Exchange student Program (UTM - Takezono High School)
On 30th September 2019 – 01st August 2019, I had participated in International Exchange Student Program between Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Takezono High School. The program was organized by Tourism Planning Research Group under Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying UTM. The main objectives of the program are to expose the Japanese student on the life and culture in Malaysia as well as to let the Malaysia student learn more about Japanese culture. There are around 40 – 50 Takezono High School students that participated in the program and their age are around 15 – 17 years old. In this program, UTM student will act as facilitator and we were assigned about 4-5 students. There are several situations that I personally believe can help in my personal growth.
The first issue is language barrier. On the first day, there is an ice - breaking session between facilitator (UTM students) and Takezono High School students. I was assigned to 4 Takezono students which are Mina, Dai, Kaeya and Ishi. During the session, there is a slight communication problem as most of Takezono students cannot speak in English really well. They just know the basics of English words such as “Thank you”, “My name is”, “Your welcome” and “Good morning”. As a group facilitator, I want to initiate the conversation with them but it’s proven to be a difficult task as most of my group members cannot understand the question. The situation is kind of awkward for first few minutes as we just playing with our phones. Then I realized why don’t I use Google Translate to communicate with them and it turns out we really can interact with each other with the help of technological advancement that is Internet. This reminds me back when me and my family went to Thailand for vacation where my parents utilized the existence of Internet for daily communication with the people there. Although Google Translate is not totally accurate, the context of the message is, at least, understandable to the Takezono students. I have been watching a number of anime series and I kind of notice that Japanese people usually have problem in communicate with English. The reasons are that Japan is a prideful country and English is not really necessary in daily lives of Japanese. They mostly used their own language to communicate and only the people in Kansai and Kanto region as both regions are packed with foreign residents as well as tourists. I also learned from Takezono students that, in their school, English is mostly emphasized on writing and reading skills and there is lack of time spent on speaking and listening skills. To conclude, I personally think that English is actually really important in our lives as it is a Lingua Franca, a language that is spoken as a common language whose native languages are different. For example, to communicate with Takezono students, I used English because they have learned the basics of it. This experience taught me to not take English for granted and how English can be a main key in interaction of people with different mother tongue languages. This situation also shows to me that able to speak in different languages can be beneficial in the future. Being able to communicate in multiple languages can broaden your options in life. That is why for this semester, I took Mandarin languages as my elective subject because I know that Mandarin speaker is actually high demand from companies in Malaysia.
During lunch hour on the first day, we were provided Nasi Lemak by the program’s organizer. Takezono students looks really surprised when received the package as they never taste Nasi Lemak in their life before. So, I took the privilege to explain to them that Nasi Lemak can be considered as Malaysian national food and it is loved by Malaysian. Nasi Lemak also can be eaten anytime including lunch and dinner as it is complete with all the nutrients such as protein and carbohydrate. I also told them that Nasi Lemak is usually served with Sambal where it can be quite spicy. As we eat, I can see that Takezono students had a bit of trouble eating as they can’t handle spicy really well. I felt pity toward them as they are quite struggling to finish the food. I can tell that they want to finish the Nasi Lemak although it’s spicy, because it is Malaysian national food and they don’t want to be rude if they aren’t finished it. And honestly, that is why I respect Japanese. They have this strong urge of responsibility and they respect others so much. Back to the situation, to help them eat, I asked them to put their Sambal aside or give it to me if they can’t eat it. At first, some of them looked reluctant but then I told them that it’s fine as I personally think that the Sambal in the provided Nasi Lemak is actually really spicy. From this situation, it shows me that sometimes people are afraid or shy to ask for help as they don’t want to burden others. But in my opinion, it isn’t a burden. It’s actually a privilege to being able help others. It felt like they trust you when they ask for your help. And this can be reflected in my daily lives especially in my study years. I can think a reason why Takezono students have difficult in eating spicy food. Japanese people have this spicy dish called Wasabi where it actually acts as a condiment for sushi. The unique thing about Wasabi is it stimulates the nose rather than the tongue. Japanese had accustomed to eaT Wasabi where it is bitter and not so spicy. So, when Takezono students eat sambal where it is spicy and sweet, they had a problem to adapt with it. In conclusion, what I have learned from this situation is actually to be aware of our surroundings. For example, in a classroom, if we are really alert and aware of the surrounding, we can notice that there is one or more classmates that actually need our help. It’s up to us to offer them assistance.
