On June 18, 2022, as part of the 40th anniversary of Eastern Policy, the Eastern Policy Alumni Society (ALEPS), Okayama University International Alumni Association Malaysia (OUIAA), and JASSO Malaysia collaborated in a seminar attended by Professor Takayoshi Suzuki, Associate Dean for International Affairs, and Associate Professor Eiko Ishida, both faculty members of Okayama University, and four Malaysian students from Okayama University, who presented their experiences as exchange students in Japan.

Initially, Prof. Suzuki and ALEPS President Zarifikar talked about the importance of Malaysian students in the development of bilateral relations between Japan and Malaysia, while Mr. Azri Zainal Abdins, President of OUIAA Malaysia Chapter, shared his memories while studying in Okayama. Former international students, on the other hand, spoke passionately about the impact of their study experience in Japan on their lives now, their memories of studying in Japan and the promotion of cultural exchange between Malaysia and Japan, and the attraction of studying in Japan.

Below are some details of Mr. Azri’s description of his own study abroad experience. Mr. Azri studied in Japan from 1988 to 1992. In his presentation, he also shared interesting episodes from his past studies in Japan and his experience of living with a Japanese family. Also, he mentioned that he has been working for the same company for more than 30 years since his return to Japan.

During the information session, Professor Ushida from TUFS primarily introduced in detail the importance of studying in Japan and the attractiveness of Japanese universities. Then, four current students from Gifu University Malaysia presented their study experiences in Japan from a young person’s perspective, including graduate and undergraduate studies, life in Japan, how to spend leisure time, how to get halal food in Japan, and an introduction to the full English degree programs in Japan.

In addition, Mr. Shamsul Haq from ALEPS, an alumnus of Gifu University, talked about his career after studying in Japan based on his own experience and his work experience in Japanese and Malaysian companies. Finally, Mr. Raymond from JASSO Malaysia office talked about scholarships for Malaysians and studying in Japan. In the Q&A session that followed, students, Professor Ushida and Mr. Raymond asked many questions about Malaysian high school graduation exams, Japanese language skills, and preschool education. The Alumni Association Malaysia Chapter was also very supportive of the Study in Japan Seminar and will continue to work together to promote Malaysian students to study in Japan in the future.