Fostered students get to experience Sarawak culture

Nineteen students from Toyo University, Japan are in the state capital for nine days to learn Sarawak’s unique culture and way of life under Japanese education organisation, GiFT ( Global Incubation x Fostering Talents).

Teaming up with 13 of our university students, they were transported to Bau to mingle with the local community, and draw up proposals on how to improve the area’s eco- tourism sector.

In Bau, the participants were divided into six groups of mixed nationalities to conduct talks and field research in Kampung Krokong and Kampung Peros.

On Tuesday, each group presented its proposals at the Malaysia Red Crescent Society ( MRCS), Kuching Chapter headquarters.

Among the proposals were those entitled ‘ Riding in Bau’ and ‘ Fruits Paradise’ on how to promote the area as an ecotourism destination.

Other groups presented ideas such as writing books on local legends, hiring local youths to promote the area via social media, and developing traditional handicrafts.

GiFT in a press statement said their mission was to raise global citizens by getting students to step out of Japan and reach out to the world community with a ‘Global Citizen’s Mindset’.

The programme from Sept 3 to 11 will act as a starting point for participants to experience a diversified world, and learn to connect and respect each other.

After the presentation Tuesday, each participant was handed a certificate of participation by MRCS Kuching chapter deputy chairman Dr Chou Chii Ming in the presence of GiFT executive director Madoka Tatsuno and GiFT Kuching programme coordinator Chew Kim Soon.