GEORGE TOWN: Fifteen secondary school students from Penang will have an unforgettable experience under the Hybrid Education and International Experience Programme (HEIEP) 2024 in Japan.
The students are from the B40 families, with this being their first-ever overseas travel experience.
The initiative by USAINS Group, in collaboration with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and the state Education Department, is aimed at transforming middle and high school education by combining hybrid learning with immersive international experiences.
Through HEIEP 2024, students will engage in a transformative journey that goes beyond traditional classroom learning, providing critical opportunities for academic and personal development.
The week-long programme is packed with educational activities, social interactions, cultural experiences and the exchange of ideas with Japanese counterparts.
A key feature of the programme is the partnership with Japan's Setsunan University and Keiko High School.
SMK Dato' Haji Hassan Noh's student Syahdan Norezan, 15, said he could not believe that he was selected to participate in HEIEP 2024.
"I was shocked when I was told that I was selected. I even came down with a fever due to the shock!
"I am so excited to be chosen as even my brothers and sisters have not gone overseas before," said the fourth of five siblings.
Syahdan, who aspires to be a doctor, said he hoped to learn the Japanese culture and marvel at the Osaka view.
"I will share my experience with my friends here," he said, adding that three others from his school have been selected for the HEIEP 2024.
His mother, Sofiah Abdul Razak, 51, said Syahdan started preparations as soon as he was told that he was selected.
"He was so excited when he went to do his passport. I am so happy for my boy," said the housewife.
Sofiah's husband, Norezan Abdullah, was the former editor of 'Harian Metro'.
Syahdan's schoolmate, Arisa Danialla Azly, 15, said she could not wait to show off the Malaysian culture to the Japanese.
She would be performing the silat, as well as introduce Malaysia's traditional games such as 'batu seremban', 'lempar guli' and the wau.
"I have even prepared for a 'dikir puteri' dance.
"I am beyond words. This is my first overseas trip," said Arisa, who aspires to be a lawyer.
Her father, Azly Osen, 40, is a fisherman and her mother, Shasha Ahmad, 39, works in a foodstall.
Schoolmates Lim Rou En and Khor Ee Jie from SMK Seri Nibong were also chosen to participate in the HEIEP 2024.
Both, who took Japanese language classes since Form One, could converse in the Japanese language.
"I can't wait to converse in the Japanese language with the Japanese.
"I am looking forward to this trip. I can't wait to learn more about the Japanese culture," said Lim, whose ambition is to be a doctor.
Khor, an avid anime fan and enjoys drawing anime characters, said she immediately told her mother the good news when selected.
Khor's mother, Karen Tan Hwei Ling, 46, said her daughter took a liking for anime at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic when Malaysia was under lockdown.
"She learnt it online and started drawing. Her drawing is good and I can only encourage her.
"This is a good experience and exposure for my daughter. I am sure it will be a beneficial trip for her and her friends."
USAINS Group managing director Farid Wajidi Mat Yusoff said the HEIEP 2024 embodied the unwavering commitment to democratising access to quality education.
He said by focusing on underrepresented communities, they aimed to ignite a passion for learning and innovation in the next generation of leaders.
The group will leave for Osaka at 1am today.
The students are recommended by their schools and the state Education Department. They comprised high performers and those active in schools.