Active in IRO UMM, Brings Alif to Work in the Land of a Thousand Pagodas

Alif, UMM FPP alumni who can work in Thailand thanks to UMM's active international activities. (Photo: Istimewah)

University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) continues to produce reliable graduates. Not only at the national level but also internationally. One of them is Alif Galuh Permata Dhesa. This alumnus of the Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Agriculture (FPP) UMM is now working in a multinational company in Bangkok, Thailand.

Her nickname, Alif, said that initially, she had no plans to work in Thailand. She was eager to seek experience in multinational companies, which made him enroll at TDCX, one with many branches in Asia and Europe. Finally, Alif tried her luck in various positions in the Malaysia and Thailand branches. Unexpectedly, she was finally accepted in 2019 and is still wandering in the Land of the white elephant.

Alif said that her success in flying and adapting in Thailand was more or less due to the knowledge she got while studying at UMM. She admits that she is very active in various international institutions and activities. For example, when she often participated in UMM International Relations Office (IRO) events. This makes him often in contact with international students. Not infrequently, she even communicated with the ambassadors.

“This experience and knowledge have made me adapt quickly to the Thai environment. In UMM international activities and institutions, I can also practice English so that I can speak fluently,” she added.
For more than two years living in the Land of a Thousand Pagodas, Alif told various interesting, unique things. One of them is a ship or boat, which is still a means of public transportation. The ships mainly operate on the Chao Praya River. The river is still one of the central locations for community activities, both economic and tourism for foreign and domestic tourists.

This woman from Mojokerto recounted that Thai food has its characteristics. The sour and spicy taste is the typical culinary taste that is there. In addition, in every food, there is always cilantro and lime. “So apart from sour and spicy, the food here is usually served with coriander leaves and lime as a garnish. Who can even find it in authentic Thai fried rice,” she said.

In addition, what makes Alif interested is the Songkran Festival. An annual celebration that requires participants to wet themselves, this activity is a form of self-purification from all evil. Interestingly, almost all levels of society participated in this water war. Not to forget the tourists who are also allowed to follow it. “This festival is also a celebration of the Thai New Year. Usually, it will be very crowded, especially in big Thai cities,” she added.

According to him, the culture of Thailand and Indonesia is not much different. It is starting from the attitude of manners and also the social situation. In contrast, the most striking difference is the many temples or shrines in Thailand. This can not be separated from the majority of the population who adheres to Buddhism. (haq/wil)