and Monash Arts graduate, Nurina Malinda, we embarked on a journey in the land of the arts. Our first session was a timely visit to the Centre for South East Asian Social Studies (CESASS), Universitas Gadjah Madar in light of the Indonesian presidential elections that had just taken place. Our host, Dr Aris Arif Mundayat, the director of CESASS, together with his colleague Mr Budi Irwanto, gave their analysis on the results of the elections and the nature of the political arena in Indonesia. After that the travellers adjourned to the office compound of INSIST (Indonesian Society for Social Transformation) situated about 18 kms to the north of the city.

On Day 5, we visited Rifka Annisa, a women crisis center (WCC) catering to the needs of the female population as well as educating men on women's rights. The next session held at the artists’ commune of Taring Padi gave us an insight into the creativity of street political art in raising awareness about the freedom of expression and enlivening democracy in Indonesia.

On Day 6, during our official sightseeing day, travellers ventured into the palace walls of the two-century old Kraton, the royal residence of the current Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X. The Kraton has an area that spans approximately 14,000 metres square. Later that day, we also visited the ancient Hindu temple of Prambanan. In the evening, the Prambanan towers served as a picturesque backdrop for the much awaited Ramayana Ballet that we watched.

For the final two days of our stay in Yogyakarta, travellers shopped vigorously for souvenirs and gifts for their families and friends back home. It proved to be an interesting experience for all as everyone learnt quickly the art of bargaining and negotiating gracefully with vendors.

The trip to Yogyakarta has been one replete with experiences of the stunning landscapes, vivid batik art-forms, and warm welcomes that we have received from the people whom we met in Yogyakarta. It has provided us a window into appreciating the Javanese way of life.

The study trip to Siem Reap held between 4 to 11 July, 2008 was hosted by the Centre for Khmer Studies (CKS). The trip allowed the students to polish their journalistic, writing and organizing skills as everyone was allocated into different work groups like photography, videography, editorial and cultural teams. Their entries were posted daily updates onto a collective blog - http://insearchofsiemreap.blogspot.com/

Dr Michael Sullivan of CKS welcomed the group with an introductory session on Cambodian society and culture on their first day. After the session, the students explored the site of Wat Damnak monastery occupied by Buddhist monks and nuns.

The talk by Ms. Depika Sherchan of the Centre of Housing Rights and Eviction (COHRE) on the second day of the trip highlighted housing rights as one of the most violated human rights in the country. COHRE is an international organization working to defend housing rights violated through forced evictions.

Students were free to pursue their own stories in day four, which ranged from shadow puppetry at the House of Peace, the floating village at Tonle Sap, to the views of local citizens on the upcoming general election in the country.

Day five took us back to Wat Damnak to learn more about the work of Life and Hope Association (LHA) through an interactive session with Monk Y Nol and Duong Than. LHA provides literacy education and skills training for children and teenagers. Several students continued the day with a visit to a local orphanage, Sunrise Children’s Village where they watched the orphans perform a traditional Khmer dance and presented them with gifts.

Five history students from the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) acted as guides. They provided the students with informal background insights into Cambodian history as well as helped out with translations, interviews and everyday activities.

During the trip, students braved themselves for a taste of fried grasshoppers, which oddly tasted similar to prawns. Students also enjoyed open air tuk-tuk (motorcycle taxis) rides along the outskirts of Siem Reap, something they would not have experienced in Kuala Lumpur.

“This was an amazing trip, an eye-opening experience that may only come to me once in a lifetime” said Aron Raj, former Vice President of the Communication Student Alliance (COSTA). “I was able to further develop my video expertise and train students who are interested in videography beyond the classroom environment.”

By Mindy Wong and Kemi Harahap

In mid-April, 2008, the Arts Programme together with COSTA (Communication Students Association) organised a study visit to the PT (Pink Triangle) Foundation, an NGO located in the infamous Chow Kit area. Chow Kit lies near to the heart of old Kuala Lumpur and is a  haven for drug addicts and sex workers in the popular imagination.

“What we are doing in the PT foundation is basically AIDS/HIV awareness and prevention. We also have free and anonymous aids testing and screening,” said Jeremy Kwan, the chief officer at PT Foundation.

PT foundation was started in 1987. This was also during the time when the HIV/AIDS epidemic was first detected in Malaysia. However, the logo and phrase of the “Pink Triangle” dates back to the holocaust period in the 1940s when homosexuals were thus marked to signify their deviant sexuality.  “Today it has been appropriated as a symbol of empowerment for sexual minorities,” said Jeremy Kwan.

Students were briefed on the concept of safe sex, shown the right way to put on a condom, and helped assemble safe sex packs.  Inside the safe sex pack, which the PT Foundation calls the “survival kit of today”, are usually 2 condoms,  a packet of lubricant and information cards on help hotline and places to go for free HIV/AIDS testing.

