KUALA LUMPUR: A heartwarming video of hundreds of people cheering wildly at Kuala Lumpur International Airport as more than a hundred Mara scholars prepare to depart for South Korea has gone viral.
According to the original poster on TikTok, user pokya_124, the students, who recently completed their foundation studies at UniKL, were bound for universities in the East Asian nation on Sunday.
In a scene some described as "emulating a sports stadium," the crowd consisted of family members, friends, and fellow UniKL peers, gathered to send the students off one last time.
In a comment, Pokya_124 shared that their child was among the scholars, pursuing data science at Korea University alongside four friends.
Netizens were quick to congratulate the scholars, sharing the triumphant hope felt by those present.
"Congratulations to these young achievers. May you be blessed with extraordinary success at the end of your studies. Amin," commented user Zailani Hussein.
Another user, Ayang, remarked, "It's like sending off celebrities, how festive!"
Others praised the camaraderie among the students, who were amongst the loudest.
"Today's students have such strong friendships among themselves. Keep up the spirit of learning and take care of everything while abroad. Congratulations to all," said @user9812416909371.
"Do your best, dear children of the nation, and come back to contribute to the country," added user Neur Maya Photography & Media.
Parents of Mara scholars also shared their pride and experiences.
"Congratulations to everyone. This reminds me of two years ago when my daughter and her batch were celebrated at KLIA. Alhamdulillah, she's now entering her third year," shared Siti Khuzaimah.
Another parent, Shahimah Satuhat, recalled, "I felt the same mix of sadness and joy when my child flew to France under Mara in August."
Meanwhile, those who studied abroad and have since returned reminisced about their simpler departures in the past.
"In my time, decades ago, I went overseas with just a backpack and a big suitcase, travelling alone. It's so different now for students going abroad in 2025," shared @PakTam.
Another user, Thunder Thundercats, noted, "When I left for England to pursue my degree and PhD, no one cheered."
Nevertheless, however the farewell may seem, the experience of studying abroad remains the same, past or present.
As user Tah put it, "This marks the beginning of chasing dreams."