University of Malaya`s Student Exchange Activity

by F. Agustimahir

Greetings from Kofu, where it has started to become a little warmer recently. I hope the spring season will come soon.

A few days ago I had the chance to accompany students from the University of Malaya in exchange activities, in association with Yamanashi Prefectural University.

Here is a quick note about the places we visited and activities for the students.

18th January 2017

Fujiten Ski Resort is one of the places we visited, an area for skiing and other snow sports at the foot of Mt. Fuji. Just like me, who also comes from a tropical country, these students were very happy when they saw the snow.

Here they were allowed to play in the snow and use snow scooters, but unfortunately, the tight schedule didn’t allow them to have a ski class. If there had been, I would have joined in. Hehe.

Umbrella cloud on the top of Mt. Fuji. Fujiten Ski Resort - 18/1/17

19th January 2017

A Tofu making class in the Department of Local Produce and Food Sciences, University of Yamanashi was waiting for the students. They are about to learn how to make tofu from soy milk.

The methods are surprisingly simple. Just mix soy milk with coagulate called nigari (usually containing magnesium chloride), then stir while boiling it. After that, let it cool down for 15-20 minutes. Voila, tofu is done.

Tofu making class in Laboratorium of Department of Local Produce and Food Sciences, University of Yamanashi

At the evening, there was a group discussion with students from University of Yamanashi. The theme was future technology that can improve connectivity within Asia.

These students were divided into 5 groups, with 5-6 students in each group. They were passionately discussing the topic, and expressing each group’s ideas at the end of the session.

Discussion between University of Malaya`s students and University of Yamanashi`s students

20th January 2017

Yamanashi Governor Mr. Hitoshi Goto held a courtesy call for the students. On this occasion, both of them exchanged souvenirs and had a light discussion. One of his messages was that the fruit from these exchange activities will ripen in 20 or 30 years.

Light discussion with Yamanashi Governor

The students didn’t miss out on a visit to the Yamanashi Jewelery Museum. Here they were able to make traditional jewelery from various gemstones that are one of the popular products from Yamanashi.

Trying to polish gemstone

The last, the Kofu city landmark of the Takeda Shingen statue, became the closing stage for today’s activities.

Taking a photo in front of the Takeda Shingen statue. Kofu station south entrance.