It was a successful summer festival at Samurai Summer 2.0, organised by Department of Soft Skills Competency (DSSC) on 18 January 2020, at UTAR Kampar Campus.

As part of the International Cultural Exchange Programme, the event, held for the second time, aimed to provide students and the public with an experiential day learning about the wonders and culture of Japan. By visiting various booths, namely Tanabata and Origami; Anime and Manga Theatre; Yukata and Happi; Matsuri games; Matsuri food; and Japanese history and tourism, the organising committee hoped that participants will be able to “visit” Japan without incurring extra travelling costs.

The event kick-started with an opening ceremony, officiated by Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong and Organising Chairperson Naoko Shimizu. Also present at the event were DSSC Kampar Head Hee Chwen Yee, staff and over 300 participants.

“I am very happy to see such a large crowd and I am glad that many of you are so willing to learn about international cultures. I am very proud of the achievements of our Japanese interns. Though their internship only lasts for four to six months, they are very dedicated in contributing ideas to share their Japanese culture and knowledge with students and the public, at the same time contributing to UTAR,” said Prof Choong. He also advised participants to use this platform to expand their network, make new friends and learn more about other cultures.
“This event was initiated by my senior in the year 2019, who at that time, was also completing her internship at DSSC Kampar. With the Samurai Summer becoming a success, I am also happy that DSSC has decided to include this event as part of their annual programme. For myself, organising this event was more than just sharing my Japanese culture and information with the participants because I also gained an enriching experience. Organising this event has also enlightened me to see how the differences in ideas and cultures can unite us,” said Shimizu.

Joining to make the event interesting was Division of Admissions and Credit Evaluation Senior Manager Christopher Ng Huar Tag, who shared stories and his experience when he was working in Japan. When he first arrived in Japan, he had a culture shock to see how polite the Japanese were, and still is. He explained the meaning of terms such as Eshaku, futsuurei or keirei and mokurei. Having stayed in Japan for nine years, from 1987-1996, Ng reminisced the wonderful memories he had as he shared how living in Japan has given him fulfilling life experience. He also encouraged participants to be courageous in exploring other countries and advised them to expand their learning horizons. Other international students also took the stage with their sharings about their experience studying and living in Malaysia.