Japanese Studies in Malaysia

Japanese Studies in Japanese Studies in Malaysia Malaysia

MD NASRUDIN MD AKHIR

DKB, Faculty of Arts and Social SciencesUniversity of Malaya

27 March 2012

Organized byThe Japan Foundation

Malaysian Association of Japanese Studies (MAJAS)Japan Studies Program

OverviewOverview1. Background to Japanese Studies 2. Definition of Japanese Studies 3. Initiatives taken by :• Higher learning institutions• Japanese Studies bodies 4. Encouraging progress of Japanese Studies 5. Challenges in ensuring a more rapid development6. Japan Studies Education: Malaysia Experience7. Regionalization of Japan Studies in Southeast Asia8. Possible Regional Cooperation9. Japan Studies Research10. Strategic Cooperation: The Way Forward11. Japan Studies Program, Embassy of Japan & Japan Foundation12. Malaysia-Japan Research Center (MJRC)13. Concluding remark

Background to Japanese Studies Background to Japanese Studies

• Study of Japan in Malaysia did not matter much in the 1950s and the early 1960s.

• Japan began to impress the world with the speed and quality of its economic recovery.

• Demand for Japanese Language has also increased.

• Active supports from the Japanese government and other institutions.

• Japan is an important economic and strategic partner for Malaysia.

• The expansion of Japanese Language to Japanese Studies in Malaysia is inevitable.

Definition of Japanese Studies Definition of Japanese Studies

• Japanese Studies is not an academic disciplinary subject but an area studies subject.

• Japanese Studies is multidisciplinary.

• Japanese Studies examine, teach and research about Japan.

• Any undergraduate and taught post-graduate program of Japanese Studies must have modules.

Initiatives taken by :Initiatives taken by :Higher learning institutions Higher learning institutions

Chart 1: Higher learning institutions offering Japanese Studies

KEDAH Northern University of Malaysia (UUM)

SARAWAK Sarawak University of Malaysia (UNIMAS)

SABAH Sabah University of Malaysia (UMS)

PENANG University of Science Malaysia (USM)

KUALA LUMPUR University of Malaya (UM)

SELANGOR National University of Malaysia (UKM), Putra University of Malaysia (UPM), MARA University of Technology (UiTM)

JOHOR University of Technology Malaysia (UTM)

Initiatives taken by :Initiatives taken by :Higher learning institutions (cont.) Higher learning institutions (cont.)

University of Malaya (UM)• First university to introduce Japanese Language in 1966.• Existing Japanese Studies programs are focused on the

Japanese language education.• The Japan Studies Program (JSP) was set up in the

1993/1994 academic session. • 50 million yen Japanese ODA to Japan Studies in 1995.• Japan Foundation contributed Japanese Studies books and

arranged for visiting professorship. • March 2012 - there are three departments/units contribute

to Japanese Studies development.


Department of East Asian Studies, UM

Research(Scholars)

Education(Lecturers &

Students)


Programs 1997-2000

2001-2005

2006-2009

Total

Japan Studies

163 133 54 350

Korea Studies

5 13 32 50

China Studies

1 2 1 4

Total 169 148 87 404

Department of East Asian Studies, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Malaya

Table 1: The Number of Japan Studies Graduates 1997- 2009


Programs 2009 2010 2011 Total

Japan Studies

11 26 11 48

Korea Studies

4 11 6 21

China Studies

0 8 10 18

Total 15 45 27 87


Table 2: The Number of Japan Studies Graduates 2009-2011


Programs 2009 2010 2011

Japan Studies

1st year 34 17 142nd year 13 11 173rd year 24 13 11

Final year 4 3 3Total 75 44 45

Korea Studies


Final year - 5 2Total 26 30 33

China Studies


Final year - 1 -Total 19 18 15

Total 120 92 93


Table 3: The Number of Japanese Studies Major 2009-2011


University of Utara Malaysia (UUM)• Japanese language courses were first

introduced during the 1997/1998.

• As of 2004, there are five Japanese language teachers where four are Japanese citizens.

