Japan honours Malaysian educator for strengthening bilateral friendship

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

Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Shikata Noriyuki said Tang was the sole individual recipient selected in Malaysia this year among 173 individuals and 59 groups honoured worldwide.

"Today, we gather to celebrate Gary Tang's exceptional contributions to the friendship between Japan and Malaysia," Shikata said at the presentation ceremony held here recently.

Shikata said Tang promoted bilateral ties through his career as an interpreter and educator at Institut Bahasa Teikyo, his entrepreneurial endeavours, and his leadership in the Japan Graduates' Association of Malaysia (Jagam) and the Tokai University Alumni Association Malaysia.

He highlighted Tang's key role in organising charity initiatives, including a fundraising concert following the March 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.

Tang also travelled with Jagam members to deliver relief supplies directly to affected communities in the Tohoku region despite severe transport and utility disruptions.

"At a time when confusion and misinformation spread, leading to excessive concerns about safety across Japan, Tang encouraged Malaysian schools to join educational trips to Japan and took part in these trips himself," Shikata said.

Shikata also commended Tang for assisting with the Bon Odori Festival, promoting educational tours, and supporting the embassy's crisis-management activities for decades through his honorary role with the Malaysia Civil Defence Force.

In his acceptance speech, Tang said the award reflected the steadfast support of his family, mentors, colleagues, and partner institutions throughout his journey.

Tang travelled to Japan in March 1983 before receiving his STPM results to enrol 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 to support fellow Malaysian students.

Tang said two Japanese values — sonkei (respect) and kansha (gratitude) — have profoundly shaped his outlook, serving as vital principles in education, culture, and personal relationships.

He pledged to continue promoting closer ties between both nations and building bridges of cooperation for future generations.