Nur Atiqah Adzilla Anuar, *Ireena Nasiha Ibnu, Mohd Yusof Zulkefli, Suffian Hadi Ayub,
Nur Husna Serip Mohamad, Nadia Anuar

Abstract:

Intercultural Communication Competence (ICC) is just as important as math, science, and history. ICC stresses how important it is to treat each other with respect, value others, and work together to create effective relationships by overcoming cultural differences. The dynamic pressure of globalisation has produced profound effects on education across the globe, generating a remarkable transformation that is evident in the diversification of university campuses, notably in Malaysia. As things change, ICC forms an important aspect of fostering a welcoming and helpful learning space, especially for international postgraduate students (IPS) working with Malaysian academic supervisors in universities. This study aims to look at how local academic supervisors and IPS in Malaysia understand ICC. Utilising Hofstede’s Cultural Dimension Theory and the Conceptual Model of Intercultural Competence, the researchers interviewed 17 informants, including 9 local academic supervisors and 8 IPS from public and private universities in Klang Valley, Selangor, to ensure diversity within the participant sample.

Keywords: Intercultural communication competence, international postgraduate students, supervision experiences, higher education, Malaysia