SKUDAI, Mar 4 – Cultural exchange offers a valuable opportunity to bridge gaps, celebrate diversity, and foster mutual respect. On March 4, 2025, the Language Academy Summer School Programme hosted an exciting day of cultural exchange between Malaysian and Japanese students. Each culture brought its own rich history, traditions, and experiences, making the event a rewarding experience for everyone involved. From traditional Malay games to Japanese origami, the day was filled with engaging activities that allowed students to explore and appreciate the fascinating cultures of their peers.

The day began with an introduction to Malay culture as part of a cultural exchange program. Japanese students were immersed in traditional Malay games, local desserts, and cultural attire. They actively participated in playing games such as capteh, batu seremban, and ceper alongside their Malay counterparts. Additionally, they enjoyed tasting traditional treats like kuih lopes and kuih seri muka. The students also had the opportunity to explore a variety of traditional clothing from Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures. They had fun trying on baju kurung, sari, and hanfu and took many photos to capture these memorable moments.

In a collaborative effort, twelve students from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Mutiara Rini were invited to assist in showcasing Indian and Chinese cultures. Alongside Japanese students, they spent four hours participating in various activities. One notable highlight was the henna drawing session, which gained popularity for its resemblance to temporary tattoos. The Japanese students were free to choose their designs; some even had the students apply henna directly on their skin. Additionally, they worked together to create a large kolam using colorful rice. This task was met with enthusiasm and provided them with a deeper appreciation of Malaysian culture.

In the Chinese cultural segment, students were introduced to calligraphy. Equipped with ink, brushes, and paper, participants began by writing Chinese numerals, followed by Japanese characters. They also exchanged their own calligraphy creations, which fostered a more profound cultural exchange. Additionally, the students created lanterns using creatively repurposed money packets, an activity that showcased the versatility and beauty of Chinese culture. Although it was challenging at first, they persevered and put forth their best efforts to complete their lanterns.

In the evening, the Japanese students took the lead in organizing various activities. They were divided into five sections: entertainment and media, food and drinks, cultural and everyday items, traditional games, and arts and crafts. Before the event, the Japanese students were encouraged to bring items representing their culture, ensuring an authentic experience for everyone involved.

Items such as beigoma (Japanese spinning tops), kendama (Japanese cup-and-ball game), and shogi (Japanese chess) captured the attention of the Malaysian students. Many eagerly participated in these Japanese games, aiming to better understand and appreciate the nuances of Japanese culture. A particularly popular activity was the arts and crafts table, where students learned origami, the intricate art of folding paper into delicate structures. This showcased the creativity and precision inherent in Japanese tradition.

The event allowed students to learn about each other’s cultures, creating lasting memories and meaningful connections. As the day came to an end, it became evident that experiences like these are essential for fostering understanding and respect among different cultures. We hope this cultural exchange has sparked curiosity in the students to continue exploring and embracing the diverse world around them, inspiring future collaborations that celebrate the richness of Malaysian and Japanese cultures. Through such initiatives, the committee looks forward to building a more interconnected and harmonious global community. Overall, the event was an excellent opportunity for Malaysian and Japanese students to engage with and appreciate each other’s cultures, promoting respect and understanding.

Written by: Nur Syazwani Mohd Zolkifli & Nur ‘Ain Mohd Shahroom

Source: UTM NewsHub