Malaysian honoured for boosting Japan ties

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian educator and cultural exchange advocate Gary Tang has received the Japanese Foreign Minister's Commendation for helping to strengthen Malaysia-Japan relations.

Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Shikata Noriyuki said Tang was one of two Malaysians selected this year among 159 individuals and 67 groups honoured worldwide.

"With his remarkable vision and leadership, Tang has made significant contributions in advancing Japan-Malaysia cooperation across education, culture, business and many other fields," said Shikata at the presentation ceremony at his official residence on Saturday.

He said Tang had played a pivotal role in promoting study opportunities in Japan among Malaysian youth since becoming president of the Japan Graduates' Association of Malaysia (Jagam) in 2018.

Tang, as a governor of the Asean Council of Japan Alumni, also led the launch of its Business Advisory Board last month to strengthen connections between Japanese companies and the Asean market.

In cultural exchange, Jagam has co-organised the Pavilion x Jagam Matsuri at Pavilion Bukit Jalil since last year, featuring traditional Japanese performances and cultural activities.

In his acceptance speech, Tang said the commendation reflected the support and cooperation of his family, mentors, colleagues and partner institutions.

Tang travelled to Japan in March 1983 before enrolling at Kokusai Gakuyukai, now associated with the Japan Student Services Organisation.

He later joined the Malaysia Students Association in Japan, serving as its president in 1986.

Tang said two Japanese values — sonkei (respect) and kansha (gratitude) — were his lodestars in education, culture and personal relationships. — BERNAMA