In conjunction with UTAR 10th Anniversary celebration, UTAR Perak Campus Faculty of Arts and Social Science organised a two-day Language and Cultural Bonanza from 20 to 21 March 2012 to expose students to diverse foreign and local cultures.
Among the activities conducted were Diabolo performance, word guessing game (Taboo game), Japanese traditional arts such as Origami and Furoshiki, Yukata (Japanese traditional clothes) fitting, Japanese movie screening, Cosplay, Tarot card reading, and food corners selling Japanese snacks. It also showcased local culture such as Indian costume jewelry, temporary tattoos and henna dying.
Isogaya Hiroyuki, representative from The Japan Foundation of Kuala Lumpur (JFKL) said the event is a virtuous way for students to absorb and acquire foreign languages and cultures.
"It will cater a sense of harmony among the students," said Hiroyuki who is also the head of Japanese Language Department in JFKL.
Shin Myoung Jee, an undergraduate student from Inje University of Korea said she learned many new skills through the event.
"It not only educates me on different languages and cultures but it has also brought a sense of harmony and togetherness within me," she said.
Chan Yee Leng, who is an Accounting student, said she learned an innovative technique called Furoshiki. Furoshiki is a traditional Japanese cloth wrapping technique frequently used to transport clothes, gifts and other goods.
"It is an eco-friendly cloth wrapping technique that uses cloth instead of paper for wrapping gifts and it is a significant way to reduce waste," she added.
A Public Relation student, Choo Chong Khan said the event was superb as students were exposed to different languages, cultures and skills.
"Origami, a traditional Japanese art of paper folding, is a great activity for students to spend time positively, and I think we should promote such activity to enhance the level of creativity among Malaysians," said Choo.
Another participant Teh Hon Yu said the event was brilliant fun and the taboo game stimulated their imagination and also enflamed their competitive spirits.
Cosplayers portraying various characters of Japanese animations
Students learning the formations of various designs of origami art
Trying on Yukata - Japanese traditional clothes
