Wide-ranging talk on history, culture, diplomacy, tourism and more urges students to “keep reading, learning, and thinking beyond prejudice”
H.E. Dr. Mohammed Said Albusaidi, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to Japan, visited Shumei University on May 11 and delivered a special lecture attended by around 70 students, faculty members, and staff.
The lecture covered a remarkably wide range of topics, including Oman’s history, natural environment, diplomacy, tourism, economy, natural resources, local products, and culture. Through this broad presentation, Ambassador Albusaidi introduced Oman not simply as a country on the map, but as a nation with a rich historical legacy, cultural depth, and an important role in the contemporary world. The event offered students a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of Oman and to broaden their perspective on the Middle East.
During the lecture, Ambassador Albusaidi repeatedly encouraged students to continue reading, learning, researching, and studying. He emphasized the importance of not accepting other people’s words uncritically, but instead developing the habit of examining issues independently and from a broader perspective. He urged students not to remain trapped within narrow viewpoints or fixed assumptions, but to cultivate an open and informed way of seeing the world.
The ambassador also spoke about the importance of understanding religion and culture with care and fairness. In particular, he asked students to be mindful of prejudice toward Islam and stressed that in today’s global society, it is increasingly important to make the effort to understand different beliefs, cultures, and values more deeply. His remarks left a strong impression on the audience by moving beyond facts and information to address the broader attitude with which people approach the world.
The atmosphere throughout the event was lively and engaging. During the question-and-answer session, students actively raised questions on a variety of topics, including diplomacy, culture, religion, and national image. The ambassador responded thoughtfully and generously, creating a warm and intellectually stimulating exchange.
Students who attended responded very positively. One participant commented that it was a highly interesting lecture and said that being able to attend a class in English together with students from different years and academic backgrounds in a large lecture setting was a fresh and rewarding experience. Others also noted that the chance to learn directly about the Middle East and Islamic culture—subjects they do not often encounter in everyday classes—made the lecture especially meaningful.
Dr. Wonsuh Song of the Faculty of Teacher Education at Shumei University, who organized the event, said she was very pleased that the lecture gave students an opportunity to encounter Islamic culture, Middle Eastern culture, and Oman, which has been drawing increasing attention in recent years. She added that she was especially glad that so many students attended and were able to broaden their horizons and gain new perspectives through the occasion.
The special lecture reflected Shumei University’s continued emphasis on international education and multicultural understanding. Bringing together students from different years and different majors to listen to an English-language lecture and participate in discussion created a meaningful educational experience that fostered international awareness and a wider intellectual outlook.
Ambassador Albusaidi’s visit left students with more than knowledge about one country. It offered them a reminder of the importance of intellectual curiosity, independent thinking, and a willingness to look beyond prejudice. His message—to keep learning, to keep questioning, and to approach the world with a broader vision—was one that resonated deeply with those in attendance.
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