Lastly, the most important issue in this program is actually the cultural difference between Malaysian and Japanese students. On the first time we met Takezono students, we notice that they bowing to us as an act of greeting. It’s actually kind of caught us off guard because, in Malaysia, it is rare to actually see someone bowing to others. Malaysians usually greet each other by shaking hands or slightly nod their head. For Japanese, it is important for them to express their respect appropriately. The moment when I saw them doing that, there is nothing but the utmost respect that I felt towards them. On the second day, there is a sharing session between UTM and Takezono students regarding the cultural differences. As an anime fan, I told the Takezono students that I actually really admire the Japanese culture. I personally believe that Japan is rich of culture although the country itself is composed of 98.5% of Japanese. The students told me that the culture and traditions of Japan are unique due to its geographical state that is an island – nature as well as its isolation from the outside world back in Tokugawa shogunate regime. I told them that I particularly interested in the working culture of Japan because global knows how hard working a Japanese can be. However, the students replied to me that the working culture in Japan is not healthy and can be stressful. They say that the world does not really what is actually happening in the background. Yes, it is true that Japanese can be really passionate in their work but they also spend entirely their time on working rather than for themselves. That is why Japan’s suicide case is pretty high compared to other countries. I am speechless hearing that as that is the first time, I knowing the dark side of Japan’s working culture. The Takezono students told us that they are actually really impressed on how Malaysian can live harmonically despite being a multi-racial cultural and religion country. When they told us that, I actually felt really happy and prideful because it is not actually an easy journey for Malaysia to achieve this peace. We have been going through some dark periods such as 13th May 1969 and Sri Maha Mariamman Hindu Temple. But despite all of that, we manage to strive through these and by our collective effort as Malaysian.
In conclusion, the International Student Exchange Program has brought many benefits to me in terms of my personal growth as well in terms of my personality. I have learned a lot from the Takezono high school students in terms of cultural differences and the history of Japan. And I can see that Takezono students also have a great time as they learn more about the multi-culture in Malaysia and they also got to eat our national food, Nasi Lemak. I personally believe this kind of program should be held more frequently as it is proven how beneficial this program in terms of bonding between the two countries.
Dapur Jalanan
In 15th March 2020, I have followed my friend, Edi to participate in a volunteering program based in Kuala Lumpur. Edi study in University of Malaya and I have known him since high school. So, the volunteering program is called Dapur Jalanan. Dapur Jalanan is a volunteer - based soup kitchen service that operates every Sunday at Jalan Panggung, Kuala Lumpur. The main activity of Dapur Jalanan is to offer free food and drinks to the homeless and marginalized in the city. I personally felt awkward at the first place due to I’m the only UTM student there as Edi bring along his other UM friends. Edi, however, told me that I should not be shy and this is the time for me to make new friends. So, on the program day, we rendezvous at Bangsar (Dapur Jalanan’s base). This where they will prepare the food and drinks before distributing it. Upon reaching there, we were briefed by Cik Aishah on the standard operating procedure and what the do’s and don’ts throughout the program. Besides that, due to the pandemic Corona Virus, it is compulsory for us to wear face mask, glove and practice social distancing at all time. From here on, there are several incidents or situations that help in my personal growth.
