For 12 weeks, from July to September 2026, Ho Jia Hui, an engineering student from Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), experienced the world of Japanese manufacturing at the Masunaga Gankyo factory in Fukui, Japan. The facility became her classroom, where she discovered that engineering precision involves not only advanced machinery but also patience, craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Masunaga’s manufacturing process stood out because the company produces its eyewear components under one roof. During her placement, Jia Hui worked on the factory floor and learned to operate computer numerical control (CNC) milling machines and wire electrical discharge machining (Wire EDM) equipment. These machines were used to cut hardened tool steel for production moulds, giving her practical experience in manufacturing processes.

However, she soon learned that producing high-quality eyewear requires more than machinery. She spent hours learning the factory’s “zero-scrap” philosophy, manually polishing frames and removing small imperfections to achieve a smooth, mirror-like finish. The experience highlighted the importance of patience, precision and human skill in the manufacturing process.

Her technical learning continued in the Research and Development (R&D) Section, where she worked on a physical eyewear prototype made from a raw block of acetate plastic. Rather than relying entirely on automated tools, she shaped, bent and polished the frame by hand. The process challenged her to balance ergonomic design with precision, while developing a better understanding of the material and the care required at every stage of production.

Beyond engineering, the 12-week placement also introduced Jia Hui to daily life in Japan. She stayed in a traditional Japanese-style studio apartment and travelled to work by train, experiencing Japan’s public transport system and the scenery around Fukui. During weekends, she explored local neighbourhoods, tried Japanese food and carried out everyday activities. She also visited Osaka and Kyoto with friends during the holidays, experiencing the contrast between Osaka’s lively streets and Kyoto’s historic temples.

Among the most memorable parts of her stay was attending the Masunaga Festival with factory employees. The event gave her an opportunity to connect with Malaysian employees working full-time at the factory. She also joined the sales team for a traditional Japanese dinner, where conversations and shared experiences helped her build friendships across cultures. These interactions showed her that international industrial placements can offer lessons beyond technical knowledge, including communication, teamwork and cultural understanding.

In her tenth week, Jia Hui welcomed her academic supervisor, Dr. Nur Zalikha Khalil, who travelled to Fukui for an official site visit. She took the opportunity to show her supervisor around the factory, explaining the machines she had operated and the prototypes she had developed. A discussion involving Dr. Nur Zalikha and her industry supervisor, Toshiharu Souri, also helped her obtain guidance for completing her final report. The visit reinforced the connection between her industrial experience in Japan and her academic development at UTM MJIIT.

Reflecting on the placement, Jia Hui gained more than experience in CNC machining and computer-aided design (CAD). She developed patience, discipline and a deeper appreciation of the dedication required in precision engineering. Her exposure to Japanese Monozukuri, the philosophy of craftsmanship, also broadened her understanding of how technical expertise and attention to detail contribute to manufacturing quality.

The experience further demonstrated the value of combining practical industry exposure with academic guidance and cross-cultural engagement. For Jia Hui, the 12 weeks at Masunaga Gankyo provided an opportunity to apply engineering knowledge in a real manufacturing environment, learn from experienced industry personnel and build international friendships.

Returning to UTM MJIIT, she brings home new technical skills, a broader perspective on engineering and lasting memories of the people she met in Japan. The experience reflects how international industrial placements can support students’ professional and personal development, while strengthening their appreciation of different approaches to engineering and manufacturing.

By Ho Jia Hui, Mechanical Precision Engineering (MPE), Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT)