Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo City University (TCU), Japan, empowers their long-standing collaboration in green technology and urban climate adaptation through a Japan–ASEAN Science, Technology and Innovation Collaborative Program: Youth Exchange Program grant valued at JPY6,954,200 (about RM176,700).

The collaborative project, entitled Fostering Next-Generation Leadership in Green Technology for Urban Climate Adaptation, inked MJIIT in a strategic initiative designed to nurture the next generation of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)–Japan leaders in sustainable urban development. The project, which is jointly led by Prof. Dr. Hom Bahadur Rijal, Dean of the Graduate School of Environmental and Information Studies at TCU, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norhayati Abdullah, Adjunct Lecturer and Visiting Associate Professor at TCU International Center, who represents UTM as the Collaborative Project Leader, will run until 31 December 2026.

At the heart of the initiative is a 12-day inbound scholars mobility program in Kuala Lumpur involving seven postgraduate students from Rijal Laboratory at TCU’s Yokohama Campus. Selected based on strong academic credentials and research achievements, including publication records in high impact factor journals and being a senpai (センパイ – senior) at the laboratory, the postgraduate students undertook field-based experiential learning and research activities on thermal comfort and the outdoor urban environment around the selected urban parks in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, respectively.

The exchange goes beyond classroom learning. Through visits to urban parks, engagement with government agencies, field observations and interaction with MJIT postgraduate students, the TCU scholars are gaining first-hand insights into how cities can respond to rising temperatures and other climate-related challenges through green technology and nature-based approaches. In Kuala Lumpur, the students explored Perdana Botanical Garden, KLCC Park and Taman Tugu, each offering a distinctive perspective on sustainable urban landscapes, biodiversity conservation, water-sensitive design and community-based environmental stewardship.

The program also brought the students to the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), where they had the opportunity to experience one of Malaysia’s remarkable examples of forest research, biodiversity and natural heritage. A memorable highlight was witnessing the fascinating “crown shyness” phenomenon, where the crowns of neighbouring trees form distinctive gaps between their branches and foliage, creating a striking natural pattern across the forest canopy. The phenomenon has attracted international attention and was featured by National Geographic (Retrieved via https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/tree-crown-shyness-forest-canopy)

The visit provided the students with a unique opportunity to appreciate the ecological, scientific and cultural dimensions of Malaysia’s forest landscapes, while reflecting on how natural systems and forest ecosystems contribute to climate resilience and liveable environments. Beyond its scientific value, the experience offered a memorable connection between the students’ field learning and Malaysia’s remarkable natural heritage.

The field activities which were conducted at the open public spaces, namely Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur and Dataran Putra in Putrajaya, included measuring air temperature, surface temperature and mean radiant temperature using globe thermometers to understand the microclimatic conditions experienced by urban park users. The scholars also conducted surveys among park visitors to explore perceptions of thermal comfort, preferences and experiences within different outdoor environments. These activities provided an opportunity to connect scientific observations with real human experiences. Through the program, scholars observed how green infrastructure, urban design and green technologies may be combined to create healthier, more comfortable and climate-resilient cities.

The collaboration further extends beyond student mobility. Previously, Prof. Dr. Hom Bahadur Rijal, during his visit to UTM Kuala Lumpur in May 2026, delivered a Professorial Guest Lecture entitled “Thermal Adaptation of Buildings and People” at the UTM Kuala Lumpur Library Xchange Hub, creating opportunities for knowledge transfer and stronger linkages between academia, government and practitioners. The grant initiative is also expected to generate longer-term research outcomes, including joint publications, collaborative research activities and new opportunities for innovation in green technology and sustainable urban development. An important feature of the program is its focus on brain circulation between Japan and ASEAN. Rather than viewing student mobility simply as a short-term academic exchange, the project aims to establish lasting networks among young researchers who can continue working together beyond the program.

As part of the project deliverables, the participating students will document and communicate their findings through the production of a YouTube video, final presentation and written report, highlighting key urban climate challenges observed in Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo and proposing potential green technology solutions for improving thermal comfort and climate resilience in urban parks. Beyond research outputs, the exchange is also expected to create lasting personal connections among the participating students.

The friendships and professional networks formed through the program are equally valuable, creating a foundation for continued collaboration between Malaysia and Japan. As the participating students return to their respective institutions, they carry with them not only new research knowledge and perspectives, but also a shared commitment to addressing the urban climate challenges facing cities across Asia. By learning, conducting fieldwork and solving problems together, Malaysian and Japanese scholars could develop professional networks and friendships that may continue throughout their academic and professional careers. The UTM–TCU collaboration reflects a shared commitment to preparing young people to become future researchers, innovators and leaders in climate-resilient urban development. Through this Japan–ASEAN youth exchange, UTM and TCU are not only studying how cities can become more resilient but also cultivating the leaders who will shape those cities in the future.

While serving as an Associate Professor in Environmental Engineering at MJIIT, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norhayati Abdullah was recently appointed as an Adjunct Lecturer and Visiting Associate Professor at TCU. She is jointly leading the Japan–ASEAN Science, Technology and Innovation Collaborative Program: Youth Exchange Program together with Prof. Dr. Hom Bahadur Rijal until December 2026.

Prepared by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norhayati Abdullah, Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), UTM Kuala Lumpur, and Adjunct Lecturer & Visiting Associate Professor, International Center, Tokyo City University, Japan