Following the well-received virtual cultural exchange programme conducted in April 2020, UTAR and Aichi Gakuin University (AGU) joined hands again for the second “When Nasi Lemak meets Sushi Vol 2” virtual cultural exchange programme on 26 November 2021. It was held via Microsoft Teams.

Benefitting a total of 34 students from both institutions, the virtual programme provided opportunities for students to exchange ideas on different cultures. The students were divided into smaller groups for their discussion and interaction on cultures, ideas and connectivity. The smaller groups also enabled the students to form a closer bond with one another.

From AGU the virtual programme was led by Prof Mariko Takagi-Kitayama from the Department of English Language and Cultures. She mentioned that the programme was worthwhile and the interaction among the students was fruitful. She also commented, “I am very happy to see my students making an effort to converse in English with UTAR students. Although they all have different levels of proficiency, I saw great teamwork among them as they helped each other to convey their thoughts in English. They see this as an opportunity to expand their skills, and others have also expressed that they would like to do better next time, or even the possibility to go study abroad.”

She added, “This is definitely an opportune platform because more than just improving their English, the programme also enables the students to learn so much about Malaysia’s culture from the food to wedding costumes and the pop music of both countries. Despite the pandemic, the virtual platform has greatly facilitated this virtual cultural exchange programme.”

From UTAR, the virtual programme was led by Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FAS) academic Diong Fong Wei from the Department of Public Relations. She hoped that the students gained a deeper understanding about themselves as well as foreign cultural knowledge during the interaction session. She also mentioned that the programme strengthened the relationship between UTAR and AGU, and is hopeful to see potential AGU students participating in UTAR’s study tour programmes in the future.

Third-year AGU student Yamashita Kohei said, “The UTAR students were kind and friendly. Although we felt shy and reserved, it was still nice having the chance to communicate with people from another country. This experience has motivated me to consider studying abroad.”

Third-year AGU student Suda Ayari, mentioned, “It was challenging to communicate in English, and there was so much I wanted to tell the UTAR students, but it was good to be able to see their faces so we could interact with facial expressions as well. The UTAR students were also helping us and I hope to have my English improved.”

Kamiya Ryota, a third-year student from AGU, also took the opportunity to thank both institutions for organising the programme. He said, “After interacting with the UTAR students, I am looking forward to the day I will be able to try Malaysian food, especially those recommended by the UTAR students. This also makes me want to visit Malaysia in the near future.”

Similarly, Li Siwei, an international student of AGU from China also expressed his gratitude and mentioned that he learnt a lot about Malaysian foods and its cultures. He hoped that more programmes as such will be organised again.

“I would like to thank AGU and UTAR for giving me the opportunity to gain such experience from the programme. I enjoyed the discussion very much. The UTAR students were friendly, helpful and considerate when we were interacting in smaller groups. It was certainly different from the previous programme because this time we were able to exchange our ideas directly. I am looking forward to participating again in the next programme,” said Matsuzawa Kyoka.

Final year UTAR student Liew Yong Qi commented, “I am happy that I participated because I simply enjoy Japanese food and I have always been fond of the Japanese. So it was a good opportunity for me to meet Japanese friends. Everyone was shy, but eventually, we managed to break the ice and interact well. The only regret was the limited time we had because it would be much more meaningful to learn more about each other’s culture.”

Another final year UTAR student Alisya binti Yahaya commented, “I have always wanted to visit Japan, but I have not had the opportunity yet, especially given the current Covid-19 pandemic outbreak. However, I am pleased that an event like this has given me a chance to gain insights into Japanese culture by allowing me to interact with the AGU students. I hope that I will be able to attend more of such events in the future.”