KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 22 (Sin Chew Daily) — A total of 23 Malaysian graduate students have been awarded the Japanese Government’s Monbukagakusho (MEXT) scholarships to study in Japan.

The 23 scholarship recipients are scheduled to leave for Japan in batches starting Monday (Oct 25).

Japanese ambassador to Malaysia Hiroshi Oka wished the scholarship recipients all the best during a virtual orientation event jointly organized by the Japan Graduates’ Association of Malaysia (JAGAM) and the Embassy of Japan in Malaysia.

Each recipient is granted about RM5,300 of living expenses per month and flight tickets to Japan by the Japanese government.

Oka said more than 1,800 Malaysian students had received Japanese government scholarships since 1954.

These scholarship recipients have since returned to Malaysia and worked in various sectors, contributing positively to the economy and society.

The scholarships are granted to promote cultural interactions, friendship and mutual understanding between Japan and other countries, said Oka.

He advised the recipients to make good use of the opportunities to study in Japan and learn about the Japanese culture and its differences with other cultures during their stay in Japan.

“They could be introducing the unique Malaysian culture to their Japanese friends and play the role as mini ambassadors.

“Malaysians can be better than the Japanese because they get to mingle with people of different cultures and ethnic groups since young.

“They can share their friendliness and hospitality with others through building close relations with the Japanese,” he added.

The scholarship covers tuition, exam and registration fees.
One-year fees for learning the Japanese language will also be exempted too.