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UNIMAS, 27 Februari 2020- The closing ceremony of the EduTour 2020 Programme for Utsunomiya University, Japan, was held on 21 February 2020 at the Experimental Theatre, Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts UNIMAS. This programme was organized by the Faculty of Language and Communication (FLC) as a final farewell and celebration of Utsunomiya University (UU) students’ achievement during their two-week programme. During this event, 31 UU undergraduates who participated in the programme received certificates marking their successful completion of the EduTour Programme which started on 8 February 2020. The certificates were presented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International) Professor Dr. Ahmad Hata Rasit.
UU chose to collaborate with UNIMAS for the third time after the success of the 2018 and 2019 programme. The EduTour Programme was specially designed by FLC to meet the requirements of UU. The two-week programme aimed to provide unique and meaningful opportunities for the UU students to experience the culture of Sarawak, life in UNIMAS campus and also to improve students’ communication skills in English. The Japanese participants came from UU’s Faculty of Agriculture, International Studies, Regional Design, Engineering and Education. They were accompanied by their lecturers – Prof Dr Natsuaki Tomohide, Prof Dr Tatsuhiro Ohkubo, Prof Dr Minoru Amanuma, Prof Dr Toshimori Takahashi, Associate Professor Dr Takashi Izuha, and Associate Professor Dr Yuki Yamano.
During the programme, the UU participants completed 32 hours of English classes focusing on communicative skills while incorporating the elements of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Their lessons culminated in oral presentations demonstrating their ability to use the English language with confidence.
The participants also had an array of valuable cultural experiences including visits to destinations such as Sarawak Cultural Village, Brooke Gallery Kuching Waterfront, Darul Hana Bridge, local markets and Bako National Park. The participants made multiple shopping excursions and tasted various local delicacies. In addition, during their two weeks stay on UNIMAS campus, their evening time were filled with various activities including kayaking at the UNIMAS lake and playing sports with UNIMAS students.
As the closing ceremony marked the end of the EduTour Programme, it also highlighted the cultural exchange and partnership between Utsunomiya University and UNIMAS. UU Students and UNIMAS buddies participated in traditional performances of music, dance, martial art, poetry and showcasing their English proficiency and appreciation of the diversity of cultures. Two of the UU representatives, Mr Tatsuya Hashimoto and Ms Hinako Kaneda also delivered a heartwarming speech expressing their gratitude towards the Faculty of Language and Communication and UNIMAS, and emphasizing the valuable experiences that they had during their stay.
The guest of honour, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International) Prof Dr Abdul Hata Rasit’s speech ended with a special thanks to the coordinator of the EduTour Programme- Associate Professor Dr Souba Rethinasamy, her dedicated team members consisting of Ms Dayang Hartijah, Mr Damien Mikeng, Ms Nurul Huzaimah, Ms Liyana Rosli and FLC’s English language instructors as well as support staff in ensuring the smooth running of the programme.
Written by
Souba Rethinasamy & Liyana Rosli
Faculty of Language and Communication Universiti Malaysia Sarawak
Photo: Azlandy Mohammid Ali Tuah
