by: Christy Nuai anak Nyalong. Year 2, English for Global Communication
The ninth edition of EduTour marked another meaningful chapter in the long-standing partnership between Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) and Utsunomiya University (UU). What began as an eagerly anticipated airport welcome soon unfolded into two weeks of shared learning, cultural exchange, and lasting friendships. EduTour has grown beyond an annual programme; it reflects a sustained commitment to collaboration, creativity in education, and mutual understanding between two institutions.
The programme officially opened at UNIMAS with the presence of students and academic staff from both universities. The opening ceremony set a positive and welcoming tone, highlighting the shared values that continue to strengthen this partnership. From the very beginning, interactions between the Malaysian and Japanese students were natural and engaging, supported by thoughtfully planned activities.
Campus icebreakers and off-campus outings helped build connections quickly. Visits to local landmarks, including Kubah Market and Sarawak Cultural Village, provided UU students with firsthand exposure to Sarawak’s multicultural heritage. These experiences encouraged meaningful conversations and mutual appreciation of traditions, food, and daily life.
One of the most impactful components of EduTour was the outreach programme at SK Dato Mohd Musa. UU students demonstrated adaptability and care in conducting workshops specially designed for primary school pupils. Activities such as basic Japanese language lessons, origami sessions, and simple exercises showed how learning can be interactive, inclusive, and enjoyable despite language and cultural differences.
The programme also included educational and recreational visits, such as to Semenggoh Wildlife Centre and Empurau Farm Resort, which balanced learning with shared enjoyment. These moments further strengthened the bonds among participants.
EduTour concluded with a heartfelt closing ceremony, where performances and speeches reflected gratitude and shared pride. The final farewell at the airport was emotional, underscored by exchanged letters and promises to stay in touch. Though the programme lasted only two weeks, the friendships and memories formed will endure well beyond it.
