Cultural exchange programme promotes globalisation, diversity

KUCHING: Midin Events Company conducted a cultural exchange programme yesterday involving pupils from SK Chung Hua Buso in Bau near here and students from Japan, who are currently studying in the US.

Japanese students Yuta Nitanai and Mika Yohana were tasked with introducing Japanese culture to the local students.

The activity, aimed at promoting globalisation and diversity, had local students from different ethnic backgrounds learning simple Japanese words, singing Japanese folk songs, listening to Japanese stories and playing some traditional Japanese games.

In reciprocation, they took turns introducing to their visiting guests different local cultures and traditional costumes.

For lunch, the teachers demonstrated the preparation of the famous ‘Ayam Pansuh’ – the local traditional herbal chicken dish cooked in bamboo.

With the dragon boat festival just a few days away, the visitors were also showed the art of making Chinese rice dumplings and cooking a local favourite, the ‘Ka Cang Ma’ chicken.

After lunch, everyone sat down and had a go at some of the traditional children’s games like ‘ baling kasut’, ‘ batu seremban’ and ‘congkak’.

The games were well received by the Japanese students.

SK Chung Hua Buso headmistress Hee Tai Thai said the school was grateful for the opportunity given by Midin Events Company, where the local pupils had gained invaluable experience to mingle and interact with the Japanese.

“Such exchange has enriched the children’s views and knowledge.”

Hee also expressed her hope that through the exchange, the teachers could diversify their approach in education to a broader level, in line with the new ambition of the new government via its revamped ‘Look East’ policy.

Midin Events Company chief executive officer Chew Kim Soon was also present at the session.

For more information about Midin Events Company and the cultural exchange programmes, visit www.midinevents.my.