Chew (left) alongside Bernard (back row, left) with UCSI students and staff after the briefing session.
KUCHING: UCSI University Sarawak Campus (UCSI) will be hosting ‘Food Diversity Voyage Kuching 2016’ in collaboration with Global Incubation x Fostering Talents (GiFT) for a group of 19 students from Toyo University Japan starting today.
Initiated by GiFT, the one-week programme aims to provide a platform for Japanese youths to explore the land of Borneo and exchange culture with Malaysian youths.
Among the line-up of activities for the student youth exchange are a diversity walk in a local village, visiting famous tourist spots such as heritage trail, beach and homestays, and a gastronomic adventure. UCSI staff and students will be hosting the group throughout their week-long local culture diversity trip around Kuching and Bau.
GiFT local programme coordinator Chew Kim Soon in a statement recently said the programme would enable the students to experience biodiversity and cross cultural understanding.
“I am sure there will be many things waiting for Japanese participants to explore and Malaysian participants will make new discoveries from what appeared to be familiar environments.”
UCSI project manager Bernard Jussem said: “This programme nurtures young talent from both countries for them to learn each other’s culture and become global-minded.
“Through it, participants’ leadership potential will be brought to the forefront for the youngsters to realise their hidden traits and encourage confidence. It will enhance mutual understanding between the nations. Although the programme is brief, the impact will be great,” he added.
GiFT started in 2010 with the concept ‘Global Independent Future Talents’ to produce global human capital from Japan, but redefined its concept after the great East Japan earthquake.
In December 2012, GiFT registered as a general incorporated association with the new concept of ‘Global Incubation x Fostering Talents’.
Since then, GiFT has been holding seminars and workshops in collaboration with universities and companies, promoting global education to empower youths and encourage global citizenry.