Hiroshima University - Ms. Mak Lee Ming


			Ms. Mak Lee Ming (Malaysia) Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Hygiene Hi everyone! Apa Khabar? I am from Malaysia, born in a city called Seremban, located in Negeri Sembilan. Malaysia is a tropical country where there is no considerable season difference, it is hot and humid for most of the year. For those who like warm and sunny place, it’s a nice place to go. Since I was a high school student, I have been interested in Japan. Therefore, I was seeking the opportunity to come to Japan to learn Japanese culture while pursuing graduate study. In 2009, I was granted with an opportunity that led me to a new life in Japan.

Beginning of my new life in Japan:
When I first stepped into the land of Japan, anxiety aroused because I couldn’t understand nor speak Japanese, everything I am going to experience is new, the people, the customs, the traditions, etc. I had no trouble getting accustomed to the food here since we could get a lot of Japanese food in Malaysia. Despite the language barrier, I was soon settled down in Saijo with the help and support from the people around me. What surprised me at first was that Saijo is quieter than I thought, and as time goes by, I actually enjoyed the tranquillity in Saijo, giving a sense of calmness and simplicity to the life I have now. I feel blessed to be here.
*Academic life:*
I earned a bachelor degree in microbiology from University Putra Malaysia, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences. Currently, I’m pursuing master course, major in food microbiology and hygiene. Meanwhile, I’m also taking Japanese class at the Faculty of Education as well. I enjoyed learning here, my lab mates are always willing to help and whenever I could not find my words to express my mind in Japanese, they are patient to listen and try to understand me. And, we always share our minds, thoughts and also jokes. Besides my supervisor and the professors being helpful and thoughtful, I received a lot of support and assistance that makes my study more manageable. And, Hiroshima University provides a good educational environment and facilities to support a student’s life.

*Social life:*
Growing up in a multicultural country has developed me into a person who likes to interact with people with different backgrounds and cultures. I have made many friends from around the globe, international and Japanese friends with diverse backgrounds, such that it is amazing to be able to make such cross-cultural friendships.From there, I greatly improved my understanding towards different customs and traditions around the world, and this means a lot to me. Through volunteer work, club activities and meeting with host family, I am afforded a deeper look into how a typical Japanese family life looks like and how they interact with each other. I am impressed with Japanese communication, the polite manner when they greet people and I love certain expressions in Japanese such as “tadaima and okaeri,” and “ itadakimasu.”
At Hiroshima University, it is not just about study, but also learning about life. It really takes a lot of courage to come to an unfamiliar country and to overcome the fear and anxiety being out of the comfort zone we were used to, such that I feel like I have grown into a more complete person.
Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) for the scholarship grant as well as the relevant professors and officers for supporting my study in HU.