The Government of Japan has awarded The Grant Assistance for Cultural Grassroots Projects of Japan to the Malaysia-Japan Research Centre (MJRC), Universiti Malaya. The grant presentation ceremony was held on 28th March, 2022 at the Chancellery Building, Universiti Malaya where the Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, H.E. Mr Takahashi Katsuhiko presented the mock cheque to the Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaya, Professor Dato' Ir. Dr. Mohd. Hamdi Abd. Shukor.
In his speech H.E. Mr Takahashi said, The Grant Assistance for Cultural Grassroots Projects (GCGP) by the Government of Japan, offers nonrefundable financial assistance to support the implementation of cultural and higher education projects conducted by non-profit organizations such as NGOs, local authorities, research and higher education institutions that are active at the grass-roots level in countries. GCGP also help bridge cooperation between Japan and other countries in the pursuit of cultural understanding and exchanges. H.E. Mr. Takahashi congratulated MJRC and UM for the enourmous efforts and cooperation, and very happy to announce that the MJRC, UM is the seventh Malaysian organization recipient since the grant was introduced in the year 2000. This time, the grant amounting to USD76,063 (RM304,255) was given for the development of facilities, including Japanese-style space, multi-purpose hall, library and research room for the MJRC to serve as a hub centre of Japan studies in Malaysia.
The Japanese government is delighted that this cultural grassroots grant presentation coincides with the memorial year of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Malaysia, and the 40th anniversary of the Look East Policy. H.E. Mr. Takahashi further expressed his respect to the UM that has played a central role in championing the higher education in Malaysia, offering various courses to undergraduate and postgraduate students locally and internationally, as well as established many Japan related organizations such as MJRC, the Ambang Asuhan Jepun (AAJ), Japan Studies Program at the Faculty of Arts and Social Science, and Japanese Language Programme at the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics.
Furthermore, the University of Tsukuba, a leading Japanese state university which has produced three Nobel Prize laureates, will establish its first overseas campus in the same building as the MJRC. H.E also deeply appreciated the strong leadership and engagement of Professor Dato’ Ir. Dr. Mohd Hamdi, who attained his Doctor of Engineering degree from Kyoto University, towards the long-lasting friendship and the solid bond of the two nations and people.
In his remark, Professor Dato' Ir. Dr. Mohd. Hamdi expressed his heartiest gratitude to the Embassy of Japan in Malaysia and the Japanese government for their continuous support to UM and for choosing MJRC to receive the grant in the memorial year of the 40th anniversary of the Look East Policy. He emphasized his commitment for the success of “The Project for Development of Malaysia-Japan Research Centre in Universiti Malaya” as a whole university. This assistance will surely enhance MJRC to strive higher.
The MJRC was founded in 2012 by Associate Professor Dr. Md. Nasrudin Md. Akhir with the objectives to combine scholars from various fields and expertise in relation to Malaysia and Japan, to meet and exchange views, thoughts and opinions with Japanese institutions, as well as to disseminate information on Malaysia and Japan. MJRC has been actively promoting Japan Studies in Malaysia, through publications, seminars, workshops, academic exchanges, joint researches and collaborations with various Japanese institutions such as JICA office in Malaysia and The Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur.
Prof. Mohd Hamdi believes, under the present leadership of the Head of MJRC, Dr. Jamila Mohd, who has vast experience in the Japanese language and culture fields, MJRC will further develop into a prominent Malaysia-Japan research centre and studies, as well as a Japanese cultural centre in this country. Prof. Mohd Hamdi also looks forward to the set up of the prestigous University of Tsukuba and its future collaborations with MJRC and UM. As a matter of fact, Dr. Jamila is an alumna of the University of Tsukuba and eager to work closely with her alma mater. Prof. Mohd Hamdi concluded that with receiving this grant, MJRC will be equipped as the advanced centre for Malaysia-Japan related research and cultural activities and programs, enabling MJRC members to have interdisciplinary expertise collaborations in Malaysia and Japan, as well as to produce publication papers and books that benefit both Malaysia and Japan tremendously.
For further information about this The Grant Assistance for Cultural Grassroots Projects of Japan, please contact Dr. Jamila Mohd (013-2233989).