Having taught chemistry in our programme for two years between 1996 and 1998, this will be the second time in my life that I have been assigned to Malaysia.

Malaysian students are incredibly eager to study, enthusiastic, and serious. This makes teaching very fulfilling for me as a teacher, just as I felt the same when I visited Malaysia for the first time 26 years ago.

The Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology recruits teachers for this programme through the boards of education in each prefecture. There are 18 highly skilled teachers, including 8 math teachers and 5 each in physics and chemistry. Japanese language teachers are made up of Malaysian teachers who are fluent in the language and Japanese experts dispatched by The Japan Foundation. Some of them had previously participated in this programme by studying in Japan.

Because the programme is a short-term intensive programme for studying in Japan (August enrollment, February graduation year after next), the classes are rigorous. As a result, participants in the programme who can put forth consistent and persistent effort will reap the benefits.

The options available to students are numerous, and the variety of employment opportunities is growing. We sincerely hope that you will look into our programme and accept the challenge if you have any interest in Japanese culture, customs, or if you have ever dreamed of visiting Japan. In addition, if you make the decision to pursue a career in a field you are interested in, I want you to jump in and keep moving forward without hesitation for as long as you wish. Finding the ideal profession or way of life for you can be difficult when you are young. However, if you pursue a career, a job, or a life that you find fulfilling, eventually someone will pull you up to another level. The position makes a person – Definitely so.

Many of our graduates who completed their studies in Japan are currently engaged in activities not only in Malaysia but also all over the world, making use of their knowledge of either science or the Japanese language. Some of our graduates, for instance, use their scientific expertise to work for government-owned businesses like Petronas, while others use their Japanese language proficiency to fill in as Malay-Japanese interpreters at conferences throughout the world. One of the interpreters at a conference one day turned out to be a graduate of our program from 26 years ago, and it is an indescribable thrill to see him in such a significant role now.

You will discover that Japan is a special place that is glowing as brightly as ever if you have a chance to witness daily life there. I fervently desire that as many students as possible be motivated by their time at AAJ and use the skills they picked up there to build a bridge between Malaysia and Japan.