On July 9, 2024, a special lecture was held at Waseda University by Mohamad Jeffry Joe Meyer, the First Secretary of the Malaysian Embassy in Japan. The theme was “Malaysia Truly Asia,” and he elaborated on Malaysia’s culture, history, and its relationship with Japan.
Mohamad Jeffry Joe Meyer, First Secretary of the Malaysian Embassy in Japan, giving a special lecture at Waseda University
Mohamad Jeffry Joe Meyer, First Secretary of the Malaysian Embassy in Japan, giving a special lecture at Waseda University
Malaysia is a country where different ethnicities and religions coexist, and its cultural diversity was emphasized. For example, Hari Raya Aidilfitri is an important festival celebrated by Muslims after the fasting month of Ramadan, and the Chinese New Year is also celebrated across Malaysia. Mr. Meyer shared an episode of living in the state of Sabah and celebrating the New Year with his Chinese neighbors. In Malaysia, different cultures are often respected and celebrated together.
Mr. Mohamad Jeffry Joe Meyer giving a lecture
The diverse food culture of Malaysia was also mentioned. Nasi Lemak is a very popular breakfast in Malaysia, and Teh Tarik, a type of milk tea, was introduced. Additionally, notable buildings such as Merdeka 118 and the Petronas Twin Towers were discussed. These buildings symbolize the urban landscape of Malaysia and attract many tourists.
In the latter part of the lecture, the bilateral relationship between Malaysia and Japan was explained in detail. This relationship, established immediately after Malaysia’s independence, was particularly strengthened by the “Look East Policy.” Under this policy, about 26,000 Malaysian students and government officials received education and training in Japan. Mr. Meyer emphasized the significant impact of Japanese work ethics and culture on Malaysia.
The Look East Policy has greatly contributed to Malaysia’s economic and technological development. Especially in engineering and the automotive industry, cooperation has progressed, enabling Malaysia to develop its own automotive industry. Currently, cooperation is also being promoted in the fields of green technology and sustainable energy.
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad was also mentioned. Mr. Meyer highlighted that Mr. Mahathir highly valued relations with Japan and visited Japan three times last year despite his advanced age of 98. His vision and policies have greatly contributed to Malaysia’s development.
After the lecture, there was a batik painting experience as part of the traditional Malaysian cultural experience.
Waseda University students participating in a batik painting experience (Center left: Wonsuh Song, right Mr. Meyer)
Mr. Mohamad Jeffry Joe Meyer expressed his surprise and delight that Waseda University students were very interested in Malaysia and enjoyed the batik painting experience. He expressed his desire to increase events that deepen the relationship between Malaysia and Japan as part of cultural exchange. A senior student from Waseda University’s Faculty of Law, who participated in the special lecture, said, “I was glad to learn about Malaysia, which I thought had little to do with Japan.”
I hope that the friendly relations between the two countries will continue to strengthen and that the spirit of peace will spread to various countries in Asia.
Photos and Article by: Wonsuh Song (Ph.D.)
Part-time Lecturer at Waseda University, School of Education
Full-time Lecturer at Shumei University, Faculty of Teacher Education
Member of the Special Committee on Global Strategy, Peaceful Unification Advisory Council
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