BY ABIDGAIL MERTA GANGGANG
KOTA SAMARAHAN: Thirty Japanese undergraduates had an eye-opening experience during their two-week study exchange programme here.
The students from Utsunomiya University Japan (UU) engaged in various activities and programmes from Feb 22 to March 8.
The exchange programme is a collaboration between Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) and its strategic partner UU, with 29 students from the local university also involved.
“Sarawak has more nature than Japan. Looking around, I saw more greenery than buildings, which was very relaxing. Perhaps, with so much nature, the people are very calm,” Ryogo Matsuo, 21, told New Sarawak Tribune at the closing ceremony of the programme on Monday (Mar 6) evening.
He also said he learned a lot about the differences in values and beliefs between the people.
Hikari Yokoyama, 21, echoed his view, noting that Malaysia has different races.
“Therefore, it is important to understand the differences in cultures and diversity as there are no major differences in race and religion in Japan,” she said.
Some students said that Laksa Sarawak is the food that brought everyone together.
Said 21-year-old Hinano Suruta: “It tickled my taste buds and I was instantly in love with it.”
Esther Wong Hau Si, 24, of Unimas commented that by interacting with the Japanese students in this programme and learning about their culture firsthand, they could dispel myths, misconceptions, and promote a more positive image of each other’s country and people.
The programme started with a briefing on Feb 22 which was attended by Unimas deputy vice chancellors (Academic and International) Professor Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit and Prof. Dr Tatsuhiro Ohkubo, professor in the field of forest ecology and silviculture, UU.
Participants took part in various activities in the two week programme which included English language lessons that delved into the elements of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The classes were conducted by instructors from the Faculty of Language and Communication with Unimas participants serving as teaching assistants in the breakout sessions.
Their lessons were given in interactive question-and-answer sessions, oral presentations, songs and games to demonstrate their ability to communicate and use the English language confidently.
Apart from that, participants had the opportunity to teach and learn English, Bahasa Malaysia as well as Japanese.
They also explored Unimas’ campus along with its faculties and facilities as well as explored Kuching city like the Borneo Culture Museum, Keringkam Gallery, Sri Maha Mariamman Temple at Mount Matang and Sarawak Cultural Village.
Participants also had the opportunity to exchange information on cultures, traditions, cuisine, songs and dances through the activities.
Meanwhile, the closing ceremony took place at the Faculty of Language and Communication, Unimas and attended by Prof Dr. Wan Hashim bin Wan Ibrahim, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research and Innovation, and Associate Prof Dr Izuha Takashi of Utsunomiya University.
After the ceremony, Izuha said Sarawak remained as their favourite choice for strategic partnership and that it was a small step in the relationship between Malaysia and Japan.
As for Marcella Wee, 24, of Unimas there was cultural learning along with learning about English.
“The students found it was not too difficult to create good chemistry because we’re almost similar in terms of basic etiquette and culture,” she said.
Another Unimas representative, Zulaica Wee Wan Ling, 24, stated that in terms of learning, this programme provided space for mutual learning as programme coordinators worked together to plan and execute it .
“The more I talked to them the more I learned about their culture and it ranged from food, to their music and TV shows,” said Rommie Mike, 24.
“They exposed me to more stuff that is not typically shown in the mainstream media which makes me even more curious and more knowledgeable about Japan,” the Unimas student added.
