The Embassy of Japan in Brunei Darussalam recently awarded certificates to 25 individuals for their outstanding performance in the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT).
A total of 47 candidates sat for the assessment on 1 December 2024 across various proficiency levels, from N1 to N5.
The JLPT, established by the Japan Foundation in 1984, evaluates and certifies the Japanese-language skills of non-native speakers. Since its introduction in Brunei in 2008, the exam has seen growing participation. This year’s results included one passer at N2, seven at N3, six at N4 and 11 at N5.
Among the high achievers was Nurulafifah binti Haji Hassan, who successfully cleared the N2 level. Reflecting on her journey, she shared that her passion for the language began in 2017 after reading an English-translated work by a Japanese author.
“Although the work was beautifully grim, I kept thinking, ‘I bet this work is even more beautiful in its original language.’ That thought prompted me to start learning Japanese properly,” she said.
For Nurulafifah, immersion has been key to mastering the language. “I incorporate Japanese into my daily life by engaging with various media—news, livestreams, publications, anything related to Japanese. I search for it and enjoy it,” she explained.
The 24-year-old also highlighted how language learning has enriched her worldview. “Knowing different languages has given me a deeper understanding of the world and unexpectedly expanded my connections with diverse people,” she said.
“Learning new languages naturally sparks interest in a country’s culture and customs. As a result, it helps one develop respect for various cultures and beliefs,” she concluded.
The certificate presentation ceremony was graced by the Ambassador of Japan to Brunei Darussalam, Kikuta Yutaka, and witnessed by the Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) at the Ministry of Education, Dr Haji Azman Ahmad.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
