To all students of Nihongo Center Foundation (NCF) Makati and all concerned parties,

We are pleased to announce that, this December, we are moving our office and classes to the following new location:

6th Floor, Electra House Building, 115-117 Esteban Street corner Rufino Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City.

For inquires and concerns you may reach us through:

Email: nihongocenter@gmail.com

Tel. No. (632) 892-4917 to 19

“LINGUISTIC ABILITY AND CULTURAL COMPETENCY FOR HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT IN THE ERA OF GLOBALIZATION”

21st – 22nd September 2018, Grande Centre Point Sukhumvit 55, Bangkok

21, Sept 2018

Welcoming Reception – 55^th F Floor, Grande Centre Point Sukhumvit 55, Bangkok

–           The reception included words from Ms. Bhusdee Navavichit, the OJSAT President, Mr. Shigeki Kobayashi from the Embassy of Japan and Mr. Vuthy Monyrath, the ASCOJA Chairperson, as well as a speech from Mr. Jiro Sato, Secretary General, ASJA International. Since this was my first time in such events, I was very curious about what each of these respected and experienced members of the organizations have to say. Of course, with my level of experience, I was awed by their ease of addressing the floor. Never have I been more thankful for my Japanese language education as most of the speakers were more comfortable in expressing themselves in Japanese.

Mr. Sato’s speech focused on developing Japanese language education across the ASEAN countries in relation to the modern day application of the language, especially labor. I couldn’t agree more, as with the rising and aging population of Japan, the ASEAN community should look for ways to work together and further advance interests in commerce and industry.

22, Sept 2018

ASJA-ASCOJA International Symposium on “Linguistic Ability and Cultural Competency for Human Resource Development in the Era of Globalization”

The event was opened by a short speech from Ms. Bhusdee Navavichit, the OJSAT President about cooperation between the ASEAN nations revolving around the concept of globalization. This would be one of the many times she would be asked to climb the stage to deliver a few words.

Mr. Jiro Sato was up next and he talked about the importance of labor assets from the ASEAN countries and how the current era is awash with opportunities for everyone.

Mr. Kobayashi Shigeki ended the opening ceremonies by thanking everyone in attendance, especially our Thailand hosts for the event. Based on anecdotes from different sources, each ASEAN nation was, understandably, eager to show off their respective countries during these type of events, and our hosts certainly aren’t holding back this year in my opinion.

The main event was spearheaded by a special lecture by Ms. Shinko Fukazawa, Representative of Japanese Mother Tongue and Heritage Language Education and Research Association in Thailand (JMHERAT) about “Various Scenes of the Japanese Language Learners’ Linguistic and Cultural Background; a Report on Case Studies in Thailand’s 3 Universities to Search for the New Goal to Teach Linguistic Skills at School”  The lecture introduced the report’s study on Japanese language learners coming from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds, ranging from the ‘halfs’, of part Japanese descent up to people with a completely different mother language (Mandarin, Russian, etc.). The learners’ backgrounds were directly and indirectly influenced by how their community perceived them. It is obvious to point out how household interactions (language) shifted their interest and motivation between different languages. With NCF receiving its share of students with Japanese heritage, this made me think of how Philippine culture perceives everyone of mixed heritage, especially with the common belief on how they should already be at some point proficient in the respective native languages of their parents. With globalization already in full swing, every country has its experience in multicultural groups after all.

This was followed by a presentation from Prof. Sirimonporn Suriyawongpaisal about Japanese Language Education and Literature. Here, Prof. Suriyawongpaisal recommended the inclusion of classic and non-classic Japanese literature in learning the language. This was further complemented by websites, especially Youtube, to draw learner interest in the language, and more importantly, the Japanese culture. This was interesting to me as I appreciate a good read now and then, and language learners get another view of the culture of the country whose language they are studying through its literature. Classic literature is especially adorable as we get to see morals and life lessons simplified almost to the point of childlike narration. Not many would appreciate the way these are geared towards children, however, so feedback is a must.

Another presentation was from the Laos representative Malaykham Sayakone on the country’s status regarding their Japanese language schools, with data from the recent JLPT scores. As their curriculum is relatively young compared to the other ASEAN countries, this would be an excellent chance for those other nations, including the Philippines, to assist and further our collective interests.

Indonesia’s Ari Artadi followed up by discussing their topic Basic Level of Japanese Education for Health Workers, which discussed the EPA program of Indonesia and the relevant literature and data from the previous candidates. They are also having problems with the imbalance between language teachers and students, the lack of interest in pursuing a career in the former and the language and cultural barrier encountered frequently by the candidates. I was informed that our country, the Philippines was not authorized to discuss details of our EPA program as it is a joint venture between our country and Japan. Indonesia, it seems, received clearance to do just that.

The Japanese Language Education for Business topic was presented next by Tran Thi Thuthuy Nguyen Thi Bich Hue from Hanoi, Vietnam with focus on the current economic climate, specifically ASEAN nations’ competency in responding to Japan’s call for human resources. The current goal has been upgraded from ‘laborers with experience in the Japanese language’ to ‘laborers with the competency to operate using the Japanese language’. Besides language proficiency, there is a need to focus on specialization, communication, problem solving and cultural adaptation and cooperation. This should be the way to move forward in my opinion. We are already consuming so many aspects of multiculturalism, so language should be developed as a skill instead of just an academic subject with little impact in the real world.

