How do we push the boundaries of membrane technology to address pressing global challenges in energy efficiency, clean water access, and environmental sustainability? For the Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), the answer lies in one clear direction: strengthening strategic international collaboration with leading global research institutions to accelerate knowledge exchange, co-development of technologies, and impactful scientific translation.

In this spirit, AMTEC UTM successfully carried out a five-day research attachment at Kobe University, Japan, from 22 to 28 April 2026. The programme was designed as a focused international engagement to enhance research collaboration, identify joint research and development (R&D) opportunities, strengthen technical competencies through exposure to advanced facilities, and establish structured pathways for researcher and student mobility. This initiative reflects AMTEC’s commitment to positioning UTM as a globally competitive research hub in membrane science and environmental technology.

The programme commenced on 23 April with a formal welcome session at Kobe University, followed by a structured research profiling exchange between AMTEC and researchers from the Research Centre for Membrane and Film Technology (MaFTech). During this session, AMTEC shared its core research strengths in membrane materials development, water and wastewater treatment technologies, gas separation systems, and functional thin films. In return, Kobe University researchers presented their ongoing work and institutional focus areas, enabling both sides to identify strong alignment in research priorities and long-term collaboration potential.

A key highlight of the attachment was the laboratory visit to MaFTech on 24 April, where the delegation was exposed to advanced experimental systems, pilot-scale facilities, and state-of-the-art membrane research infrastructure. This experience provided valuable insights into how a world-class research ecosystem integrates fundamental science with industrial application. The exposure to ongoing research in water treatment membranes, gas separation technologies, and functional thin films offered direct technical learning on membrane fabrication, performance evaluation, and system scalability. It also provided strategic insight into research management practices and innovation ecosystems that effectively bridge laboratory discovery with real-world application.

On 25 April, a joint seminar and technical workshop further strengthened scientific exchange between AMTEC and Kobe University researchers. The session facilitated in-depth discussions on emerging membrane technologies and sustainable environmental solutions, enabling researchers to share findings and explore collaborative ideas. These interactions sparked strong interest in potential joint research directions, particularly in advanced functional materials and next-generation membrane systems for energy and environmental applications.

During the seminar, Ir. Dr. Farhana Aziz from AMTEC, UTM, delivered a technical presentation on the application of UV-based Advanced Oxidation Process (UV-AOP) technology for industrial wastewater treatment and water reuse potential. The presentation highlighted findings from a pilot-scale UV-AOP system integrating UV-C irradiation with oxidant-assisted treatment for the removal of refractory pollutants from industrial effluent. Significant removal of phenol and toxic chromium species was achieved, with the system demonstrating strong capability for Cr(VI) detoxification through reduction to Cr(III), alongside improved overall water quality under optimised operating conditions.

The talk also emphasised the importance of process optimisation, including oxidant dosing, iron-assisted reactions, and pretreatment strategies to improve UV transmittance and treatment stability. The promising results generated strong interest among Kobe University researchers, particularly regarding the integration of advanced oxidation processes with membrane-based polishing systems and sustainable water reuse applications for future collaborative research initiatives.

Further discussions throughout the programme focused on strengthening long-term collaboration frameworks, including researcher and student mobility, joint supervision opportunities, and participation in international research funding initiatives. Both institutions also explored strategies for co-authored publications in high-impact journals to enhance global research visibility and impact. The final strategic session consolidated key outcomes and outlined a clear direction for future collaboration, including alignment of institutional frameworks such as MoU/MoA development and identification of priority joint research areas.

Overall, the AMTEC–Kobe University attachment has successfully strengthened international research networks, enhanced technical expertise, and laid a solid foundation for sustained collaboration in membrane science and environmental technology. The engagement has not only deepened academic ties but also created meaningful pathways for long-term scientific impact, innovation development, and global research excellence.

Co-authored by Ir. Dr. Farhana Aziz and Chm. Dr. Mohd Akmali Mokhter