- 11/24/2025
On Sunday, October 19, 2025, as part of the “International Understanding Session” held at Gion Community Center in Asaminami Ward, Hiroshima City, four international students from Malaysia (full-time students and short-term exchange students) introduced Malaysian culture and games to local parents and children.
Fifteen participants (four families) attended the event. The students explained that Malaysia is home to diverse ethnic groups, including Malay, Chinese, and Indian communities, making it a harmoniously multicultural nation. They also conducted a Malay language quiz, allowing participants to enjoyably engage with Malaysian culture.
Next, the students introduced the traditional Malaysian game “Chongka (Mancala).” Chongka is a game where players take turns moving stones or seeds placed in holes on a board, aiming to collect more than their opponent. It is said to help develop counting skills and strategic thinking. In Malaysia, children become familiar with this game from an early age. Parents and children enjoyed playing with international students, fostering a warm atmosphere of exchange.
A questionnaire was carried out after the event, and the results indicated that participants enjoyed a fulfilling experience engaging in international exchange within a warm atmosphere. For the international students, it was a valuable opportunity to introduce their own culture while feeling connected to the local community.
Our university will continue to promote activities that foster mutual learning and deepen understanding through exchanges between international students and members of the local community.