Ms. Thin Aye Aye Ko from Myanmar was up next expanding on the effects of globalization and the need to stay competent with improvement on specialization with Necessity of Japanese Textbooks in Myanmar Language. Ms. Ko demonstrated the number of books she has developed for Myanmar’s learners while sharing the information of the average age of said learners in Myanmar (between high school graduates and university level). The room (including yours truly) expressed surprised delight on seeing how much she must have contributed to the Japanese language education in her own country. She also pointed out the need to balance conversation in the Japanese language and the JLPT, with emphasis on the learners being able to express themselves as much as they can to further learning.

Mr. Hy Sokny from Cambodia also gave a report on the current status of Cambodia regarding Japanese language education, where one would be quick to notice similar trends between the ASEAN nations, especially between Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia, with most of their learners approaching or at a university level of education. As we all know, Cambodia has had a rocky past as a multicultural country, yet despite that they are looking forward to the future and all the opportunities it offers.

Malaysia’s Ms. Au Yong Hui Nee touched up on their medical workers with her topic Issues in Healthcare in Malaysia as Experienced by Japanese Retirees. With Malaysia currently experiencing the benefits of being a retirement location for Japanese citizens, Ms. Nee discussed the importance of language competency when it comes to nursing/care-giving. This translates to a call for better support for EPA candidates across ASEAN countries with focus on assimilation of the target culture/language. This is not limited to the Japanese language, as pharmacy software requires support in the English language. Here she briefly touched up on the proposed OET (Occupation English Test) to be included in the healthcare curriculum.

The event was concluded by an open forum with representatives answering questions relating to their current status regarding Japanese language education. This would be the first time I felt something of a strong impression of the importance of our bonds with our ASEAN family. We all provide labour to Japan and each other, we experience almost the same disasters and economic situations, and share the same roots. We could (and we have, repeatedly learnt) learn from each other, not just about solving problems, but celebrating our shared interests regarding Japan. I have always thought of myself as open-minded about foreign relations, but now I realized how one could really broaden their horizons by visiting the other side of the fence. I am really thankful for the opportunity afforded to me and I hope to utilize my experience to further the study of the Japanese language in my country.

Report by: Kevin Paul Bautista

What can we do to protect the environment?

This was the question posed to the students of the Nihongo Center Foundation (NCF) and the Philippine Institute of Japanese Language and Culture (PIJLC) in the 8^th Kake Speech Contest, held last September 22 at the NCF Makati Campus. Eight students stepped up to the task and shared their ideas on what each individual can do to protect our natural environment.

Zoe-Agatha Serrano, this year’s first place winner, urged others to look no further than where they stand. Within their own worries and circumstance, people can find opportunities to contribute to society and to the world.

In Ms. Serrano’s speech, she recounted how she found her answer in her choice to quit relying on a diet-plan service that resulted in plastic containers to pile up in her home. Since then, she has decided to prepare her own meals herself and in so doing, she has saved on expenses while reducing waste in her life.

As the top prize winner, Ms. Serrano received an educational trip to Japan and other special prizes. She will also represent the Philippines in the Grand Final Contest in Okayama, Japan. The winner of this grand contest will receive a 2-year scholarship at any of the three universities under the KAKE Educational Institution.

Similarly, Francesca Lucia Galve and Tessa Garcia, the second and third prize winners respectively, also shared their insights on environmental protection and preservation. With a focus on taking responsibility for one’s use of resources and committing to doing the right thing, no matter how small, everyone can make an impact in reversing the damage to the environment brought about by the wasteful lifestyles of recent times.

Mr. Ken Nakamura, Director of the Japan Information and Culture Center of the Embassy of Japan, Ms. Hitomi Kohara, Department of International Affairs of the Kake Educational Institution, and Mr. Kenjiro Ogata, the Academic Adviser of NCF-PIJLC were the panel of Judges for the 8^th Kake Competition. Also in attendance were: Ms. Ma. Isabel Laurel-Dimayuga, Deputy Administrator of the PJFF, and Ms. Carmencita Biscarra, the Faculty Development Manager of NCF-PIJLC.

The KAKE International Japanese Speech Contest is an annual competition that gives international learners of the Nihongo an opportunity to showcase their skills. Meanwhile, by listening to the speeches of their peers as well as the contestants in the International round, students of NCF-PIJLC can also deepen their understanding of the language and ‘the Japan’ that is felt by other generations and by people from other countries around the world.

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Resources:

Speech by Zoe-Agatha Serrano

Speech by Francesca Lucia L. Galve

Speech by Tessa Garcia

8th Kake Speech Photo Album

Calling all students of Nihongo Center and the Philippine Institute of Japanese Language and Culture Foundation: registration for the 8th KAKE International Japanese Speech contest is now on-going. Participants must prepare to deliver a four to five minute speech on the theme: “環境保護について〜私ができること〜 or “What I Can Do to Protect the Environment.”

The contest is open to students currently enrolled at Nihongo Center or PIJLC who are Filipino citizens and have not resided in Japan for more than 12 months in total.

The first prize winner will receive an all-expenses-paid educational trip to Japan, among other special prizes. They will also have the opportunity to represent the Philippines in the Grand Final Contest in Okayama, Japan. The winner of this grand contest will receive a 2-year scholarship at any of the three universities under the KAKE Educational Institution.

The second and third prize winners will receive a full one semester tuition waiver, and a waiver of the entrance fees at any of the three universities under the KAKE Educational Institution, plus other special prizes.

Those interested to participate may send their speech entry with their profile (CV) to ncfmanila@gmail.com or nihongocenter@gmail.com by July 28, 2018. The competition will be held on September 22, 2018 from 2:00 – 5:00 PM.