USM, PENANG, March 2016 - The official launch of the KUFS-USM Japanese Cultural Centre by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Pulau Pinang, Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Dato’ Seri Utama (Dr.) Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Abbas recently further strengthened the cultural relations and collaborations between Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Kyoto University of Foreign Studies (KUFS), Japan.

It also serves as a symbol of the realisation of the relationship between the two institutions in the two countries which has existed for many years.

Adhering to the ideas of friendship and cooperation, the Centre aims to introduce Japanese culture to the wider Malaysian community and provide quality services to Malaysians to enable them to have the firsthand experience of Japanese cultures.

 

According to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Dr. Omar Osman, USM is proud of this achievement and considered this to be an important nexus in the exchange of cultural values amongst people of different cultures and traditions, very much in line with KUFS's motto and mindset 'World Peace Through Languages'.

“USM places importance on cultural identity and the preservation of rich cultural heritage, as it strongly believes that culture is a vital tool in bringing people and nations together.

“Thus, the establishment of this Cultural Centre is timely and will further enhance cultural integration and preservation in the effort to strengthen cultural institutions,” he added.

Executive Director, Association of Japanese Private Universities, Mr. Hidebumi Koide said, they have worked on the curricular to ensure the quality of education in language learning.

He further added, to maintain a good relationship between Japan and Malaysia, it is important to promote Japanese language and culture in Malaysia and vice versa.

Chancellor and Chair of the KUFS Board of Directors, Professor Dr. Yoshikazu Morita, hoped that more Malaysian and Japanese students will fully utilise the facilities at the Japanese Cultural Centre to raise their understanding of both cultures.

This will help to establish a mutual understanding between our two countries, further strengthening the bilateral relationship between Japan and Malaysia. 

Also present were the Deputy Consul-General of Japan in Penang, Hiroko Taniguchi; USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Industry and Community Network) Professor Dato’ Dr. See Ching Mey; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Dato’ Dr. Muhamad Jantan; the principal officers of USM and KUFS as well as the Japanese corporate and industry leaders.

Text: Nandhini Thiaga (USM Internship Student)