3 August 2010
Embassy of Japan

  Embassy of Japan in Malaysia is pleased to announce that the prestigious Japanese decoration “The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon（旭日中綬(きょくじつちゅうじゅ)章(しょう)）” was presented to Dato’ Haji Mohd Soffian bin Abdul Rahim, the Malaysian representative on the Board of Directors of NGO “The Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement International” (OISCA International), who is also the former Director-General of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. The conferment ceremony was held at the residence of H.E. Mr. Masahiko Horie, Ambassador of Japan, on 2 August 2010 in Kuala Lumpur.

  The decoration is conferred upon Dato’ Soffian by His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, in recognition of Dato’s outstanding contribution to the promotion and strengthening of grass-roots and youth exchanges between Japan and Malaysia, as well as his advocacy and contribution to forging sister cities relations between Japan and Malaysia.

  Previously, as a senior officer in the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Dato’ Soffian endeavored to establish the “International Youth Centre” which conducts exchange programmes for youth from various countries including Japan and Malaysia to build friendship among youths. The Centre also introduces Japanese culture to Malaysian youth to raise mutual understanding. Subsequently, he greatly encouraged and promoted the Centre’s activities considerably during his term as the Director-General of the Ministry. In addition, as the Malaysian representative in the Board of Directors of OISCA International, Dato’ is still engaged in their activities to date and has been promoting the introduction of modern Japanese agricultural practices to Malaysian farmers.

  Furthermore, Dato’ Soffian is one of the original engineers for establishing the sister cities relationship between Fukuoka and Ipoh. He has also laid the foundation for close relationship between Kagoshima and Malacca, as well as Oita and Kedah.

  It was our great privilege to celebrate this conferment with Dato’ Soffian’s family members and the members of OISCA International.


Kuala Lumpur
2 August 2010