UPM Bintulu takes part in M’sia-Japan virtual exchange
BINTULU: Twenty participants and seven programme coordinators from Sri Rajang College of Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu Campus (UPMKB) have participated in the Malaysia-Japan UPM-Kyutech EMobility programme held virtually from March 15 to 23.
The annual programme was jointly organised by Pendeta Za’Ba College at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Serdang Campus and Kyutech, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Tobata Campus, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Japan.
The e-mobility programme was officiated at by UPM deputy vice chancellor for Student Affairs and Alumni Prof Dr Arifin Abdu with the presence of Prof Seiji Kajihara, representing Kyushu Institute of Technology.
The long-standing good relationship between UPM and Kyushu was the driving force behind the success of the programme.
It provided the participants with the experience and knowledge about a student’s life in Japan during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Cultural and language exchange activities between the two countries were also included in the programme.
Participants from Kyutech shared their culture by teaching the art of making origami.
In addition, the participants also gave presentations based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that was introduced by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015, as a stepping stone in achieving a more sustainable future for everyone.
Participants from Kyutech and UPM were very proactive and participated in group discussions to share their opinions.
They were also able to develop their English communication skills and make new acquaintances, as well as learn about the lives of students in their respective countries.
The principal and head of Student Affairs and Alumni of UPMKB Dr Kamil Latif said the students from both universities gained knowledge on the concept and importance of sustainable development goals.
“I am extremely proud of both parties being able to come together and participate in this e-mobility programme, and I hope that we will soon be able to travel and experience each other’s countries once again,” he said during the closing ceremony.
The principal of Pendeta Za’Ba College Dr Mohd Hafiz Mohd Zaid believed that the programme provided the opportunity for UPM students to learn Japanese culture, language and the campus life in Japan.
In return, he said Kyutech students can also increase their knowledge about UPM students’ life.
“UPM-Kyutech e-mobility programme can make students become more independent and open-minded because they share a very great culture and civilisation of both countries,” said Hafiz.
This programme, he said, has become a benchmark and reference for future online emobility programmes with more modules and activities.
I am extremely proud of both parties being able to come together and participate in this emobility programme, and I hope that we will soon be able to travel and experience each other’s countries once again.
Dr Kamil Latif