Celebrating 50 years of Friendship: Kicking off the Silver Anniversary of the Peace Corps in Malaysia on BFM Radio

Evening Edition producer Mooreyameen Mohamad briefing former Peace Corps volunteer John Stupka and Ambassador Paul Jones before the talk show goes live on air. (U.S. Embassy photo)

From left, host Umapagan Ambipaikan, former PCV John Stupka, Ambassador Jones, host Sonia Zubeir and producer Mooreyameen Mohamad. (U.S. Embassy photo)

U.S. Ambassador Paul W. Jones and former Peace Corps volunteer John Stupka had a lively time talking about the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps in Malaysia, on the Evening Edition program of BFM 89.9 radio.  The live show was hosted by Sonia Zubeir and Umapagan Ambipaikan, on January 11, 2012

Former Peace Corps volunteer John talked about his 45 years in Malaysia – arriving in 1966 as a teacher for the Teacher Training College in Cheras.  As a fresh-faced graduate from Ohio, John was assigned to teach industrial arts to equally young Malaysian teachers-to-be.

John stayed on in Malaysia after his assignment ended, and trained other Peace Corps volunteers who came to the country.  Today, he continues to teach at the International School of Kuala Lumpur.

Though the Peace Corps program ended in 1983, Ambassador Paul Jones assured BFM listeners that the spirit of the program lives on.  He talked about the various exchange programs between the U.S. and Malaysia.  Just a week ago, he related, a group of nearly 50 American college graduates touched down at KL International Airport – ready to take on their responsibilities as Fulbright English Teaching assistants.

He also told BFM listeners about the Embassy’s photo exhibit showing Peace Corps volunteers and the activities they experienced.  This public exhibit would be unveiled later this year and travel around the country.  Ambassador Jones also encouraged BFM’s listeners to share their stories of the Peace Corps with the Embassy by going on Facebook www.facebook.com/usembassymalaysia or writing in: pcvmalaysia@yahoo.com.