Signing of Memorandum of Understanding between Sunway University and Japan’s Kansai Gaidai College

Sunway University’s Centre for English Language Studies (CELS) and Kansai Gaidai College, Osaka Japan, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU sealed a firm cooperation between the institutions to facilitate student exchange programmes, starting in 2015. Kansai Gaidai College is expected to send about 30 students to Sunway for English learning.

Present at the MoU ceremony were Dr Elizabeth Lee, Senior Executive Director of Sunway Education Group, Prof Graeme Wilkinson, Vice Chancellor, Prof Pua Eng Chong, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Dean of Faculty of Arts, Prof Stephen Hall, Head of Centre for English Language Studies of Sunway University; Prof Kazuko Tanimoto, Vice President, Prof Kazushi Hiromoto, Professor, and Kayoko Ochi, Exchange Coordinator of Centre for International Education from Kansai Gaidai College.

Photo caption MoU Signing with Kansai Gaidai - From left: Lim Shui Chin, Director of International Office, Sunway Education Group, Kayoko Ochi, Prof Kazushi Hiromoto, Prof Kazuko Tanimoto, Dr Elizabeth Lee, Prof Graeme Wilkinson, Prof Stephen Hall, Prof Pua Eng Chong and Jeanette Lim, Deputy Head of CELS and Head of Intensive English Programme

“Sunway University is aiming to be one of the best private universities in Malaysia. We are very serious in developing relationship internationally with high quality institutions which enables students’ exchange, and also staff exchange programmes. We think in the days of a globalised world, it is important for people to work together internationally. Today I hope that we establish a very long term partnership, benefitting your (Kansai Gaidai College) students, our students, your staff and our staff. I hope we can be very close collaborators, very close friends for years to come,” said Prof Wilkinson.

Prof Kazuko envisioned working closely with Sunway University to nurture individuals who devote themselves to the development and growth of Asia. The collaboration between the two prestigious institutions was inspired by Japanese student, Mika Murai during her days at Sunway University. “I had a wonderful time in Malaysia and especially at Sunway University. Studying in Malaysia changed my initial doubt of effective English learning in Asia, this is a country where almost everyone, even children speak good English and at least 2-3 additional languages. Sunway University with its quality study environment, a foyer that is open 24 hours with free wifi and nearby Sun-U Residence (student accommodation) allowed me to focus better on my studies. So, I am very pleased to receive news on the partnership between Sunway University and Kansai Gaidai. I hope this will further enhance the diplomatic relationship between Malaysia and Japan.”

Kansai Gaidai College is a well-established and renowned Japanese college focusing on foreign language studies. Affiliated with 342 universities in 50 countries, the college sends 1,600 students to foreign countries annually. Kansai Gaidai College was founded in 1945 after the World War II with the aim of shaping leaders and equipping them with the communication skills to build resilient international community to avoid the repeat of war. Over the years, Kansai Gaidai College has grown from only 80 students to one of the biggest private higher education institutions in Japan today with annual intake of 1000 students. Through the partnership, Sunway University looks forward to rolling out exchange programmes with the established Kansai Gaidai College.