KUCHING: 20 students from Toyo University of Japan participated in “Diversity Voyage Kuching”, a programme for Japanese and Malaysian youths.
Organised by UCSI University (Sarawak Campus) and Toyo University, Japan, in collaboration with Global Incubation x Fostering Talents (GiFT), the programme aimed to allow participants to connect with others through dialogues as well as emphasise co-creation with local communities by creating new values through the theme “Global Citizenship”.
Present to officiate at the closing ceremony at UCSI University (Sarawak Campus) in Demak Laut yesterday was Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports, Snowdan Lawan.
Also presen were GiFT Founder, Professor Madoka Tatsuno and Kuching Programme Coordinator, Chew Kim Soon.
Snowdan, in his opening remarks, pointed out that the programme was good because it taught the participants how to
cook local delicacies and experience the lifestyles and cultures in Sarawak as well as nature in the countryside.
He also suggested the organisers bring the participants to his constituency in Balai Ringin so that they could experience life in an Iban longhouse.
“The participants can stay in one of the longhouses there. Grab the chance to learn more about the ethnic tribe, their delicacies, music instruments as well as traditional costumes.
“To the Japanese, bring back, share and cherish the good experiences here with your families and friends later,” he said.
During the nine-day student youth exchange programme, the participants embarked on a gastronomic adventure and diversity walk in Kampung Krokong, Bau and visited many parts of Kuching.
The Japanese and Malaysian participants also visited Fairy Cave during their stay at Kampung Krokong.
Apart from experiencing the local culture and biodiversity, the participants were also assigned the task of creating two “Global Citizenship Food for Future” meals based on their experience and learning.
The meals were shown at the end of the programme during GiFT Day.
The first meal, based on the Laksa paste, aimed to further promote Sarawak to the world, while the other meal, a freestyle meal, reflected the message of global citizenship.
GiFT started in 2010 with the concept of “Global Independent Future Talents” to produce global human capital from Japan but redefined its concept after the great East Japan earthquake.
In December 2012, GiFT registered as a general incorporated association with its new concept ‘Global Incubation x Fostering Talents’.
Since then, GiFT has been holding seminars and workshops in collaboration with universities and companies, aimed at promoting global education to empower youths and encourage global citizenship.
