prepared by Ahmad Adli 

 2 January 2024 JAPAN – From the 1st to the 14th of December, the College Representative Council (MPK)  of Chancellor College successfully held an outbound mobility program for 14 days to the wonderful land of the rising sun, Japan. A contingent of 13 delegations was formed, consisting of 10 students from MPK and three (3) officers from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), who were entrusted with the responsibility of supervising the students. The pinnacle of the mobility program centred around an enlightening visit to two esteemed institutions, the Kagawa University and the University of Agriculture Tokyo (NODAI), both of which share a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Universiti Putra Malaysia.

The initial days of the program were spent in Osaka and Kyoto from December 1st to December 6th, 2023. The journey commenced with a flight from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to Kansai International Airport. Upon arriving at KLIA at 10:00 pm, the delegation seamlessly proceeded to their next destination, Taipei, and subsequently landed at Kansai International Airport at 10:35 am, commencing their immersive experience.

The days spent in Osaka were marked by visits to iconic landmarks such as Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, Umeda Sky Building, and the HEP Five Ferris Wheel. Navigating through the Kita District and enjoying the vibrant city atmosphere. The day included a visit to the historic Osaka Castle and an extensive exploration of Dotonbori. The delegates then transferred from Osaka to Kyoto, a journey that involved a walk to Tengachaya Station and subsequent subway rides. In Kyoto, the delegates immersed themselves in the beauty of Philosopher’s Path, Kinkaku-ji Temple, and the Arashiyama area, including the iconic Bamboo Forest and Togetsukyo Bridge. The day concluded with a delicious lunch and dinner, capturing the essence of Kyoto's culinary delights. Then, the delegates headed to Shikoku Island to visit the Kagawa Prefecture.

On Thursday, December 7th, and Friday, December 8th, 2023, they visited Kagawa University, engaging in meaningful interactions with international and Japanese students. During the initial day of their visit, they participated in an English class and subsequently hosted an exchange event at a cafe. This event served as a platform for introducing both universities and featured engaging games to foster camaraderie among the attendees.

On the following day, the delegation explored the beauty of Ritsurin Park, a locale distinguished as a special place of scenic beauty. Immersed in the cultural richness of Kagawa, they later extended a courtesy visit to Professor Wada, the Director of the International Office. During this meeting, Office Director Wada provided insights into Kagawa Prefecture, while Professor Tokuda expounded on the ongoing exchange initiatives between Kagawa University and UPM. The afternoon allowed the delegates to freely explore Takamatsu City under the guidance of Kagawa University students, enabling them to immerse themselves in the charms of Kagawa Prefecture despite the brevity of their stay.

Notably, the previous year saw the initiation of an innovative dispatch program by the International Office of Kagawa University, facilitating an ultra-short-term study abroad opportunity for Japanese students in Malaysia. As a follow-up, several Japanese students are slated to reciprocate the exchange by visiting Universiti Putra Malaysia starting in late February 2024. On the same day, the delegates took a flight from Takamatsu Airport to Narita International Airport, Tokyo.

On December 9, 2023, the delegates embarked on a day of exploration in Tokyo. The morning led them to Asakusa, where they wandered through Nakamise Shopping Street, visited Sensoji Temple, and marvelled at Tokyo Skytree. Efficiently using Tokyo's transport, they then explored Ueno Park. The delegates soaked in the cultural richness of Tokyo's vibrant streets and historical landmarks. The day seamlessly extended into Shibuya and Harajuku, where they experienced the lively atmosphere of Harajuku Street and the trendy Takeshita Street. The exploration wrapped up at the Tokyo Metropolitan Building, offering a panoramic view of the city. This extended journey showcased Tokyo's diverse facets, blending tradition with modern vibrancy, providing the delegates with a memorable and enriching experience.

On December 12th, 2023,  they set out for Tokyo University of Agriculture, where they arrived at 10:00 AM. The day commenced with a cordial welcome session and ice-breaking activities hosted at the Conference Room in the International Center, followed by an informative introduction session shedding light on both participating universities. A lunch break, generously provided by NODAI, allowed for valuable networking and discussions among the delegation members. Post-lunch, the group embarked on a captivating exploration of the Food and Agriculture Museum, where they learned the rich history of NODAI as it was founded in 1891, followed by a visit to the University Library. Then, they proceeded to visit NODAI's labs and lecture halls while meeting the students and lecturers.

The day continued with a Cultural Exchange Activities session, fostering connections and mutual understanding among the delegations. Subsequently, the group ventured into downtown Tokyo alongside students from the Tokyo University of Agriculture, immersing themselves in the dynamic cityscape and concluding with a move to dinner. The day wrapped up at 8:00 pm as the delegation returned to the hostel, having experienced a day rich in academic engagement, cultural exchange, and exploration of Tokyo's vibrant city life.

Chancellor College's Representative Council (MPK) orchestrated a transformative 14-day mobility program in Japan, encompassing cultural immersion, educational enrichment, and collaborative engagements. The delegation, comprising ten (10) students and three (3) officers, explored iconic cities and historical landmarks and fostered meaningful connections with Japanese counterparts. From the serene beauty of Kyoto to vibrant districts in Tokyo, each day brought new experiences and insights. The pinnacle of the program was marked by enlightening visits to the University of Agriculture Tokyo (NODAI) and Kagawa University, strengthening international ties. The journey concluded on December 14th as the delegates returned to Malaysia, leaving them with lasting memories and a deepened appreciation for Japan's rich cultural tapestry.

Commemorative photo at Kagawa University

The delegates participated in an English class at Kagawa University wearing traditional Malaysian clothes

Commemorative photo at Tokyo University of Agriculture

Discussions between the delegates and the students of NODAI during lunch

The delegates after visiting The Tokyo Metropolitan Building

Date of Input: 05/02/2024 | Updated: 05/02/2024 | fuziah