The Malaysia Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT) successfully sent four selected students from Mechanical Precision Engineering (1 student), Electronic Systems Engineering (1 student), and Chemical Process Engineering (2 students) to participate in the 2024 International Brain-Storming Workshop at the National Institute of Technology, Kurume College from March 3 to March 9, 2024.
The main objective of this program was to facilitate group discussions among students from Japan, Thailand, Singapore, and Vietnam on methods to prevent the annual flooding in Kurume, Fukuoka. This provided the students with the opportunity to share their perspectives and explore potential technological solutions to the issue. On the penultimate day (March 8, 2024), the students presented the results of their discussions, followed by a Q&A session with other participants.
In addition to the group discussions, the program also offered students the chance to immerse themselves in Japanese culture and lifestyle, including traditional rituals and cuisine. The students seized the opportunity to explore Yame town with local student guides and visited shrines, gaining insight into Japanese prayer customs.
The students also visited the Kyushu-Okinawa Agricultural Research Centre, where they learned about research on crops such as paddy, wheat, and barley. They were given a tour of the research facilities and witnessed agricultural practices firsthand. Additionally, they visited the Kewpie factory, where they learned about the technology behind breaking 600 eggs per second and sampled various types of mayonnaise.
Throughout the trip, the students found walking to be convenient in Japan, as sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly traffic lights were available at every junction. They also appreciated the heated toilet seats, which provided comfort in the cold weather. As the days passed, they immersed themselves in Japanese culture by enjoying ramen, visiting temples and shrines, and exploring Japanese fashion and shopping. This program not only enriched the students’ academic knowledge but also contributed to their personal development and cultural understanding.