Japan honours Malaysian educator for strengthening bilateral friendship

Malaysian educator Gary Tang has been honored by the Japanese Foreign Minister with a commendation for his significant contributions to strengthening the friendship between Japan and Malaysia. Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Shikata Noriyuki revealed that Tang was the only individual recipient from Malaysia among 173 individuals and 59 groups selected globally for this year's award.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Shikata praised Tang for his various roles, including his career as an interpreter and educator at Institut Bahasa Teikyo, his entrepreneurial activities, and his leadership in organizations like the Japan Graduates Association of Malaysia and the Tokai University Alumni Association Malaysia.

He also highlighted Tang's role in organizing charity initiatives, such as a fundraising concert after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, and his efforts in delivering relief supplies to the Tohoku region despite transportation and utility challenges.

Shikata noted Tang's encouragement of Malaysian students to attend educational trips to Japan and his participation in these trips himself, even when misinformation about safety circulated. He also commended Tang for promoting the Bon Odori Festival, facilitating educational tours, and providing support to the Malaysia Civil Defence Force through his honorary role for many years.

In his acceptance speech, Tang expressed gratitude to his family, mentors, colleagues, and partner institutions for their support. He credited two Japanese values—sonkei (respect) and kansha (gratitude)—for shaping his outlook and guiding his work in education, culture, and personal relationships. Tang pledged to continue promoting closer ties between Japan and Malaysia and fostering cooperation for future generations.