KUALA LUMPUR – Another 220 Malaysian students will leave for Japan soon to pursue their studies under the Look East Policy programme, now in its 40th year.
The students completed an exhaustive 20-month course here, including Japanese language lessons, and passed the necessary examinations for admission into Japanese universities.
Of the batch, 140 students will continue their studies in engineering, social science (40) and at technological colleges (40).
Of the total, 172 students are sponsored by the Public Services Department (PSD), Yayasan Pelajaran Mara (39) and Petronas (9).
Speaking at their recent graduation ceremony conducted online due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Japanese ambassador to Malaysia Hiroshi Oka said education and human-capacity development has been the main pillar of the Look East Policy, and the PSD has always been a robust driving force for advancing the policy.
The policy was introduced in 1982 to enable Malaysians to learn from Japan's technological advancement as well as work ethics and discipline.
“The Look East Policy has and will continue to be a symbol of the ever-growing cooperation between Japan and Malaysia. Studying in Japan should become a unique and valuable asset for the development of your future careers,” Oka told the students.
The ambassador said that more than 8,000 Malaysians have benefited from such study programmes in Japan, while “making remarkable contributions” at the forefront of many fields in Malaysia, including developing renowned businesses to generating wealth and enriching the livelihood of Malaysians.
Speaking at the same event, PSD Human Capital Development director Datuk Zulkapli Mohamed said the department's continuing sponsorship of students in Japanese universities is aimed at ensuring Malaysia has quality human resources on a par with developed countries.
He told the students: “Your selection to further your studies in Japan is a huge investment in developing our trained and versatile human resource. These opportunities should be optimised to acquire knowledge and gain a unique experience that can be applied to take Malaysia to a higher level upon your return.”
Zulkapli also urged the students to learn from the Japanese culture of respect for rules, high integrity and cleanliness in their daily life, besides securing their degrees.
Muhammad Suhail Uzair, who was the best student in the preparatory course, said his biggest motivation to pursue his studies in Japan is to learn more about Japanese culture.
“For example, their cleanliness, punctuality and respect for others. I want to learn as much as possible these traits for my own personal well-being,” he said.
Another student, Hajar Umairah Zanuri, said the opportunity to study in Japan was a dream come true.
“Japan is so advanced in technology and I hope to apply the knowledge that I shall gain to contribute to Malaysia's progress and development.” – Bernama, February 14, 2021