Sabah University of Malaysia (UMS)• The Center for the Promotion of Knowledge

and Language Learning (PPIB) offers Japanese language courses.

• Until January 2004, there are about 600 students who have registered for Japanese language courses.


National University of Malaysia (UKM)• Japanese language courses were offered

in 1978.

• Students are given options to incorporate the language component as part of their studies.

• As of January 2004, there are 161 students enrolled in Japanese language courses.

Putra University of Malaysia (UPM)• Japanese language courses until January

2004 had a total of about 300 students at basic degree level.


University of Science Malaysia (USM)• Until January 2004, there are 725

students at the main campus in Penang and 267 students at the Perak branch.

University of Technology Malaysia (UTM)• Undertaken by he Department of Modern

Languages.

• In 1992, a preparatory student program for those who will continue their studies to Japan was established.

Initiatives taken by :Initiatives taken by :Japanese Studies bodies Japanese Studies bodies

Malaysian Association of Japanese Studies (MAJAS)

• Formed on 15 August 1998 - objectives include:

1. To offer opportunities for interaction among scholars.

2. To encourage networking.

3. To help in disseminating research results about Japan.

4. To organize national or international seminars, lectures and talks.

Initiatives taken by :Initiatives taken by :Japanese Studies bodies (cont.) Japanese Studies bodies (cont.)

Malaysian Association of Japanese Studies (MAJAS)

• 1999 - seven seminars were organized by MAJAS.

• 2000 - MAJAS began its first activity with organizing an international conference.

• 2007/2008 – MAJAS greatly honored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan.

• 2008/2009 - MAJAS organized two public lectures by distinguished scholars of Japan.

• 2009/2010 - MAJAS organized two public lectures by four professors from Japan.

• February 22-23, 2012- 3rd JSA-ASEAN International Conference.

Initiatives taken by :Initiatives taken by :Japanese Studies Bodies (cont.) Japanese Studies Bodies (cont.)

Center for Japan Studies (CJS)• Established in 1999.• Focuses on trade, investment, finance,

technology, tourism, human resource development, ODA, politics, defense and security.

• Objectives include: 1. To undertake research on, and involving

Japan.

2. To provide opportunities for greater information exchange and discussion about Japan.

3. To disseminate knowledge of Japan to a wider audience.

Encouraging progress of Japanese Encouraging progress of Japanese Studies Studies

• Efforts to establish Japanese language courses and courses related to Japan has multiplied.

• Organization of seminars and conferences about Japan has expanded.

• An escalation of interest among researchers and graduate students.

Challenges in ensuring a more rapid Challenges in ensuring a more rapid developmentdevelopment

• Research on Japan, however has not yet established a firm foundation.

• Japanese Studies scholars are still a minor group in Malaysia.

• Research capacity in humanities and social sciences within Japan Studies is still inadequate.

• Sufficient research momentum is yet to be developed.

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Elective Visiting Professors+Guest Scholars(JapanFoundation)

Full Major BA

MA, PhDResearch Driven Courses

Japanese Language

Language+Social Sciences

Language+Social Sciences+Humanities

Stage 4

Link with Other Majors

MOUs(Universities in Japan)

Japan Studies Education:Japan Studies Education:Malaysia ExperienceMalaysia Experience

International CollaborationInternational Collaboration

India (6)

China (37)Canada(10)

USA (6)

Others( 41)

Japan (25)

Korea (24)

Canada (1)

Thailand (5)

Indonesia (24)

UK (11)

Germany (4)

MOUs with Japanese Universities/InstitutionsMOUs with Japanese Universities/Institutions

No

University/Institution

Period Objectives

1 University of Hiroshima

13.5.2008 – 12.5.2013 Promotion of joint research;Exchange of faculty members;Exchange of students:Exchange of research outcomes, academic publications and other academic information; and other academic and educational exchange programs approved as suitable by both institutions

2 The Nippon Foundation

17.3.1997 (automatically renewed)

