UTM professor receives prestigious Japanese award

Highest recognition: Kumaraguru receiving ‘The Order Of The Rising Sun’s Decoration’ award from Katsuhiko. — Photo courtesy of the Embassy of Japan in Malaysia

PETALING JAYA: A local university professor turned Japanese language “sensei” has been awarded with one of Japan’s most prestigious national awards by the Japanese government.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Assoc Prof Kumaraguru Ramayah now finds his achievements immortalised after being awarded The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette for his efforts in promoting Japanese language education in Malaysia.

Beginning his teaching career as a primary school English teacher, Kumaraguru’s life changed after he was selected to be a Japanese language teacher for a Public Service Department (JPA) scholarship under Malaysia’s Look East Policy (LEP).

Becoming the first Malaysian Indian to receive this scholarship, he then completed his studies at the University of Tsukuba after graduating as an LEP scholar.

Kumaraguru later returned to Japan and earned a Master’s degree in Comparative Linguistics under a Japanese government scholarship before returning to Malaysia to teach Japanese as an elective subject at UTM.

Presenting the award to Kumaraguru was Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Takahashi Katsuhiko who praised the local professor’s role in transforming UTM into a hub for Japanese language education in Malaysia.

“Through his efforts, Kumaraguru sensei became one of the most prominent Japanese language instructors in Malaysia.

“Although the majors of UTM students were mainly engineering-related, he successfully introduced Japanese language as a free elective subject by developing his own syllabus and teaching method.

“Kumaraguru sensei has engaged in various activities to promote Japanese language education in Malaysia and mutual understanding between our two countries,” he said in an award ceremony held at the ambassador’s official residence on June 13.

In an interview with Bernama, Kumaraguru said he felt on top of the world after having his near-lifelong dedication and passion for promoting Japanese language officially recognised.

“I feel greatly honoured as receiving this honour from the Emperor of Japan is the highest recognition possible.

“This brings recognition not just for me but also for my institution, UTM, and also for my country, Malaysia.

“It is a significant acknowledgment of Japanese language education in Malaysia as a whole,” he said.

Established in 1875, The Order of the Rising Sun is Japan’s oldest award system that is presented to both Japanese and non-Japanese nationals in recognition of their distinguished accomplishments.