YBhg. Tuan Zamakhshari bin Hanipah, Mayor of Ipoh, today officiated the handover of contributions to eight (8) participants of the Youth Exchange Program 2025 (Ipoh–Fukuoka Student Exchange).
The ceremony, held at Dewan Azlan Shah, Ipoh City Council (MBI), brought together the selected students along with two (2) accompanying officers who will depart for Fukuoka as young ambassadors of Ipoh City. Their participation reflects MBI’s ongoing efforts in fostering strong international relations between Ipoh and Fukuoka.
In his speech, the Mayor congratulated the selected participants and expressed appreciation to the organising committee for their commitment in ensuring the smooth execution of the program. He also emphasised the importance of the longstanding sister-city relations between Ipoh and Fukuoka, which have flourished for over three decades.
The sister-city relationship between the two cities was formalised on 21 March 1989 through an agreement signed by Ipoh’s first Mayor, YBhg. Datuk Haji Umar bin Haji Abu, and the then Mayor of Fukuoka, Mr. Keiichi Kuwahara. This partnership has become a catalyst for cultural, educational, economic, trade, science and technology, as well as sports exchanges between the people of Malaysia and Japan.
The Youth Exchange Programme, previously known as the Sister City Student Exchange, is held alternately each year between Ipoh and Fukuoka. For 2025, Fukuoka is the host city.
The Mayor of Ipoh also highlighted that such programs serve as an important platform for nurturing unity, global cultural awareness, and character-building among the younger generation.
“I am very proud to see the commitment of these students who will represent Ipoh City. I hope they will gain knowledge, experience, and a deeper understanding of Japanese culture,” he said.
He also extended his appreciation to Fukuoka City for its continued cooperation and for welcoming the participants this year. Prayers were offered for the safe departure and return of all students and accompanying officers.
The ceremony was also attended by Tuan Haji Ahmad Munir bin Ishak, City Secretary; Tuan Haji Fakrul Nizam bin Pakhruddin, Chief Assistant Director of Student Affairs, Perak State Education Department; Puan Anita Hanim binti Taharim from the General Studies Department, Politeknik Ungku Omar, who serves as the instructor for the Japanese Language Class; Professor Zita binti Mohd Fahmi, Vice Chancellor of Quest International University (QIU); Heads of Departments and Units of MBI, principals and school representatives involved, as well as parents of the participants.
The Youth Exchange Program 2025 is expected to further strengthen people-to-people diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Japan, while providing long-term benefits to the education sector and human capital development in Ipoh City.
Source:MBI
