For the past seven years, the student exchange program between Universiti Sains Malaysia and Hiroshima City University has proven to be a highly rewarding and enriching experience for Malaysian students. Through the program, students have gained valuable insights into Japanese culture, including customs, ethics, and traditions.

A highlight of the program has been the opportunity for students to live with Japanese families, generously hosted by the HIPPO Family Club. This immersive experience has allowed the students to gain a deeper appreciation of Japanese culture and build meaningful relationships with their hosts. By participating in local community activities and attending lectures at Hiroshima City University, students have also gained a greater understanding of the city's history, particularly the effects of World War II and the remarkable reconstruction of Hiroshima after the atomic bombing.

Beyond the personal benefits for students, the exchange program has also fostered cultural exchange and understanding between Malaysia and Japan. Through sharing their own experiences and culture, Malaysian students have strengthened the bonds between the two countries and promoted cross-cultural understanding.

Thank you to the City of Hiroshima for the splendid experience “Let all the souls here rest in peace, for we shall not repeat the evil."

SAZLINA SALLEH, DR.