Annah Rais Longhouse Visit a Must   08 March 2010 Students in Bidayuh traditional costumes Kuching, 08 March 2010 - UCSI University, Sarawak Campus organised a trip for 45 students and staff from its Faculty of Hospitality & Management to Annah Rais Longhouse located in the heart of the Padawan District. Upon arrival at Annah Rais Longhouse, the students were warmly welcomed by the residents of the longhouse and introduced to the Homestay Coordinator, Edward Gunui and another guide, who brought the students on a tour around the entire longhouse in two separate groups. Thus, the students learned of the customs of the Bidayuh locals and their culture, with an opportunity to also taste tuak, a locally-produced rice wine. In addition, they also got to know of the history of the longhouse and were treated to a welcome dance performance by a few of the longhouse residents at the performing terrace of the longhouse. Clad in traditional Bidayuh costumes, a group of students were also selected to participate in the dance. They were taught a simple dance routine to perform before their peers and received enthusiastic and supportive applause from their friends. The group was thereafter treated to a sumptuous lunch consisting of traditional dishes. Then, the group rested for a short while before heading to the river for a bath.  They trekked a short distance in the jungle before coming to a clearing and to cool, crystal clear, water. While some dipped in the shallow waters, others ventured off around the river bend in search of ‘greener pastures’. An hour later, they returned to the longhouse and began interviewing a few of the longhouse locals to find out more about the background and activities at the longhouse. The group finally left the longhouse armed with newfound knowledge on the Bidayuh culture and a bottle or two of tuak each. UCSI University, Sarawak Campus houses the Faculty of Hospitality & Management (FoHM) and prides itself on being the only private institution in Sarawak to offer its own “homegrown” degree in Hospitality Management. Currently, the University hosts about 200 students in the FoHM and strives to be the best at providing for all the students’ needs. Courses offered at UCSI University, Sarawak Campus are Event & Tourism Management, Hospitality Management, Commerce (with majors in International Business, Industrial Relations, and Retail Management), Hotel Management, Foundation Studies and GCE A-Levels. For more information, call UCSI University, Sarawak Campus at +6082 455 255 or view the university website at www.ucsi.edu.my/sarawak. "Without prejudice to the rights of UCSI the information herein is correct at the time of printing and UCSI reserves the right to make amendments without prior notice." Last Updated: 12 March 2010

Press Contact Details Aland Tay Business Development Manager Email: aland@ucsi.edu.my Telephone: +6082 - 455 255