Osaka, 23 July 2025 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) reaffirmed its position a s a leading institution in higher education and cross-cultural innovation during a compelling pocket talk delivered by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim at the Malaysia Pavilion. The session, themed “Malaysia–Japan Educational Partnership: Nurturing Talent and Building a Sustainable Future”, formed part of the official lead-up to Expo 2025 Osaka, reflecting UTM’s enduring ties with Japan and its strategic vision for the global future of education.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor passionately shared UTM’s belief that education must be more than academic instruction—it must shape character, spark innovation, and bridge cultures. He emphasised that quality education must be inclusive, relevant, and capable of preparing students for a globally interconnected world. These values are exemplified in UTM’s unique integration of the Malaysian and Japanese educational philosophies, combining ethical leadership and innovation with lifelong learning and social harmony.
At the heart of this collaboration lies the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), UTM’s flagship initiative under the Look East Policy. Established in 2011, MJIIT has become a model of Government-to-Government cooperation, offering Japanese-style engineering education embedded with Malaysian identity and societal relevance. The institute enjoys robust support from 31 Japanese universities and five key Japanese ministries and agencies, enabling dynamic exchanges of knowledge, talent, and innovation.
Professor Dr. Shafry also highlighted UTM’s vibrant edutourism and student mobility initiatives. Through long- and short-term programmes such as semester exchanges, research internships, and summer schools, UTM opens its doors to international learners. The newly introduced UTM-MJIIT Glocal Eminence Course (GEC 2026) was showcased as a signature 2-week programme combining English training, SDG education, engineering exposure, cultural excursions, and creative teamwork. Offered at USD1500 per participant, the programme aims to provide a rich local-global learning experience, supported by a strong student buddy system and official certification.
Cultural immersion plays a key role at UTM, particularly through the Japanese Language and Cultural Centre (JLCC) at MJIIT. JLCC ensures students are not only technically competent but culturally fluent—equipping them with language skills, work ethics, and the communication styles valued in Japanese industry. This cultural grounding enhances their global competitiveness, as evidenced by UTM’s 100% graduate employability rate and the growing number of alumni working in Japan, multinational companies, or pursuing postgraduate studies abroad.
Beyond the classroom, UTM promotes meaningful cross-cultural experiences through its edutourism offerings. International participants engage in forest stays, traditional village life, aquaponics projects, and sustainability-themed camps that bring SDG principles to life. These hands-on initiatives build empathy, resilience, and long-lasting friendships, embodying UTM’s belief that education should inspire both personal growth and global stewardship.
Strategically located in Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur, and Pagoh, UTM benefits from excellent accessibility to major cities including Singapore, Jakarta, and Tokyo—enhanced by Malaysia’s visa-friendly policies for most countries. This connectivity positions UTM as a gateway for academic collaboration and innovation across the Asia-Pacific region.
With a forward-looking spirit and a deep respect for heritage, UTM continues to lead with purpose, aligning academic excellence with cultural understanding and sustainable development.
“We are grateful for this opportunity to share UTM’s model and commitment to global education and edutourism. Our doors remain open to universities, industries, and institutions who wish to collaborate, co-create, and grow together toward a more sustainable and inclusive future,” concluded the Vice-Chancellor.
“We look forward to seeing you in UTM.”
Thank you, Terima Kasih, Arigatou gozaimasu.
Content Provided by : UTM International