Later on, the students were taken for a short walk through the back alleys of Chow Kit before arriving at a place of refuge for the vulnerable communities in the area. Here, they can sleep, clean up, do their laundry, given food, and even have their small children attend tuition classes. Damsha, the Senior Program Manager, said that no matter how bad the situation could be for them, the center provided them with that little bit of hope. “No one will be left behind here. They are all treated the same and no one is different. No one gets special treatment and no one is treated badly,” she added.

It as an eye opening afternoon that challenged most of our perceptions on taboo subjects. According to Max Tan, a final year Communication student, “Just because they are sex workers doesn’t mean they should be discriminated against. Many did not choose this kind of life and even if they did, they may have much choice in the matter.” One of the key objectives of PT Foundation is to break the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS.  As the main NGO working on HIV/AIDS prevention among marginalized groups on the streets of Kuala Lumpur, it has faced several serious challenges. In 2005, it was almost shut down due to lack of funding. Recently, the organization has turned twenty-one years of age.

“PT Foundation inspires me in its efforts to make us understand the importance of safe sex in a society like today,” added Kelvin Tan, a first year Arts student.

By Batul Mohsinali

The 10-day trip saw the student travelers visiting two urban centers in northern Philippines.  Situated at 5,000 feet above sea level, Baguio City is known as the ‘Summer Capital of the Philippines’ because of its cool temparate climate. Sagada is a scenic hamlet situated further north in the Cordillera mountains.

At the Cordillera Studies Center, the travelers were given an introduction to the history, socio-political and economic background of the Cordilleran region. They also had interesting dialogue sessions with the Cordillera People’s Alliance (CPA), an NGO working with the indigenous peoples in the region; Northern Dispatch Weekly (NORDIS), an independent community newspaper; ORNUS, an NGO supporting the rights of the urban poor; MIGRANTE, an NGO monitoring the plight of Filipino migrant workers abroad; and the Baguio City Muslim Association.

The fourth day of the study tour saw the students travelling some 5 hours along spectacular mountain roads to Sagada, a spot popular for eco-tourism.  Besides meeting up with the Montanosa Research Development Centre, an NGO working for sustainable agriculture and speaking to local community leaders about indigenous peoples’ beliefs and practices, the travelers had time to do some hiking to see the famous hanging coffins, rice terraces, and spelunking at the Sumaging Caves.

In his reflections about the trip, Dr Yeoh Seng Guan, the organiser, said: “If there are any learning points that my fellow travelers can discern from this year’s trip to what may seem to be exotic and unfamiliar worlds, I believe there are two. Firstly, it is the tenacity of the human spirit in search for better livelihoods as embodied in the courageous daily struggles of local communities and civil society groups. Secondly, the singular wisdom and necessity of valuing and protecting cultural diversities wherever they may be found in order to shape a more convivial place for all”.

Trekking through rice-fields in Sagada

The intrepid student travelers adventures were documented in a collective blog: http://insearchofsagada.blogspot.com/

One of the objectives of the study tour is to expose the students to some of the social, cultural and political realities of a neighboring Asean country. Another is to allow students the opportunity of practicing their journalistic and writing skills in an unfamiliar environment.  To overcome the language barrier, students from the School of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University based in Bangkok acted as tour guides and translators.

“I think the most significant thing about this trip is the fact that we experienced the non-commercial version of Bangkok. As media students, I think it’s important for us to know the realities behind the representations as portrayed by the mainstream media. I felt it was such an eye-opener to all of us there” said Kerry-Ann Augustin, president of COSTA.

“The issues that we explored in Thailand prompted us to think about similar issues in our home country, and to reflect on the work of Thai civil society groups like the Duang Prateep Foundation and their quest to help the less fortunate,” said another student, Sharifah Shazana.

The student travelers adventures are found in: http://insearchofbangkok.blogsome.com/

By Kerry-Ann Augustin

Dr Yeoh said that the primary aim of the trip was to expose the students to the culture and concerns of the Orang Asli. “The students showed a high level of enthusiasm throughout, although most of them have not experienced the lifestyle in a rural environment prior to this trip,” he said.

Students were given an insight into how, for the Orang Asli, their cultural and economic survival is closely linked to the natural environment. Ms Puah further mentioned that the trip enabled the participants to learn the importance of respecting the belief of others. “We had a very pleasant trip and were overwhelmed by our host’s friendship and hospitality. We were pampered with different types of food and mastered the art of using the sarong,” added Ms Puah.

Ms Katrin Shmidt, 23, a second year Science student said that she had a wonderful experience discovering the culture of the indigenous people. “The Orang Asli strongly believe that people who abuse the forest and its wildlife will be subjected to retribution and punishment. Moreover, they are contented with what they have and do not take more than what they need,” said Ms Schmidt.

Ms Farhah Isyqi, 24, a second year Communication student said that the trip was educational in terms of getting to know the problems of the Orang Asli community firsthand. “They are very hardworking, approachable and friendly people. I was amazed to find out that they wake up as early as 4am in the morning to carry out their chores. The younger generation is actively involved in spreading awareness on the importance of education among children,” said Ms Isyqi.

By Puah Sze Ning