KUALA LUMPUR - A cultural exchange event organized by Japanese students from Sunway University was held on January 30 at the Alliance of Chin Refugees Learning Center (ACRLC) in the Pudu district of Kuala Lumpur.

The event brought together 21 students from the learning center and five Japanese exchange students for a dialogue-based program aimed at fostering mutual understanding beyond nationality and background.

Over about two hours, participants introduced aspects of Japanese culture and daily life and took part in games and interactive activities. 

Small group discussions were held over snacks, with conversations ranging from anime to music, creating a lively and relaxed atmosphere.

The initiative stemmed from a connection made at the ‘World Refugee Day’ event held in Kuala Lumpur, June last year, where a Japanese participant met a teacher from ACRLC.

ACRLC is a community-run learning center serving refugee families living in Malaysia, with more than 400 students enrolled. 

Many of the students are from Myanmar, particularly from the Chin community, amid ongoing political instability in their home country.

In addition to providing educational support from early childhood through secondary levels, the center offers daily support and opportunities for personal development. 

It functions not only as a place of learning but also as a hub supporting community solidarity and self-reliance.

Malaysia is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, and refugee children are not formally permitted to enroll in public secondary schools. 

As a result, community-based learning centers such as ACRLC, supported by donations and volunteers, play a vital role in expanding educational access.

According to post-event feedback, participants expressed appreciation for the opportunity to connect across cultures.

“The part where we all shared our favorite movies, I found how different we are,” one student wrote.

“It was very fun and interesting. I had fun talking to them and learning new things about them and their cultures,” another commented.

The event underscored the importance of youth-led engagement in bridging communities that often remain socially and legally separated.