By: Staycie Sinidol and Alvivyne Angel Michael, Year 1, English for Global Communication
Sekolah Kebangsaan Dato Mohammad Musa hosted a delegation from Utsunomiya University (UU), Japan, on 4 March 2026 as part of the EduTour2026 programme organised by the Faculty of Education, Language, and Communication (FELC), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS). The visit involved 16 UU students, 18 UNIMAS student buddies from the English for Global Communication (EGC) programme, and accompanying lecturers from both institutions.
The programme began with traditional Malaysian games held on the school grounds. The Japanese students, EGC buddies, and SK Dato Mohammad Musa pupils participated in activities such as Baling Selipar and Galah Panjang, which promoted teamwork, communication, and cultural exchange.
The exchange then continued in the classroom, where the UU students conducted instructional sessions for the pupils. These included an origami workshop, basic Japanese physical exercises commonly practiced in Japanese schools, and an introductory Nihongo lesson. Pupils learned simple greetings and self-introductions, fostering early exposure to a foreign language and culture.
Towards the end of the visit, the Japanese students were introduced to traditional Malaysian indoor games, including Congkak and Batu Seremban. With guidance from the EGC buddies, the activities proceeded smoothly and encouraged further interaction among participants.
This visit reflects the ongoing collaboration between FELC UNIMAS and Utsunomiya University, now in its ninth year. Through community engagement initiatives such as EduTour, UNIMAS continues to strengthen international partnerships while promoting cultural understanding and experiential learning among students.