“Studying Abroad” that is to live on your own, and to overcome a plethora of challenges; “Believe in Yourself,” and realize that “I am the Primary Rooter of Myself”

Q: Why did you choose to study in Japan?
A: There are three reasons why I chose Japan to study besides the fact that I was destined.
    First, my parents used to study in Japan and always told me how wonderful the environment of Japanese education is. Also, I was born in Hokkaido so I kind of felt fate to Japan.
    Second, I am interested in the economy and business area since I was in high school, especially in company management or business strategies. Japan is one of the leading business hubs in Asia, and I believe studying in Japan will benefit my future career.
    Third is because I want to challenge myself and improve myself. Being in a completely new environment and overcoming difficulties will help me develop and push me forward to explore unknown areas.

Q: Why did you choose Chuo University as well as the Faculty of Global Management?
A: I chose Chuo University because I was interested in global marketing. The Faculty was newly-established at that time and I was hooked on the syllabus I saw during the Campus Visit. I was especially attracted to the Faculty’s feature which gives students opportunities to touch the state-of-the-art business from a global perspective. I thought to myself, “this is the place for me!”

Q: What did you focus on when you were studying at Chuo University?
A: I studied hard at the seminar and courses I took, focusing on improving myself.
Seminar: I mainly studied strategic business and marketing at Tsuyoshi Kimura Seminar. In this seminar, we engaged in many project-based studies, including creating business strategy plans. I accumulated a wealth of practical skills at this seminar.
Courses: In the global marketing course, I gained insights into laws and multinational companies and developed a multifaceted perspective on business. Thanks to frequent opportunities to give presentations in class, I became proficient at organizing and expressing my opinion logically. My enhanced presentation skills contributed to my studying at the graduate school and hunting for a job.
Self improvement: I pick up a habit of considering issues in depth and reflecting on my actions. I believe this skill came from studying strategic management, which strengthened my critical and logical way of thinking.

    At the Graduate School of Commerce, we studied how Japanese franchise companies enter the halal market. As I study this research theme, I learned how closely distribution theory, marketing, and statistical analysis are connected. At the theory of consumer behavior course, I was especially impressed to learn how music can influence consumer behavior. It made me think of “invisible power” in business. I also gained the ability to organize my thoughts by diving deep into books, as well as the manner of logical thinking and finding solutions, which help me in many aspects, especially in research.

Q: Please tell me your toughest and challenging experience?
A: The toughest was no doubt, a language barrier. Before coming to Japan, I had to master Japanese grammar, listening, and daily conversation all at once in just 8 months. Two days after I came to Japan, I was supposed to meet my father at Shinjuku, but I couldn’t because my phone battery died. I ended up wandering around the huge city Shinjuku, alone, unable to make my Japanese understood to the station officer. Luckily, I met up with my father two hours later, but I was so relieved that I burst into tears. I will never forget this experience and I believe this traumatic trouble on the very first day of my study abroad motivated me to work hard in mastering the Japanese. Language proficiency is crucial for mental well-being. This is my first time to live away from home so I missed my family and my friends.

Q: Is there any difference between your homeland and Japan?
A: I was surprised with a conceptual difference of “time” between Malaysia and Japan. In Japan, it is natural to arrive 10 minutes earlier than a promised time, and as a matter of fact, arriving “on time” might be considered a little late. On the other hand, in Malaysia, it is natural to arrive a bit late. When we say “I will be there in 5 minutes,” that means probably 15 minutes later. I was not used to this Japanese custom at first, and my friends sometimes gave me a meaningful glance at me. It’s a good memory now, though.
    Another thing I was astonished about Japanese custom is the preconceived idea of “customers-first.” Everywhere I shop in Japan, I feel like I’m treated special. Every place I shop in Japan, a clerk bows and shows appreciation. It makes me feel that “I have to be super polite, too.” I respect shop clerks in Japan from the bottom of my heart for their loyalty in service.
    One more thing I am surprised about Japan is that Japanese do not travel abroad that much. Domestic travel seems to be popular, and the ratio of Japanese passport holders accounts for only 16 %. However, I do understand that Japanese can be satisfied with domestic travel since Japan boasts so many wonderful sites to visit and interesting cultures to experience. As a future employee at an aviation company, I want to tell Japanese that “go see outside Japan, too!” These are the things I was surprised at first, but now I feel I have broadened my horizon by understanding amazing cultures of both my home country and Japan.

Q: Please tell me your unforgettable memory in Japan.
A: It was nice to have an opportunity to talk about myself and a life in Japan in front of 150 high school students from Chuo University High School at Bunkyo. I conveyed how fantastic it is to study abroad and how important it is to challenge new things whilst young. This moment was special for me, sharing my perspectives and hopefully inspiring the listeners. I appreciate Chuo University International Center for recommending me as a guest speaker.

Q: What do you think you have achieved through studying in Japan?
A: I would say I obtained tremendous assets through meeting with many people and learning various points of view. Participating in actual business projects broadened my horizons and made me ponder from multiple angles besides textbook knowledge.
    I also feel that I grew mature through studying in Japan, as I had to live all by myself and deal with problems that rise one after another. Without supports from my family and friends, I realized the importance of cheering myself up and putting an effort to achieve the goal. Above all, I can “believe in myself” now, and I realized that “I am the primary rooter of myself.” Thanks to this finding, I am confident of my future.
    Through this experience, I became mentally strong enough to strive under any circumstances, and now I’m set to move forward with all the good memories in my heart.