New Students’ Orientation Program (NSOP)

Reported by: Jason Robbins, MA1 student

International Buddhist College (IBC) held a New Students’ Orientation Program on 17 July 2025. Venerable Dr. Wei Wu, the founder of IBC, kicked things off with an introductory speech covering the general vision and mission of the university. The speech delivered was on-point and concise, very much to the appreciation of his audience!

New students were then introduced to the university faculty and staff before being introduced to several Buddhist volunteers who had come from Penang, Malaysia, i.e., the Kalyānamitra group. The interaction with the Kalyānamitra group members represented the highlight of the 2025 Orientation Day Program. Expressing heartfelt interest in the students they had come to meet, these volunteers made IBC’s new students (some very far from home) feel welcome and at ease in their new home.

Following a group photo session, Associate Professor Dr. Mattia Salvini, the Rector of IBC, delivered a well-paced, tone-setting sharing on the 4 types of prajña or wisdom according to Buddhist philosophy. Students were stumped by the Professor when asked to identify the fourth type of wisdom, which Associate Professor Dr. Mattia Salvini described as that which is made possible by one’s making of merit. The sharing concluded with a brief question-and-answer session.

After lunch, the students were introduced to the pleasant Venerable Dr. Zhen Ti, whose responsibility was to deliver crucial information about the academic expectations at IBC and the challenging standards students will have to meet to keep receiving their bursaries. Speaking personally, this session was very enlightening, as I was not aware of the contingencies placed by the university on future financial aid.

After lunch, IBC’s Director, Venerable Zhen Sheng, another pleasantly-tempered person, got “real” with students about the disciplinary expectations that the university has for the student population. Though joking and laughing throughout his hour-long discussion on rules and regulations, the “shifu” hammered home the message that the interactions between males and females would be limited. The students, I suspect, recognized the importance and appropriateness of such expectations at a Buddhist university.

To close the day, students received a briefing on IBC’s impressive library and the various services that it offers. Venerable Dipananda, responsible for the library briefing, then treated the students to an in-person, free-of-charge tour of the library. This was very much appreciated by the students who are intent on research.

Overall, the New Students’ Orientation Program was consistently pleasant and useful. Time was not wasted, nor did any activity drag on for too long. I would look forward to next year’s orientation.

Last but not least, I would like to express my deepest appreciation to all IBC members and volunteers from Malaysia who are involved directly or indirectly towards the success of this program. Thank you!