KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 – Organized by the Malaysia–Japan Linkage (MJL) Office in collaboration with the Japanese Chamber of Trade and Industry, Malaysia (JACTIM), and supported by Malaysia–Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).
The MJL–JACTIM Research Competition 2025 continues MJIIT’s proud tradition of fostering innovation, creativity, and collaboration between Malaysia and Japan. First launched in 2012 as the JACTIM Innovative Products Competition, this annual program has evolved into one of MJIIT’s flagship academic events, supported generously by JACTIM, an organization that has consistently contributed research and innovation funding to MJIIT for over a decade.
This year’s theme, “Engineering Tomorrow: Smart, Sustainable, and Inclusive,” reflects MJIIT’s guiding research philosophy — Intelligent Solution for a Sustainable Future — promoting forward-looking ideas with strong industrial and societal impact.
The 2025 competition attracted 62 participants from MJIIT and other leading universities, including Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), and Xiamen University (XMU) from China. Participants competed in three categories — Individual Undergraduate, Individual Postgraduate, and Group — presenting innovative solutions addressing sustainability, advanced technology, and community well-being.
The pitching session was held on 14 October 2025, where they presented to a panel of 20 distinguished judges from a variety of industries, including experts from JACTIM, PETRONAS, TNB Research Sdn. Bhd., NXP Malaysia, Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) Shock Absorber, and the National Science Centre, among others. Their collective insights provided participants with invaluable feedback and networking opportunities for future research collaboration.
A total of RM40,000 in research grants, sponsored by JACTIM, was awarded to the top performers. Prizes were disbursed as research funds through supervisors, reinforcing the link between innovation and academic development.
“This competition is a testament to the strength of Malaysia–Japan academic collaboration. It allows our students to think beyond conventional research and develop sustainable, impactful ideas for the future.”
The event successfully bridged the gap between academia and industry, offering participants a rare opportunity to engage directly with key industrial partners. Judges commended the high standard of research and its potential for commercialization, while participants expressed appreciation for the constructive feedback and exposure to real-world challenges.
The enthusiasm extended beyond MJIIT — several international universities have expressed interest in joining future editions, reflecting the growing prestige of this collaborative initiative.
The MJL–JACTIM Research Competition 2025 concluded with a group photo session alongside the Chairman of the JACTIM Yoshiaki Okabe, distinguished guests, industry representatives, and participants from both the MJL-JACTIM Research Competition and Malaysia–Japan Innovation Expo, celebrating another milestone in Malaysia–Japan cooperation.
Through this initiative, MJIIT and JACTIM reaffirm their shared commitment to empowering future innovators and driving sustainable, inclusive technological advancement — paving the way for a smarter, greener, and globally connected future.
