KUALA LUMPUR, Sep 28 – The Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), celebrated the achievements of its i-Kohza research groups through the i-Kohza Excellence Award, presented during the Malaysia-Japan Industrial and Innovation Expo 2026 (MJIIX 2026) at the Grand Banquet Hall, Level 6, UTM Hotel & Residence, Kuala Lumpur. The awards recognised the achievements and contributions of MJIIT’s i-Kohza groups across research, innovation, postgraduate development, professional services and strategic networking and linkages.

MJIIT currently has 17 i-Kohzas, which serve as formal collaborative research groups bringing together academics, researchers and students with shared research interests. Incorporating the Japanese Senpai-Kohai mentoring concept, the i-Kohza model promotes knowledge sharing and mentorship between senior and junior members while fostering multidisciplinary research and collaboration.

At the award presentation, Wellness Innovation Technology (WIT) emerged as the recipient of the i-Kohza Excellence Award (Grand Award), the highest recognition presented under the award. Engineering Materials and Structures (eMAST) was named 1st Runner-Up, while Perception, Robotic & Automation (PRA) received the 2nd Runner-Up distinction, recognising the overall achievements and contributions of the three i-Kohzas towards strengthening MJIIT’s research and innovation ecosystem.

The awards were presented by the MJIIT Dean, Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Nurulakmar Abu Husain. Also present on stage during the award presentation ceremony were Acting Deputy Dean (Research, Innovation & Development), Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Wira Jazair Yahya; Vice-Chairman of the International Culture Exchange (ICE) Committee, The Japanese Chamber of Trade & Industry, Malaysia (JACTIM), Shinsaku Yasumitsu and Chairman of MJIIX 2026, Assoc. Prof. Eur. Ing. Ts. Ir. Dr. Syuhaida Ismail.

In addition to the overall Excellence Awards, the i-Kohza Merit Awards recognised outstanding achievements across specific areas of performance. eMAST received the Merit Award in the Researchers category, while Tropical Indoor Environment Research (TIER) was recognised in the Research category. In the Postgraduates category, Merit Awards were presented to eMAST and Environmental and Multidisciplinary Engineering for Resilient and Sustainable Systems (EMERSS).

For the remaining categories, WIT and PRA received Merit Awards for Innovation, while PRA was also recognised in the Professional Services & Gifts category. Algae & Biomass (ALGAE) received the Merit Award for Networking & Linkages, reflecting the range of contributions made by MJIIT’s i-Kohzas beyond research output alone.

Collectively, the awards highlight the role of the i-Kohza ecosystem in supporting research excellence, postgraduate and researcher development, innovation, professional engagement, and strategic collaboration. Through multidisciplinary collaboration and the Senpai-Kohai mentoring approach, MJIIT continues to strengthen an environment that supports knowledge creation, talent development, engagement with industry and society, and impactful research and innovation.

The presentation of the i-Kohza Excellence Award during MJIIX 2026 provided a platform to recognise these achievements and showcase the collective contributions of MJIIT’s research community within the broader Malaysia-Japan industrial and innovation ecosystem.