14 December 2009
Japan Information Service
Embassy of Japan

  319 youths and 11 national leaders from Japan and 10 ASEAN countries (of which 29 of the participants are Malaysians) set sailed onboard “Fuji Maru” on a 53-day voyage under the Southeast Asian Youth Program (SSEAYP) and set foot on Malaysian soil as the second visiting country form 19th November to 22nd November.

  On arrival, the participants were ushered into Malaysia with a warm welcome by Deputy Youth and Sports Minister, Datuk Razali Ibrahim at the welcoming ceremony on the ship, following which they enjoyed a pleasurable welcoming dinner hosted by Datin Seri Rosmah at Putrajaya in the evening. They were given the opportunity to interact with Malaysian college students through exchanges and even had a taste of life in Malaysia as they participated in the home-stay program.

  “Fuji Maru” set off for Singapore on the 22nd November and will return to Japan on 17th December after visiting Singapore, Thailand and Brunei Darussalam.

  This program began in 1974 and has continued to contribute significantly towards promoting mutual understanding and friendly relations between countries of the ASEAN region and Japan for the past 36 years. Sincere thanks to everyone in Malaysia who have played a part in making this program a success in Malaysia!