The Ipoh City Council and Fukuoka City in Japan held another student exchange programme.
The programme serves as an important platform for enhancing cultural understanding, knowledge sharing and relations between the communities of the two cities.
A delegation of eight youths from Fukuoka City, accompanied by three officials, were welcomed at a dinner reception held in conjunction with the Fukuoka–Ipoh Sister City Youth Exchange Programme at the Ipoh Convention Centre.
Also present at the event was Ipoh City Council (MBI) Councillor, Zuraidah Zakaria, who represented the Mayor of Ipoh.
Also in attendance were Head of Delegation, Motoi Tachibana; accompanying officers, Mrs. Akiko Kabemura and Kazuo Yoshimoto; Heads of Departments of the Ipoh City Council; host families; teachers; coordinators; members of the organising committee; and invited guests.
In her speech, Zuraidah described the exchange programme as an important platform for strengthening the long-standing friendship between Ipoh and Fukuoka, particularly through cooperation in the areas of education, culture and youth development.
She said programmes such as this provide valuable opportunities for young people to learn about one another’s cultures, traditions and ways of life, while also exchanging views and building friendships that could potentially last a lifetime.
“Youth are the future generation who will play an important role in the development of their respective communities and countries. Through this programme, participants have the opportunity to experience Malaysian culture firsthand, gain new perspectives and forge friendships that will hopefully continue to inspire them even after they return to their home country,” she said.
She also encouraged the young delegates from Fukuoka to make the most of every activity during their stay in Ipoh with an open mind, a sense of curiosity and a spirit of mutual respect.
During their stay in Ipoh, the delegates also had the opportunity to discover the uniqueness of the city’s heritage, experience the lives of its multiracial communities, appreciate its natural beauty and enjoy the diversity of local cuisine, which is among Ipoh’s main attractions.
MBI hopes that the visit will provide the delegates with a closer insight into Ipoh as a city that values creativity, sustainability and inclusivity, while continuing to preserve its historical treasures and cultural heritage.