Grant

3 Akita International University

11.9.2006 – 10.9.2011 automatically renewed on

a year to year basis

General MoU* & Student Exchange Agreement

4 Nagaoka University of Technology

6.1.2010 – 5.1.2015 (MoU & MoA)

• Renewal of the Agreement of Academic Collaboration

5 Juntendo University

Effective from: 1.08.2010 – 31.7.2015

(renewal)

Memorandum for Exchange Students

6 Kyushu University 8.8.2007 – 7.8.2012 MoU

7 Meio University 3.9.2007 – 2.9.2012 MoU & Student Exchange Programme

8 The College of Arts & Sciences, University of

Tokyo

Effective from 19.10.2010 – 18.10.2015

Short Term Student Exchange Program Agreement (AIKOM)

9 Ritsumeikan University

11.12.1996 (renew automatically)

General MoU*

10 Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

20.9.2000 – 19.9.2005 (automatically renewed

each year)

Agreement to Participate in Student Exchange Programs


11 Tokyo Medical & Dental University

6.11.2007 – 5.11.2012 (MoU)

Basic and clinical research, graduate studies and continuing education, exchange of academic information and publications in fields which are of interest to both Parties: Exchange of Faculty members and staff; development of student exchange programme: and other activities mutually agreed upon by the Parties

12 Meiji University 27.12.2007 – 26.12.2012

(MoU)27.12.2007 – 26.12.2012

(MoA)

Exchange of faculty members and researchers, financial arrangements

Student exchanges

13 Kyoto University 4.8.2008 – 3.8.2013

Academic Exchange & Cooperation :- Exchange of scientific materials,

publications, and information Exchange of faculty members Exchange of students Joint research and meeting for research Distance learning and research

14 Kyoto University Global Center for

Education and Research on Human Security Engineering for Asian Megacities

(HSE)

19.11.2009 – 31.3.2013

The purpose of establishing the Overseas Base is to support and promote the research and educational activities of HSE and EML in Malaysia.


15 Rikkyo University 6.11.2008 - 5.11.2013

(MoU & MoA)

Exchange of faculty and research personnel within the two schools

Exchange of undergraduate and graduate students within the two schools

Exchange of publications, materials and information Organization of joint research, conferences, seminars and symposium

Protocol for student exchange16 Nara Institute of

Science and Technology

(NAIST)

16.3.2009 – 15.3.2014

(MoU & MoA)

General MoU*

17 Graduate School of Science/School of Science, Osaka University

14.12.2009 – 13.12.2014 (MoA)

Activities such as collaborative research, lectures, symposiums, etc., and the exchange of researchers pertaining thereto;Exchange of information and materials in those fields which are of interest to both partiesExchange of undergraduate and graduate students.

18 Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology

22.11.2010 – 21.11.2015

General MoU*


19 Konan University 8.1.2011 – 7.1.2014(MoU & MoA )

Joint research and academic exchange between faculty members and researchers;

Exchange programs for students at undergraduate and at graduate level;

Establishment of academic experience courses for Konan University students;

Other forms of academic exchange by mutual agreement.

20 The National Institute of Information and Communications Technology of Japan

Valid from: 1.1.2011 – 31.3.2012

Exchange of information in the field of R&D communication networks;

Exchange of staff and researchers; Promotion of joint research Joint organization of technical meetings

and workshops.

21 Yokohama National University

24.2.2011 – 23.2.2016(MoU & MoA)

Exchange of students; Exchange of faculty members and staff; Exchange of academic information and

publications; and Other activities mutually agreed upon by

the Parties.


22 Kanazawa University

29.4.2011 – 28.4.2016

(MoU)

Exchange of faculty members and research fellows;Exchange of studentsExchange of academic materials, publications and information;Conducting joint research projects and organization of symposiums; andOther activities that contribute to the development of academic and educational exchange between the two universities

23 Shinshu University 18.7.2011 – 17.7.2016

(MoU & MoA)

Exchange of academic scholars Exchange of students Planning and execution of academic

activities such as conferences and seminars

Exchange of academic materials, publications and information

Other cooperation which is deemed appropriate by the Parties.


