SKUDAI, Aug 26 – The Summer School Programme organised by the Language Academy, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), introduced a fresh highlight to its 2025 cycle by providing participants with a unique campus immersion experience.
This year, Japanese students from Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT), together with UTM buddy students and lecturers, had the opportunity to visit the Institute of Bioproduct Development (IBD) to explore UTM’s cutting-edge research in biotechnology, sustainability, and innovation. The inclusion of IBD marks a significant new addition to the campus tour, which for the past 15 years has traditionally showcased iconic landmarks such as the Masjid Sultan Ismail, Sultan Ibrahim Chancellery Building, and various academic faculties.
The inclusion of IBD is significant as it highlights UTM’s commitment to showcasing not only its facilities but also its research excellence and global impact. By exposing international students to IBD’s pioneering work in bioproducts and sustainability, the Summer School team hopes to strengthen awareness of UTM’s contributions to addressing global challenges while inspiring participants to see how science, technology, and innovation can directly improve quality of life.
The students, who came from diverse academic backgrounds, were introduced to IBD’s research facilities and innovation projects. A highlight of the visit was the hands-on activities at the Cosmetic & Fragrance Laboratory, where the participants joined demonstrations on lip balm and soap-making. These sessions allowed them to appreciate how science and creativity merge in bioproduct development, with a focus on sustainability and real-world applications.
“It was fascinating to see how natural resources can be turned into useful products in such a sustainable way,” said Kubo Sasuke, one of the SIT participants. “I enjoyed the soap workshop the most and I can’t wait to share this experience with my friends back in Japan.”
For UTM buddies, the visit was equally rewarding. “Welcoming our Japanese friends to IBD was truly meaningful because it gave us the chance to showcase UTM’s strengths in research and innovation,” said Amsyar, a UTM student and head of the Malaysian buddies. “Seeing their enthusiasm during the hands-on activities was inspiring, and I believe they left with a deeper appreciation of what UTM can offer on a global stage.”
Dr. Nurhidayah Mohd Sharif, the Academic Manager of the Language Academy Summer School Programme, emphasised the importance of this addition: “For years, our campus tour has highlighted UTM’s heritage and iconic landmarks. By including IBD for the first time, we are showing participants that UTM is not only rich in tradition but also forward-looking in science, technology, and sustainable innovation. This reflects the holistic identity of UTM as both a cultural and research powerhouse.”
Echoing this, Dr. Siti Pauliena Mohd Bohari, Head of the Cosmeceutical and Fragrance Laboratory, welcomed the international exposure the visit provided: “We are delighted to share our work with SIT students. The visit allows them to experience how bioproduct research contributes to everyday life through cosmetics and personal care innovations. It is also a chance for us to inspire young minds to think about sustainability and creativity in science.”
The Summer School Programme aims to go beyond classroom learning by combining cultural exchange, academic exposure, and social awareness. By including visits such as this to IBD, the programme highlights UTM’s commitment to fostering global connections while showcasing its role as a leader in research and education.
Written by: Dr. Nurhidayah Mohd Sharif and Nor Aqilah Abdullah
