KAGOSHIMA, Mar 1 – Three students from the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT) participated in the Kagoshima Kosen Global Camp 2025, which took place from February 23 to March 1 at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Kagoshima College, Japan. The students are Nur Ayunni Masri and Pravin Raj Kathiresan, both from the Bachelor of Mechanical Precision Engineering program, and Saashwindran Pillay, from the Bachelor of Chemical Process Engineering program. They were accompanied by Dr. Syarifah Zyurina Nordin, the Academic Manager for External Programs. The global camp brought together 95 participants, including students and lecturers from Sweden, Taiwan, Malaysia, and 11 technical colleges across Japan, fostering cross-cultural academic collaboration.
Pre-Camp Online Training Sessions
Participants attended three online pre-training sessions between December 2024 and February 2025 to prepare for the camp. These virtual workshops were led by experts from Kagoshima Kosen and other participating institutions. They covered essential topics such as AI-driven problem-solving, coding fundamentals, and prototype design methodologies. The sessions equipped students with foundational knowledge, enabling them to collaborate effectively and develop innovative solutions during the camp.
A Week of Innovation and Cultural Exchange
The global camp began with an ice-breaking session and a briefing on the project challenges. Each team was assigned to develop an AI-driven prototype to enhance Kagoshima’s primary industries.
On the second day, teams presented their initial ideas and received constructive feedback from leading lecturers to help refine their prototype proposals. This session was followed by a cultural visit to Kagoshima Shrine, allowing participants to gain insights into Japan’s rich traditions.
The third day focused on an excursion, during which students visited a tea factory, a black vinegar factory, Sakurajima Island, and Kagoshima Garden. This experience provided them with a deeper understanding of the region’s heritage and industries.
In the following days, students concentrated on finalizing their projects, developing code for the prototypes, preparing their presentations, and printing 3D models. The day concluded with a BBQ networking session, which strengthened the participants’ connections.
Silver Prize for MJIIT Student
The final day featured a closing ceremony and project presentations. Each team showcased their prototypes to a panel of judges, including esteemed lecturers and invited guests.
Saashwindran and his team developed a prototype for an automated water level management device designed to irrigate rice fields in Kagoshima. Pravin and his team created an automated fish feeding system that reduces labor needs while ensuring high quality and quantity of fish production in Kagoshima. Ayunni and her team designed a prototype called AquaGuard, a sprinkler system with four adjustable heights, providing varying levels of protection.
Pravin’s team was awarded the Silver Prize for their outstanding prototype, which demonstrated technical excellence and innovative problem-solving. The prize was presented by Dr. Etsuko Ueda, the President of Kagoshima Kosen.
During the closing ceremony, Dr. Syarifah Zyurina and Dr. Etsuko Ueda exchanged tokens of appreciation in recognition of the strong collaboration between MJIIT and NIT Kagoshima College, symbolizing the ongoing academic partnership between Malaysia and Japan.
Strengthening Global Academic Collaboration
MJIIT’s involvement in the Kagoshima Kosen Global Camp 2025 highlights its dedication to international academic exchange, innovation, and practical learning experiences. Through this program, students gained valuable exposure to real-world engineering challenges, enhanced their technical skills, and built global networks with fellow participants and industry experts. MJIIT expresses its gratitude to NIT Kagoshima College for hosting this exceptional program and strengthening the strong ties between Malaysia and Japan in engineering and technological education.
