Eye-opening experience for Toyo University, i-CATS students
KUCHING: A group of students from Toyo University, Japan and the International College of Advanced Technology Sarawak (i- CATS) recently had an eyeopening experience during a food diversity voyage programme.
For the participants, it brought home the importance of drawing on the strengths of a diverse group, comprising individuals of different nationalities and backgrounds, to advance the noble cause of making the world a better place for all.
According to a press release by i- CATS, 32 students comprising 20 from Toyo University and 12 from i- CATS participated in the programme held here from Aug 25 to 30.
The programme was jointly organised by Toyo University and Global Incubation x Fostering Talents (GiFT), Japan in collaboration with Midin Events Company, and supported locally by i-CATS and Politeknik Kuching Sarawak. GiFT, a non-profit organisation based in Tokyo, Japan, offers various Global Citizenship Education programmes involving youths in various countries such as Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. GiFT’s programmes support the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Indeed, for many students, participating in GiFT’s Global Citizenship Education programmes is a significant milestone along life’s journey; it often sets the stage for lifelong friendships and development of core values such as mutual trust and respect for fellow human beings around the globe.
During the course of the Food Diversity Voyage programme in Kuching, the students visited various places of interest and tourist attractions in and around Kuching and Bau. In addition to team- building activities at iCATS, the students also spent time with their host families. This enabled the Japanese students to experience fi rst-hand, Sarawak’s renowned hospitality.
During the ‘GiFT Day cum Closing Ceremony’ on Aug 30, the students were divided into six teams, with each team comprising Toyo University and i- CATS students. In their quest to showcase the best of both worlds, each team prepared Japanese and Malaysian dishes. The students had to present their culinary delights to a panel of commentators. As part of their presentation, both Japanese and Malaysian students had to share their experience on working together to produce the various dishes.
At the closing ceremony, Sarawak Youth and Sports Department Kuching Division head Mohd Shukeri Drahman commended the various parties for organising the Food Diversity Voyage Programme. He noted that the programme enabled the students to learn from each other as they participated in various activities. He also encouraged the parties to consider organising a similar programme for Malaysian students to visit Japan.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Skills Development Centre ( PPKS) Corporate Services Senior Manager Stanley Gona said it was an honour for i-CATS, a subsidiary company of PPKS, to support the programme and contribute to the development of global citizens.
Present at the closing ceremony were GiFT facilitator Chie Aikawa, GiFT co- ordinator Kentaro Kubo, Midin Events Company CEO Chew Kim Soon, Politeknik Kuching Sarawak co- ordinator Lim Che Chien and i- CATS Academic director Dr Leo Sing Lim.