24 Chuo University 12.8.2011 – 11.8.2016

(MoU & MoA)

Exchange of faculty members; Exchange of students; Joint research projects; Joint conferences; Joint cultural programs; and Any other programs which are of mutual

benefit to both universities25 RIKEN 9.8.2011 –

31.3.2013 (extension)

(MoU for Scientific

Cooperation)

Exchange of educational and research staff

Joint graduate school programme Participation in seminars & academic

meetings Exchange of publications, academic

materials and other information Joint research activities Use of facilities at both RIKEN and UM by

research staff sponsored by either party


Japan

OtherRegion

Indonesia

Malaysia

Vietnam

Research(Scholars)

Education(Lecturers &

Students)Philippines

ThailandBrunei, Cambodia,

Laos, Myanmar

Regionalization of Japan Studies in Regionalization of Japan Studies in Southeast AsiaSoutheast Asia

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Elective

Full Major BA

MA, PhDResearch Driven Courses

Japanese Language

Language+Social Sciences

Language+ Social Science+Humanities

Stage 4

Link with Other Majors

Curriculum Development

Teaching Content

Teaching Pedagogy

ResourceDevelopment

Curriculum Development

Teaching Content

Teaching Pedagogy

ResourceDevelopment

GLO

BA

LIZA

TIO

NG

LOB

ALIZ

ATIO

NJapan Studies Education:Japan Studies Education:

Possible Regional CooperationPossible Regional Cooperation

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Focus on Teaching, No Major Research

Soc Sciences+ Language

Regional+International Research

Comparative Research

Collaborative Research

Stage 4

Social Science+ Language+Humanities

Research Based Teaching

Mostly Short Term Projects

Res Agenda Developed Externally

Publication in ISI Indexed Journal

GLO

BA

LIZA

TIO

NG

LOB

ALIZ

ATIO

NJapan Studies ResearchJapan Studies Research

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Focus on Teaching, No Major Research

Soc Sciences + Business

Local + Int’l Research

Comparative Research

Collaborative Research

Stage 4

Soc Science + Bus + Lang + Hum

Research Based Teaching

Long-Term Res. Projects

Interdisciplinary Res, Link b/w Teaching & Res

Local Research Agenda

High Q Res Output + Policy Formation

Long-Term Res. Projects

Interdisciplinary Res, Link b/w Teaching & Res

Local Research Agenda

High Q Res Output + Policy Formation

GLO

CA

LIZA

TIO

NG

LOC

ALIZ

ATIO

NJapan Studies Research (cont.)Japan Studies Research (cont.)

Hosts

Region

Frequency

JSA-ASEAN Partners

ASEAN+Japan +Others

MAJASJSP

Biennial Biennial

Malaysia

Southeast Asia Universities/ Res. Centre

Southeast Asia Universities+

Japan

Southeast Asia+Japan

Annual or as required

Each Country

Annual or as required

Strategic Cooperation: Strategic Cooperation: The Way ForwardThe Way Forward

Japan Studies Program, Embassy of Japan Studies Program, Embassy of Japan & Japan FoundationJapan & Japan Foundation

• Partners for the next 10 years and forever.

• Focus more on “Long-term”, “Collaborative”, “Inter-disciplinary” research.

• Will interact with Research Centers and Researchers in Southeast Asia.

• Continue to work with the partners in Southeast Asia for the future of Japan Studies in he region.

Malaysia-Japan Research Center (MJRC)Malaysia-Japan Research Center (MJRC)

January 6, 2012

Concluding RemarksConcluding Remarks

• Serious development of Japanese studies only began in the 1990s.

• Dedication and commitment is still at a minimum level.

• Number of Japanese Studies experts and acknowledgment of the importance are still low.

• Chair of Japanese Studies should be formed.

• Lack of research materials.

• If these three problems can be overcome, the advancement of Japanese Studies in Malaysia will be speedy because the foundation already exists.

THANK YOUTHANK YOU

Documents

Japanese Studies in Malaysia