How did Sakura Science Plan play a role in your study / research in Japan?

Sakura Science Plan (SSP) is a great program. I have become a member of Sakura Science Club since June 2017 through Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science. I had visited Nagoya for about 9 days. It helped my department, my university and my country by giving a chance to study basic and advanced procedures of endoscopy and Japanese culture. Hence, the program improved my knowledge and skills. Being a member of Sakura Science Club, Sakura Science Mail Magazines are serially sent by e-mail. So, I can enjoy reading these magazines. It would provide new ideas and create innovative minds. I love the theme "We are One."

Please describe your comments freely related to your life in Japan.

I had visited Nagoya two times: first time with SSP in June 2017 and second time in April 2018. I revisited Japan for the second time due to Prof. Hidemi Goto's invitation. Prof. Goto has supported a lot to Myanmar Gastroenterology Society since 5 years ago. He is a good leader in Gastroenterology. We are really thankful to Prof. Goto for his continuous support. All the staff in Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine (including Prof. Hirooka, Prof. Miyahara and Prof. Ishikawa) are charming and kind-hearted. They gave us a warm welcome. They were very helpful to us during our stay. They all were really inspired by teaching us the basic principles of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal endoscopy. They are good teachers. We had enjoyed many farewell parties. Japanese traditional food, Nagoya chicken wings and Japanese sake will be always in my heart. I was very lucky to visit at the time of Sakura blossom. Everything in Nagoya was beautiful at that time. We also made friends with students from Thailand who were studying advanced endoscopy in Nagoya University. By their recommendations, we had visited historic villages of Shirakawa-go. It was a wonderful and extremely beautiful place. Hopefully, one day, I will drink sake with my Japanese friends under Sakura tree at cherry blossom.

Please describe your message to people who are going to participate in this program.

If you have a chance to apply Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science (Sakura Science Plan), I suggest you to grab this opportunity. There might be some language barriers, but Japanese people are helpful and peaceful. You would easily adapt. The funds provided will be enough for your length of stay. You can learn not only latest advanced technologies, but also lovely Japanese culture. You can enjoy delicious Japanese food. Finally, you may become a good bond between your country and Japan. I am sure it would be much more wonderful than your expectation.