26 Malaysians to study the Japanese way
TWENTY-SIX students were selected to pursue their undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Japan under the Japanese Government Scholarship for the 2019 academic year. The students received their letters of offer from Minister Counselor Hiroyuki Orikasa of the Japanese Embassy in Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur recently.
Recipient Muhamad Kamal Zulkifle, 32, said applying for the scholarship was one of the best decisions he made.
“The main reason I chose to study in Japan is to experience its culture and the lifestyle of its people. I have been to Japan for holidays, and I am excited to study at Nagoya University for the next two years.”
Kamal will pursue his Masters in International Development, and he will be learning the Japanese language in the first six months.
“I hope the language barrier and a change of weather will not be an issue as I try to adapt quickly. Everyone knows that Japan is one of the most advanced nations. For that, I want to “pick the brain” of its experts, and learn about their culture and technology as much as possible,” said the political science graduate from Universiti Teknologi Mara.
Norshima Abu Hasan, 29, will be pursuing her PhD in environmental microbiology at Nara Institute of Science and Technology, studying a plastic-degrading bacteria.
She chose to study in Japan because of its advanced technology and intensive research culture.
Norshima studied biotechnology at the University of Buffalo in the United States before doing her Masters in Pharmaceutical Technology at Universiti Sains Malaysia.
“I am going to enjoy my time in Japan and do research on something I love,” said Norshima, who will be leaving in October.
During the ceremony, Orikasa said besides studying, he hoped that the scholarship recipients would enjoy their studies and learn the Japanese way of life.
“You have a golden opportunity
to learn more about Japan and its people. At the same time, it is a good occasion to introduce Malaysia’s beautiful, unique and diverse culture to the Japanese people as young ambassadors of Malaysia in Japan.
“You are your nation’s hope to expand your knowledge and capabilities. I hope you will return to serve and deliver your knowledge to the community.” Orikasa reminded the scholars to write a thank-you note to their parents.
Present were Public Service Department human capital division senior deputy director Dr Zurina Abdul Hamid, Japan Graduates’ Association of Malaysia (Jagam) chairman Gary Tang Kok Lian, Alumni Look East Policy Society (ALEPS) president Zulfiqar Zainudin and Universiti Malaya Ambang Asuhan Jepun head of Japanese teachers Dr Toshio Mizuno.
The Japanese Government Scholarship was established in 1954 with the aim of contributing to human capital development in foreign countries, and promote cultural exchange, mutual understanding and friendship with Japan.
More than 1,600 Malaysians had received the scholarship.