KUALA LUMPUR, Mar 2 – For the third consecutive year, the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), in collaboration with Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT) in Japan, successfully organized the Global Project-Based Learning (gPBL) course. This year, we had the largest participation from SIT, with a total of 29 participants, including 25 students (both undergraduate and postgraduate), 2 teaching assistants, and 2 lecturers. They were warmly welcomed and accompanied throughout their 10-day stay by 9 dedicated MJIIT students, who served as buddies.
Participants engaged in two parallel projects focusing on environmental studies: Water Quality Monitoring and Algae Cultivation from Water Samples. Divided into teams, they conducted fieldwork at Bunus River, collecting samples from three designated checkpoints. Back in the laboratory, the Water Quality Monitoring group analyzed Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), while the Algae Cultivation group focused on growing and identifying algae species from the collected samples.
In addition to academic activities, the program offered cultural immersion experiences. On Saturday, participants enjoyed a traditional Malaysian breakfast at Rebung Putrajaya, savoring local delicacies such as Nasi Lemak, Roti Canai, Lontong, and Kuih. They then explored two iconic mosques: the Iron Mosque and the Pink Mosque. At the Iron Mosque, they had the opportunity to witness Muslim wedding ceremonies and even took photos with the newlyweds. At the Pink Mosque, a fluent Japanese-speaking guide provided insights into Islam and the mosque’s unique architecture. The cultural experience continued with a visit to IOI City Mall, Malaysia’s largest shopping mall, followed by a relaxing walk through Putrajaya Wetlands, often called the “Green Lung” of Putrajaya.
As the program concluded, participants compiled their findings and presented their research to project leaders and facilitators. The closing ceremony was a joyous occasion, featuring lively performances by SIT participants and MJIIT buddies and ending with refreshments and a memorable photo session.
On March 2nd, the SIT participants bid farewell to Malaysia and returned to Japan. We at MJIIT hope they had a wonderful experience, both academically and culturally, and we look forward to welcoming them again in the future!
