Foreign Minister’s Commendations for FY 2020

The Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation is initiated with the aim to recognise and honour individuals and organisations who have made tremendous contribution to promote amity between Japan and other countries.
 
This year, the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation will be conferred to 3 Malaysian groups and 2 individuals. Those representing a wide range of backgrounds were selected on the basis of their outstanding contribution to the promotion of friendship, exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and Malaysia.
 
The recipients are as follows:
 
Foreign Minister’s Commendations for FY 2020 (Groups)
(1)   Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM)
The association was established in 1934 and has outstanding achievement in promoting mutual understanding through sports between Japan and Malaysia. Coaches from Malaysia, who trained the Japanese national team players, bring glories and huge achievements to Japan's badminton team. Other than that, the association actively participates in training camps that are hosted by Japan, with a view to sending a Malaysian badminton team for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, and exchange views with Japanese players.
 
(2)   Malaysia Judo Federation (MJF)
The MJF was established in 1961. Since then, MJF has played a central role in introducing, popularizing and promoting judo in Malaysia. MJF not only held the International Judo competitions actively, but also promoted Judo in the Malaysian Armed Forces, police and other institutions. MJF sent two contestants to the Olympic Games in Tokyo in 1964. Through these efforts, the Judo population in Malaysia has increased tremendously.
 
(3)  Japanese Language and Linguistic Course, Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, University of Malaya
University of Malaya has been actively promoting Japanese Language Education in Malaysia. Established in 1998, this is the only course in Malaysia, where you can major in Japanese studies and obtain a bachelor degree in Japanese Language and Linguistics. They also have exchange study programs with Japanese universities and internships at Japanese companies to help students to have a better understanding of Japan and contribute to the relationships between Japan and Malaysia.
 
Foreign Minister’s Commendations for FY 2020 (Individuals)
(1)  Mr. Mizuno Toshio, Head of Japanese Teachers, Special Preparatory Program to enter Japanese University, University of Malaya
He has outstanding contribution as a driving force of the Look East Policy, in promoting the mutual understanding between Japan and Malaysia. He served as Vice Dean of the "Japan Malaysia Twinning Program (JAD Program) for 6 years since 2007. He has also been teaching in the Ambang Asuhan Jepun (AAJ) since 2014 and served as the head of Japanese Teachers for more than 5 years. He has been making continuous efforts to promote study in Japan for Malaysian students.
 
(2)  Ms. Shimozono Seiko, President Fukiage-Malaysia Friendship Association
Residing in Japan, she has greatly contributed to promote mutual understanding between Japan and Malaysia. In 1984, she exchanged with the first batch of Malaysian students who visited Kagoshima prefecture in Japan under the Look East Policy. From then until now, she warmly welcomed hundreds of Malaysian students. In 1998, Fukiage-cho in Hioki-city established the Fukiage-Malaysia Friendship Association and she has become the president since. She plays an important role in the tie-up of sister cities between Hioki and Subang Jaya city.