Day 1: Ice Breaking Activity

IYC, KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - The ice breaking activity started at around 8 o’clock in the evening. However, before that, we were introduced to the program staff and met this guy Bahgwan, who, perhaps, has an energy of the energizer bunny (batteries) which kept us all entertained. We were oriented of the things that we should be expecting and the staff laid down the rules before us. In order to get to know one another, or possibly, break us into the program, there was a series of ice breaker activities. First is the usual introduction but in order for everyone to, at least, get a hang of all the names, we had to create some sort of action or make sounds after we say our names and country. Of course, Baghwan started the ball rolling and soon, everyone followed by making silly faces. The number of participants was relatively low so, one way or the other; we will be getting to know someone from a different country.

The MIYE delegates during the ice breaking activity 

The second game was the “Pass the Buzz” which was kind of complicated that only a few could follow. We ended up proceeding to the last game which was a test of patience and strategy. The whole contingent was divided into two groups. All members of each group must link their hands and the game master will place a cloth ring (rope) draping from the left shoulder to the lower right torso of the first participant. This ring must be passed around without the aid of the other hand (since it’s linked) and without the cloth touching the ground. After the trial round, both groups have somehow established how are they going to go about the game so when the final round started, everyone was giddy to take their turn and everyone seems to be shouting, jumping, and what not. 

It definitely removed all the hesitations that we all have. Why were we jumping? I have no idea. There was no price or any similar motivation but I guess, everybody just wants to win. I could distinctly remember the time when the ring was maybe 2 or 3 people away from me, I started squeezing the hand of the person to my right because I was so excited. To an extent, it was hilarious because when we all first linked hands, we didn’t make much effort to get to know the people beside us. 

MIYE delegates in their respective freestyle poses after the Ice Breaking activity. 

After the orientation and ice breaking, we all went back to our respective rooms and for some of us, we used this chance to get to know our new roommates. We rested that night peacefully knowing that a new day filled of learning and activities awaits us.