JAPAN, 03 October – Aryanna Ayu Alrianto, a student of Universiti Teknologi MARA, Kelantan Branch (UiTMCK) has been given the opportunity to represent UiTMCK in an academic tour to Gunma University, Japan.
The academic tour called Sakura Science Exchange Program was conducted for a week starting from 28th August 2023 to 4th September 2023. 10 selected students from UiTM Terengganu Branch and Kelantan Branch were selected to participate in this program organized and sponsored by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST).
Participants were given opportunities to take part in the following activities during the visit: education workshops, a tour around the traditional Japanese building, a visit to Kiryu Tenmangu Antiques Market, a lab and workshop tour around Gunma University Japan, and a meeting discussion session with Gunma students at Gunma University. In Gunma University, students were exposed to how the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) are being implemented there.
In the tea ceremony, participants were welcomed with scents and decorations made from Nanbangisell flowers, symbolising the arrival of early autumn. Mr. Munenari Kawashima from the Urasenke School of Traditional Japanese Culture performed the ceremony and served Japanese delights as well as Matcha, which resembles Chrysanthemum blooms. Participants also learned how to behave and show respect during the ceremony and had an in-depth question and answer session regarding Japanese traditional culture. This program was also featured in the Kiryu Times newspaper.
Participants also brought presents from Malaysia to be distributed to students at Gunma University, Japan and to the Japanese neighbourhood. The presents were a tiny pouch with Batik design featuring several flavoured dodols and a refrigerator magnet displaying Kuala Lumpur. Every person who received it was given a warm welcome and they expressed gratitude for what was given to them. The gifts from the participants was also mentioned in the Kiryu Times Newspaper.
Dr. Hisanobu Kawashima and the two Gunma University students, Mifu Shinzato and Haruka Ohno, as well as Malaysian students who studied there, accompanied and welcomed our visit for eight days. But our educational journey does not end there; in October 2023, we will host an online programme including students from UiTM Terengganu, UiTM Kelantan, and Gunma University, Japan. We are now proudly introducing the UNGU SYNERGY: EMPOWERING SDG and we are calling all UiTM students to join us!
Prepared by:
Aryanna Ayu Alrianto
Bachelor of Office System Management (Hons.)
Faculty Business and Management