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Faridah Mohamed, a dedicated educator, has devoted a significant portion of her career to teaching Bahasa Melayu in Japan, playing a pivotal role in elevating the status of Malaysia's national language in the Land of the Rising Sun.
At 65, retirement is not on Faridah's agenda. Currently serving as a special visiting lecturer at the Centre for Language and Culture Studies at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, she recently had her contract renewed for another four years, underscoring her commitment to her work.
Originally from Batu Pahat, Johor, Faridah's journey in Japan began in 1989 when she was among the first cohort of government schoolteachers selected under the Look East Policy. She embarked on a one-year course in Japanese language studies, followed by a four-year degree program in Japanese language and culture studies at Mei Kai University.
Mastering Japanese fluently, Faridah found herself immersed in various opportunities, including teaching Bahasa Melayu, translating, proofreading, and even voiceover work for schools and private companies. Her expertise extended to compiling dictionaries and writing Japanese-Malay communication books, contributing significantly to language education in Japan.
Despite initial challenges, Faridah's passion for promoting Bahasa Melayu kept her rooted in Japan. She saw the dearth of Malay language educators as an opportunity to make a meaningful impact and enhance the language's global recognition.
Staying back meant facing financial penalties from the Malaysian government, but Faridah managed to offset these through her teaching and translation gigs. Armed with a Master's degree in Comparative Cultural Studies from the International Christian University in Tokyo, her reputation as a proficient educator and language expert grew over the years.
Faridah remains steadfast in her mission to advance Bahasa Melayu in Japan. She advocates for the Malaysian government and local universities to send more experienced educators to further bolster Malay language education in the country. Despite progress, she acknowledges the challenges, including the shortage of qualified teachers and the risk of discontinuation of Bahasa Melayu courses in Japanese institutions.
As for her future plans, Faridah intends to continue her work in Japan as long as her expertise is needed, emphasizing the importance of finding a suitable successor to carry on her legacy. Her dedication and contributions serve as a testament to the enduring bond between Malaysia and Japan, bridged through language and education.
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