Experiencing Japan : a Harmony of Modernization and Traditional Values
Being an international student in Osaka University is like opening a new chapter in my life. It is not just about bridging the differences in language and culture, but also about letting yourself being exposed to a whole new experience.
My name is Maria Cheng and I come from Jakarta, Indonesia. I graduated from Faculty of Biotechnology, Atma Jaya Indonesian Catholic University, in 2006. Thanks to the Panasonic Scholarship Foundation, I am able to continue my study in Japan, as a graduate student in International Program of Frontier Biotechnology, Osaka University. Under the kind supervision from Prof. Kanaya, I am now conducting research to determine the role of the second lid (lid2) in the enzymatic function of Pseudomonas sp. MIS38 lipase.
Why Japan? As a manga-lover (manga: Japanese comic), I have red a lot about Japanese custom and culture, and grow interest in it. From Doraemon to Samurai X, from Neon Genesis Evangelion to Naruto, the content of manga is reflecting today's Japanese: a high-tech society which still preserving its traditional way of life. This is why I want to study in Japan. I want to experience the life in Japan, a modern life with a touch of traditional culture. Besides, we all know that Japan has been accounted worldwide for its high level of education and advanced research in the field of science and technology. Isn't it just perfect ?!