KUALA LUMPUR - The first Malaysian Studies Centre in Japan is now open to promote research related to Malaysia from a humanities and social science perspective.
According to a statement by the Malaysian embassy in Japan, the opening of the centre is also to encourage international research collaboration by focusing on social issues in both countries.
The Malaysian ambassador to Japan, Datuk Shahril Effendi Abd Ghany, said the close relationship between Malaysia and Japan, which was formed since 1957, played an important role in the development of human resources, especially through the establishment of the Look East Policy (LEP) in 1981.
"For many years, the LEP has been one of the catalysts for the shift in economic growth and education in Malaysia through an emphasis on the transfer of skills, work culture, knowledge, discipline and the noble values of the Japanese society through the involvement of Malaysian students and trainees who continue their studies and training in Japan," said Shahril.
Shahril, who launched the centre, said its opening coincided with the objectives of the Malaysia-Japan Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership announced by the leaders of the two countries in December last year.
The ceremony was also attended by the president of Soka University, Professor Suzuki Masashi; dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Professor Dr Kadaruddin Aiyub, and dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Universiti Malaya (UM), Professor Dr Hanafi Hussin.
Masashi said the centre will play a role in improving scientific discourse in the humanities and social sciences.
He is confident that the centre will be able to function as a landmark for international research collaboration, focusing on societal challenges faced by both countries.
The cooperation between Soka University and academic institutions in Malaysia has started since 1988 when the late founder of the university, Dr Daisaku Ikeda, started working with UM.
The collaboration has opened up opportunities for academic exchange, the organisation of symposiums and high-impact research initiatives.
At present, Soka University is expanding its education network in Malaysia through the launch of the Soka International School in Negri Sembilan and Seri Soka Kindergarten in Cheras, Selangor. - BERNAMA