Group photo with the performers & dancers at TheLove @ MaTiC

Group photo before entering Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park

Happy faces after getting a tutorial on  “How To Make Your Bed in 5 Minutes” & “How To Prepare A Delicious Mocktail”

Group photo in front of the famous Stadhuys building at Malacca

By SAC

UOW Malaysia KDU University College has once again received one group of students from Tezukayama Gakuin University for the year 2020, last February. Only this time around there are only 11 students who joined the UOWMKDUxTGU Culturation Mobility Programme 2020. We were delighted to receive them as they have been our long-time university partner for the past five (5) years.

After settling down on the first day of arrival, they had a Welcoming Session in the morning, followed by a session where they were introduced to their Malaysian buddies who will accompany them throughout their stay here in Malaysia. Lunch was served Malaysian style, where they had the chance to taste Malaysian delicacies like the famous Nasi Lemak and Teh Tarik. Later that evening, they were ferried to The Love @ MaTic, Kuala Lumpur for their Welcome Dinner. The welcome dinner is accompanied by cultural performances of the various ethnics that we have in Malaysia. Dinner was exciting and full of colours, now a colourful memory for them.

“I truly enjoyed the whole performance while having dinner! Wonderful to get to experience both the food and the Malaysian culture” – Mao

The next few days were filled with English Language classes and Educational Workshops by different Schools at UOW Malaysia KDU. Apart from the English Language, these students also learned the basics of Bahasa Malaysia. When the weekend finally arrived, these students together with their buddies and two staff from Student & Alumni Centre went to Kuala Lumpur for a city tour. The city tour consisted of visits to famous landmarks such as the Merdeka Square, Central Market and shopping at Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) and the nearby KL Golden Triangle.

“KL is fun! I get to buy lots of souvenirs that I could bring back home for my family” – Ruito

The next day, the students and Malaysian buddies enjoyed a one-day trip to Resort World Genting Highlands. They had fun especially during the cable car ride to go up to Skytropolis, an indoor theme park up in the hills! Apart from playing at the amusement park, they also did some shopping and had early dinner.

“I am not regretting coming back here again, this time I had lots of fun at the theme park & enjoyed the cable car ride up!” – Haruto

In between classes, cultural trips, and hang out sessions with Malaysian buddies, these students were also given an assignment to complete while they are here in Malaysia. After 10 days of arriving in Malaysia, they were to showcase to the students & community of UOW Malaysia KDU the cultures in Japan. With the aid of their Malaysian buddies, they prepared items for their Japan Exploration Showcase. This time, they showcased Japanese traditional games, art & clothing. Students on campus were happy to participate and enjoyed their time getting know Japan a little bit better.

The very next day, these students from Tezukayama Gakuin University were brought to New World Hotel, one of the hotel partners of UOW Malaysia KDU for an Experience of Hotel & Food Serving Industry Training in Kelana Jaya. There, they were taught on what a Hotel does, from housekeeping to making a mocktail. They were also introduced to the various lines of hotels available throughout the world.

The second weekend was spent with a 2 Days 1 Night Trip to Malacca. They were brought to visit the historical landmarks and sites. The rest of the days were for shopping and leisure time.

It was nearly the end of the UOWMKDUxTGU Culturation Mobility Prgoramme. Time flies when you’re having fun, as they say. The last week was spent with activities such as Learning the Malaysian Traditional Dances. The students enjoyed the whole session of the Dance Workshop as it was a thorough 3-hours workshop where they learnt the Malay, Chinese & Indian dance. Before they hit the weekend, the students went through their Post-English test to test out their English skills that they have learnt throughout their time in Malaysia.

Apart from their Post English test, they also had the opportunity to play a Tele-Match with the Sports Team of UOW Malaysia KDU. The last few days were spent with last minute-shopping for souvenirs to bring home. Also, they had their Farewell dinner together with other students on campus during the UOW Malaysia KDU Appeciation Night and it was one memorable night.

“I loved the Farewell Dinner! The food served and performances by the students were captivating and exciting to watch. I will treasure this forever.” – Eiki 

8^th March 2020, it was time for them to return to Japan. Although sad, they were happy that they had created wonderful memories here in Malaysia. There were cries and hugs that accompanied their journey back home. They promised to be back again next time to reunite.