Japan Calls For Greater Two-Way Educational Exchanges With Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 (Bernama) -- Japan is calling for greater two-way educational exchanges with Malaysia, building on the Look East Policy that has shaped relations between the two countries for more than four decades.
Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Shikata Noriyuki said the approach, which he described as a "look at each other policy", would place greater emphasis on mutual educational exchanges between Malaysia and Japan.
He said this included broadening opportunities for young Malaysians and Japanese to study, conduct research and innovate together.
"So towards next year, I also look forward to broadening opportunities for both of our younger generations of Malaysians and Japanese to study, research, and innovate together," he said.
Shikata said this at the presentation ceremony of the Japanese Foreign Minister's Commendation 2026 to Alumni Look East Policy Society (ALEPS) president Isrami Ismail here on Tuesday.
The ambassador also called for greater cooperation with ALEPS as Malaysia and Japan prepare to celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.
"As we approach the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Malaysia in 2027, I wish to see even more exchanges and cooperation with ALEPS to bring our people even closer together and further strengthen the bonds of trust and friendship between our two nations," he said.
Shikata said he intended to engage more closely with ALEPS members across Malaysia, including those serving as professors at universities.
He also expressed appreciation for ALEPS' role in encouraging young Malaysians to pursue their studies in Japan and promoting educational and cultural exchanges.
The ambassador described Isrami as an example of the success of the Look East Policy, introduced in 1982, highlighting his contributions to strengthening bilateral relations through education, cultural activities and grassroots programmes.
Under Isrami's leadership, ALEPS had organised Japanese language speech contests, online education seminars and cultural events to promote interest in Japan among Malaysian youth.
Shikata said the ALEPS Ekiden, an annual event inspired by Japan's traditional long-distance relay race, attracted more than 3,000 participants this year, including Malaysians and Japanese residents.
He said Isrami had also supported homestay programmes for students from the Japanese School of Kuala Lumpur and exchanges between Subang Jaya in Selangor and Hioki City in Japan's Kagoshima Prefecture.
Meanwhile, Isrami said the Look East Policy has helped thousands of Malaysians become engineers, academicians, entrepreneurs, professionals and leaders over the past four decades.
"But I believe our responsibility does not end with our personal achievements," he said.
Reflecting on his studies in Japan more than three decades ago, Isrami said some of the most valuable lessons he brought home were not necessarily acquired in classrooms but through the values he observed in Japanese society.
These included discipline, humility, perseverance, respect for others and a strong sense of responsibility towards society.
"Likewise, the true measure of our success is not how high we rise, but how many people can benefit from the height we have reached," he said.
Isrami said ALEPS would continue strengthening its alumni network, nurturing future generations and promoting knowledge and values gained from Japan for the benefit of both countries.
He also referred to the theme of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027, "Enriching Each Other, Creating Together", saying both countries could continue creating opportunities for future generations.
Isrami, who became ALEPS vice-president in 2012 and president in 2022, received the commendation in recognition of his contributions to strengthening friendship and mutual understanding between the two countries.
He is one of the two Malaysians selected for the 2026 commendation, which was awarded to 159 individuals and 67 groups worldwide for their outstanding achievements in international affairs.
Malaysian educator and cultural exchange advocate Gary Tang Kok received his award from Shikata at a separate ceremony on Oct 17.
-- BERNAMA