After the briefing from the host, we equip ourselves with face mask and basic cleaning process to start the food preparation process. The designated menu on that day was “Bihun Tom Yam”. We, the volunteers took part in preparing the ingredients and assists the team on cooking and packing the food. I am actually reluctant to join this session as I have never been into a kitchen before. I don’t know how to cook or prep ingredients as back in my home, all of this will be made by my mother. And whenever I want to help her, she always says that “It’s okay. This is your mother’s responsibility”. So, after that, I have never been to kitchen to help her cook. Thus, when we the volunteers need to participate in the preparing session, I felt really embarrassed and anxious. I went to the cutting section because I believe this is the easiest job compared to cooking and peeling onions. In this section, we were tasked to cut carrot, chillies and asparagus. For the first few minutes, I am actually enjoying the work. I started to do it quickly while chatting with Edi. Then, without I realized it, I accidentally cut my own fingers. Luckily the cut is not deep enough. But still, it’s enough for me to feel the pain as I can see blood flowing out from the cut. Edi brought me to the host to carry out a simple first – aid procedure and the host told me to be careful in workplace and ask someone else for assistance if I can’t do the work. I then realized that there are similar accidents that have happened before to me because of my carelessness. The host’s advice made me think that in our life, we should always focus and determined doing our job or tasks without being distracted by other external factors. For example, a civil engineer should properly monitor and inspect the structure without being distracted by how beautiful or how unique the structure of the building it is. And for the second part of the advice, the host probably can see me how awkward am I in handling the knife. That’s why he told me to ask for others help to teach me on how to properly handle a knife. Human beings have different things or stuffs that they are afraid to. Some scared of riding a bicycle, some scared of eating vegetables and some scared of spiders. For me, I am scared doing kitchen’s work. So, what can we as human beings do to overcome our own fears? The answer is to seek for other people’s help. By doing so, not only we can fight our own fear but we also can deepen our bond with other people and probably return the favour by helping them in overcome their fears. I felt really grateful for the host to his advice that I believe to be beneficial in my life.
After the preparation and cooking process were done, we head to Jalan Panggung to distribute the food and drinks. We set up a small booth in the corner of the shop lot. We arranged all the items and equipment with the guidance form the host and other experienced volunteers. Also, as a preparation, we help the homeless people to queue in a proper line and adhere to social distancing. During this session, I actually felt really overwhelmed on how many the homeless people have been waiting for the food. I also felt sympathy with them because I can see there are several that brings their children to take the provided food. During this collection process, there are actually some homeless people that are well – cooperated with the volunteers as they tend to cut the queue and want to grab the food as quick as possible. This incident nearly caused a fight between the homeless people as some of them claimed that they have been queuing for a long time but then the newly arrived ones just skip the queue and take the food. I, who was appointed to monitor the queue, I felt really surprised as this is the first time, I’m seeing an actual fight in front of me. Then, Abang Joe, the member of Dapur Jalanan came in to stop the fight. He later told them to wait patiently as all of them will get their portion and no need to rush. Here, I learned that teamwork is really important. During this distribution process, the volunteers were assigned in their respective stations and each station have an experienced member to assist and ease the process. From this activity, I am able to improve my communication skills with my team member and also with the homeless people because I have been interacted with them during the queueing. I have realized that teamwork and communication skills are actually important and can be beneficial to me in my future career and also in my personal growth.
Last but not least, after the homeless people have done eating, the host asked us to blend in with them and have a chat with them. At the first place, we, the volunteers felt really awkward and shy to talk with them. But then, when we see the experienced volunteers chat with the homeless like old friends, we felt motivated and want to talk with them. I talked with Kak Siti, a young, single mother with one daughter. She said that she really grateful and thankful to Dapur Jalanan for the free foods and drinks. She said that usually, she will only eat bread or any excess food left in any restaurant. I held my tears when I hear that because I felt really powerless as I cannot do anything to help Kak Siti. Later, we talked on random topics and I want to make them feel appreciated and happy. I don’t want them to think that the world has abandoned the. There are actually people out there that are concerned and care about them. Upon this incident, it made me realize that the people here are underprivileged. They don’t have their own home and they just sleep in whenever they can in Kuala Lumpur. Each one of them have their own problems and difficulties. So, when these problems keep piling, even a small matter of thing can make them become unstable. This helped me to develop an understanding of the difficulties faced by this people, where society has chosen to forget. Sometimes, people condemn like why they don’t get a job instead of walking around in Kuala Lumpur without doing anything. These kinds of people actually don’t know that sometimes, the homeless people, they don’t choose to live like this. Some of them were exiled from their families, some of them were bankrupt and some of them were a victim of fraud.
In conclusion, Dapur Jalanan has been a unique and wonderful experience for me. It has brough many benefits to me in terms of my emotional strength as well as in terms of my perspective towards the society. I have gained a lot of insights and life advices for the volunteers in Dapur Jalanan and also from the homeless people in Jalan Panggung, Kuala Lumpur. I can see that that the homeless people have a great time during the program but in reality, who knows what were they actually feeling? I personally believe this kind of society and organization should be praised for their noble work in take care and concern about this “forgotten” people in city. I strongly urge for young people to join or participate in this kind of program as it can be a wonderful life lesson for us to not took things in our life for granted.