Cultural Exchange in Action: Japanese Students Enrich Their Learning Journey at Taylor’s

The School of General Studies and Languages was delighted to host 17 Japanese high school students, aged 16 to 19, from Hyogo Prefectural Sumoto High School (Awaji Island), Ikawadani Kita High School (Kobe), and Kobe Gakuentoshi High School, for a two-day English Language Workshop at Taylor’s University on 5 and 6 August 2025. The sessions, facilitated by Ms. Evon Lee Yin Cheng, Lecturer, engaged participants in interactive and culturally enriching learning activities. The programme commenced with a light warm-up and ice-breaking session, setting the tone for an enjoyable and immersive learning experience.

On day one, students explored Malaysia’s vibrant food culture, learning practical English phrases before role-playing as restaurant customers and waiters ordering favourites such as roti canai, nasi lemak, and teh tarik. They then discovered Malaysia’s popular tourist attractions, including Kuala Lumpur, Pulau Pinang, Melaka, Genting Highlands, Sabah, and Sarawak, before presenting must-visit destinations in Japan. The day concluded with a well-loved local snack, Mamee Monster.

Day two centred on Malaysia’s multicultural festivals, with visuals and videos that illustrated festive foods, traditions, and cultural practices for Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Gawai Dayak, and Kaamatan. Students also learned seasonal greetings and received festive packets with Malaysian culture-themed stickers as keepsakes.

The session continued with traditional hobbies such as congkak, carrom, checkers, wau, sepak takraw, and batu seremban. After discussing the value of hobbies, students enthusiastically tried batu seremban, similar to the game “five stones” filling the room with laughter and excitement. A lively pop quiz wrapped up the workshop, with winners receiving Malaysian postcards before enjoying another local favourite, Super Ring.

The two-day workshop proved both enriching and memorable, equipping students with practical language skills while offering them an authentic cultural experience that deepened their appreciation of Malaysia’s heritage and diversity.