TSUKUBA, Aug 24 – The Faculty of Civil Engineering (FKA), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), led by Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Safuan A Rashid, Deputy Dean (Research, Innovation and Development), together with Prof. Ir. Dr. Azman Kassim, Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Mariyana Aida Ab. Kadir, Ir. Dr. Nor Eliza Alias, Dr. Siti Norafida Jusoh, Sr. Ts. Dr. Radzuan Sa’ari, Dr. Erwan Hafizi Kasiman, Dr. Ahmad Razali Yusoff, Dr. Mohamad Hasif Osman, Dr. Kasbi Basri, and Dr. Afiqah Ismail, participated in an academic visit to the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience (NIED), Japan. The delegation was joined by representatives from the National Water Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM) and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Johor Branch.
The program commenced with a welcoming address by Dr. Matsuura, followed by research sharing by NIED scientists. Delegates were introduced to NIED’s advanced facilities, including radar systems, the world’s largest rainfall simulator and an upcoming wind engineering project. The rainfall simulator, led by Dr. Naoki Sakai, has been extensively used to examine slope failure mechanisms and debris flow processes under controlled rainfall conditions. This facility not only provides valuable insights into landslide and flood behavior but also offers opportunities to test disaster mitigation strategies in a realistic setting. For FKA UTM, the simulator was highlighted as a potential platform for future collaboration in disaster engineering, particularly in accelerating research on landslides, storm impacts, and flood-related studies, thereby enhancing regional capacity in disaster risk reduction.
In the evening, Dr. Afiqah Ismail moderated a parallel session on geotechnical engineering, hydrology, earthquakes, and coastal erosion, with participation from NIED, UTM, NAHRIM, and UiTM. The session began with Dr. Tomohiro Ishizawa from NIED, who demonstrated how sensing technologies combined with rainfall simulator applications can enhance landslide hazard assessments. His insights underscored how large-scale experimental facilities are vital for understanding slope failure mechanisms and debris flow processes. Building on this, Prof. Dr. Azman Kassim from UTM presented a multiple-analysis framework for rainfall-induced slope failures in Malaysia’s tropical residual soils, stressing the importance of adapting models to local conditions. The first two session discussed slope mechanisms influenced by rainfall, incorporating both Malaysian and Japanese perspectives and approaches to analysis.
Representing NAHRIM, Ir. Ts. Ahmad Hadi Mohamed Rashidi shared innovative approaches in coastal erosion protection and the development of coastal environment appliances. This was followed by Dr. Asako Iwaki from NIED, who introduced the J-SHIS platform for seismic hazard visualization and risk assessment. She explained that Japan relies on two key hazard maps within J-SHIS: earthquake hazard maps, which assess the probability of ground shaking, and seismic hazard maps, which integrate long-term seismic risk forecasts to support policy-making, infrastructure planning, and community preparedness. These tools are widely applied by governments, engineers, and local communities to strengthen disaster resilience. Malaysia too can draw lessons from Japan’s approach, recognizing the need to regularly update hazard information as the nation has also begun to experience its own local seismic events. After a dynamic Q&A session, the seminar continued with Prof. Dr. Ahmad Safuan A Rashid from UTM. He began by highlighting the Faculty of Engineering’s broad expertise and UTM’s strong track record in industry collaboration before presenting his research on hemic peat smouldering, focusing on its sensitivity to moisture and wind conditions. Dr. Naoki Sakai from NIED followed with advances in landslide monitoring and prediction, demonstrating how remote sensing and numerical modeling, coupled with Malaysia–Japan collaborations, are reshaping slope stability studies. Further contributions came from Dr. Mohamad Hasif Osman from UTM, who addressed current and emerging research on water-related disasters in Malaysia, and Ir. Muhamad Fuad Shukor from UiTM Pasir Gudang, who presented the K-PeC system as an alternative solution for slope disaster monitoring. Presenters also highlighted the application of advanced technologies, including satellites, radar, and web-based platforms, underscoring the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and effective communication in disaster risk reduction.
On the second day, the delegation participated in the Co-Creation Research Forum on Industry–Academia–Government Collaboration for Disaster Risk Reduction, featuring Prof. Dr. Koaru Takara, NIED President, Prof. Dr. Azman Kassim from UTM, Dr. Naoki Sakai from NIED, Masaharu Mizoguchi from Yachio Engineering Co. Ltd., and Dato’ Ir. Mohd Zaki Mohd Amin from NAHRIM. The forum underscored that effective disaster management requires strong integration of academia, government, and industry, with universities playing a central role in bridging research with policy and community needs. Speakers emphasized challenges such as limited data sharing across agencies and the gap between research knowledge and on-the-ground implementation.
Prof. Azman highlighted Malaysia’s experience with the Batang Kali landslide, demonstrating how post-disaster investigations contribute critical insights that inform the refinement of monitoring systems and advance slope management practices. Dr. Sakai reinforced Japan’s advances in predictive modeling and the importance of long-term monitoring, while industry representative Masaharu Mizoguchi stressed that engineering firms must translate research into practical solutions. Meanwhile, Dato’ Ir. Zaki reaffirmed NAHRIM’s commitment to enhancing resilience in hydrology, water resources, rivers, coasts, and environmental quality highlighting NAHRIM’s efforts and calling for joint projects that merge Malaysia’s local expertise with Japan’s advanced technologies.
The discussions concluded with a clear consensus: disaster resilience can only be achieved through open data sharing, cross-sector collaboration, post-disaster learning, and joint international projects. The visit ultimately strengthened UTM–NIED ties and set the stage for impactful collaborations in disaster science and engineering, paving the way for safer, more resilient communities. At the close of the program, representatives from UTM, NIED, and various Japanese industries took the opportunity to network and exchange business cards, strengthening prospects for future collaboration
The visit concluded with study tours to AIST, ICHARM, the Geological Museum, and the Tokyo Fire Department Disaster Prevention Centre, where the delegation gained valuable insights into Japan’s cutting-edge research, disaster prevention strategies, and public awareness initiatives. These engagements not only enriched knowledge sharing but also opened avenues for future academic and industry collaborations.
