Enriching experience: The group during their visit to Kyoto University.
ONE must immerse oneself in a culture to truly experience it.
Eager to gain deeper insights into Japanese culture, a group of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) students recently participated in the “Kakehashi: Japan Cultural Exchange” programme, which took them to the land of the rising sun, specifically Osaka, Kyoto and Nara.
Entirely student-driven, the programme, held from Sept 24 to Oct 9, focused on cultural exchange and volunteer work, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as zero hunger (SDG 2), quality education (SDG 4), and sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11).
Led by programme director Lee Si Jie, the 21-strong group, comprising students from various courses, secured sponsorship from 14 organisations to make their dream a reality.
“I proposed and directed this programme as I’ve always admired the Japanese way of life – their healthy eating habits, attention to detail, and innovative thinking. I saw this programme as an opportunity to learn from these values while sharing Malaysia’s rich food and cultural heritage,” she said in a press release.
As part of their volunteer work, the students sorted donated food at Food Bank Kyoto, gaining firsthand experience with food security issues and the spirit of giving back.
They also participated in a clean-up effort at Dotonbori, emphasising the importance of community responsibility in maintaining public spaces.
“Volunteering at the food bank showed us the importance of food security, while the clean-up initiative made us realise that keeping our cities clean is a responsibility we all share,” said Farisha Rizal, the programme secretary.
During their time in Japan, the group also visited institutions such as Kyoto University and Osaka Metropolitan University, where they noted the availability of healthy food options in the campus cafeterias.
“If we could provide similar nutritious meals in Malaysian schools and universities, it would help address the growing issue of obesity in our country,” said UPM Dietetics Department head Assoc Prof Dr Zulfitri Azuan Mat Daud, who chaperoned the students throughout their visit.
Returning to Malaysia, the students, armed with valuable lessons in healthy living, cultural understanding, and the Japanese ethos of innovation and meticulousness, aim to apply what they have learnt to positively impact their own communities, according to the press release.
