10 Students Successfully Completed the New Era University College Basic Japanese Language Course
To promote language and intercultural learning, the Institute of International Education at New Era University College launched the second cohort of the Basic Japanese Language Course on May 14, 2025. The course concluded successfully on March 14, with 10 participants completing the programme, including students and staff from the university as well as working professionals from outside the institution.
Ms. Yap Yuet Ngor, Lecturer of the Basic Japanese Language Course, stated that the 9-month programme, totaling 160 hours, enabled students to master the four foundational language skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—as well as the three Japanese writing systems. She emphasized that mastering an additional language serves as a gateway to new perspectives and a reshaped worldview. Ms. Yap further encouraged students to embrace the spirit of lifelong learning, citing that age should not be a barrier to self-growth. She concluded by advising students to pursue the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) as a long-term goal to enhance their prospects for future study or employment abroad.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lew Siew Boon, Assistant Dean of the Institute of International Education, first expressed her gratitude to Ms. Yap Yuet Ngor, noting that it was through Ms. Yap’s dedicated guidance and effort that the students were able to make continuous progress in a positive and enjoyable learning environment. She shared her own experiences of participating in professional exchanges in Japan and remarked that Japan is a country that combines comfortable living with a rich cultural atmosphere. She highlighted that language is not merely a communication tool but a bridge connecting diverse cultures, and encouraged the graduates to step out of their comfort zones to explore the broader world.
Ms. Lim Xin Hui, Representative of the Basic Japanese Language Course, expressed her appreciation to the Institute of International Education and Ms. Yap. She noted that acquiring a new language is a significant "added value" in today’s competitive society, expanding one's personal capabilities. As a student of the Department of Chinese Language and Literature, she shared how she integrated the relationship between Japanese and Chinese Kanji into her research projects. While acknowledging the challenges of mastering the Japanese syllabary and complex grammar, she noted that the participants’ patience and persistence over the past year allowed them to progress from basic comprehension to engaging in simple dialogues. She remarked that graduation marks a new beginning, as language learning has revealed their hidden potential and broadened their horizons.
The third cohort of the 2026 Basic Japanese Language Course at New Era University College is now open for registration. We welcome anyone interested in learning Japanese and exploring Japanese culture to join. For more course details and registration information, please follow New Era University College’s official Facebook page.
