MALAYSIAN SCHOLAR HONOURED WITH JAPANESE FOREIGN MINISTER'S COMMENDATION

KUALA LUMPUR, May 9 (Bernama) -- Malaysian scholar and head of the Malaysia-Japan Research Centre (MJRC) at Universiti Malaya, Dr Jamila Mohd, has been conferred with the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation for her outstanding contribution in advancing Japan studies in Malaysia and fostering a mutual understanding between the two nations.

The award was presented by Japanese ambassador to Malaysia, Takahashi Katsuhiko, in a ceremony held at his official residence here on Thursday.

“Jamila-sensei has enormously contributed to promoting Japanese language, Japanese culture, Japan studies in Malaysia and a mutual understanding between our two countries. We cannot appreciate Jamila-sensei enough for her strong engagement towards the long-standing bilateral friendship,” Takahashi said.

Meanwhile, Jamila, who is also senior lecturer at Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, Universiti Malaya, expressed her gratitude to the Japanese government for the prestigious recognition on her works, passion and dedication in promoting Japanese studies over the past 30 years.

She said the award will drive her to carry out more programmes, as well as to collaborate with Japanese universities to foster Japanese language and cultural activities in the country.

Jamila started learning Japanese at Ambang Asuhan Jepun (AAJ) under the Look East Policy (LEP) and studied at the University of Tsukuba.

After completing her studies as a LEP scholar, she returned to Japan, this time as a Japanese Government scholar, and obtained master’s, as well as doctoral degrees, in Japanese language and culture at Nagoya University.

She was acknowledged for her immense contributions and dedication where she had taught more than 2,000 Malaysian students during her nearly two decades with the programme. The AAJ is a two-year special preparatory programme for Malaysian students to enter Japanese universities.

She has helped develop the MJRC through Grant Assistance for Cultural Grassroots Project of Japan in cooperation with the Japanese embassy in Malaysia, creating a new synergies in education and research among experts between the two countries. 

Jamila was also involved in writing and editing Japanese language textbooks for Form 4 and 5 at the request of the Malaysian Education Ministry, which are being used by students nationwide.

-- BERNAMA