The Next Generation Symposium on Japanese Studies 2025

25 October, UKM – Co-organized by JFKL, MAJAS and FSSK, UKM, the second year of The Next Generation Symposium on Japanese Studies concluded successfully with over 100 guests ranging from academicians, sponsors, university students, members of the public and friends and family of the Japanese Studies Essay Contest and Mentorship Programme finalists. 

The symposium was divided into two segments:

1) Morning session: Presentation by the Japanese Studies Essay Contest participants and the Winners Announcement Ceremony (For more details, click HERE.)

2) Afternoon session: Roundtable Session with Students and Academicians:

2a) Students – Welcoming Diversities in Japanese Studies Youth: Molding & Empowering the Next Generation Scholars on Japan

2b) Academicians – Act Now: Evolution of Japanese Studies for Today, Tomorrow and the Future for All

A group of five students ranging from undergraduates to postgraduates each shared their experience on how they discovered Japanese Studies. They also shared on the lack of exposure of Japanese Studies as compared to other studies as well as limitations in resources. They concluded by posing several questions to the academicians on how to encourage students to be more involved in the Japanese Studies sphere.

Students Roundtable

Moving on to the academician’s roundtable, an esteemed panel of senior lecturers took the stage next to share the current situation on Japanese Studies, the integration of Japanese Language in Japanese Studies, and collaborations with Japanese scholars to extend the study. They also answered the student’s questions by encouraging them to attend programmes by The Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur and other opportunities.

Academicians Roundtable

The event concluded with a speech from Dr. Rohayati Paidi as the longstanding President of MAJAS.

We look forward to seeing everyone next year!

Past Symposiums:

2024

Last Updated 7/1/26