For Reeves Tang Wei Yen, a Bachelor of Electronic Systems Engineering student from the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), the 82-day industrial training at KITZ Corporation in Chino, Nagano, Japan, was much more than an opportunity to gain work experience. It was a period of stepping outside familiar surroundings, learning from experienced engineers, adapting to a different working culture and discovering new areas of engineering.

Joining KITZ Corporation placed Reeves in an environment where many aspects of engineering were unfamiliar at first. Coming from an electronic systems engineering background, the internship provided opportunities to explore areas beyond circuits and electronics, while developing a better understanding of how different engineering knowledge and skills contribute to real industrial products. The experience also encouraged Reeves to become more independent, adaptable and willing to approach unfamiliar challenges.

Throughout the internship, Reeves was given the opportunity to participate in the daily activities of the Machinery Equipment Group within the B&M Development and Design Department. Being involved in the working environment provided a valuable perspective on engineering beyond what can be experienced through lectures and university projects. Instead of simply learning concepts theoretically, Reeves was able to observe how engineers communicate, discuss problems, evaluate situations and make decisions based on both technical knowledge and practical experience.

One of the most meaningful aspects of the internship was the opportunity to learn directly from experienced engineers. Reeves was particularly grateful for the guidance and patience shown by the colleagues at KITZ Corporation, who were willing to explain unfamiliar concepts and provide support throughout the training period. Kajihara Shunki provided valuable guidance during the internship, while Kosuge Hiroyuki consistently made sure that Reeves understood the work and was able to follow the tasks being carried out.

Working alongside experienced engineers also provided an important lesson about the value of practical experience. Reeves observed how senior engineers could approach unfamiliar situations with confidence, drawing upon years of knowledge to identify possible issues and consider suitable solutions. This experience made it clear that becoming a capable engineer involves more than understanding theories and technical concepts; it also requires continuous exposure to real problems and the ability to learn from each experience.

The internship also presented challenges, particularly in communication. Working in Japan meant adapting to a different language and workplace culture, with Japanese often being used in daily interactions. Although communicating about technical matters was sometimes difficult, regular interaction with colleagues gradually helped Reeves become more comfortable with Japanese workplace communication and expand knowledge of engineering-related terminology.

Beyond the workplace, living in Japan for almost three months provided an opportunity to experience a different culture and way of life. Adjusting to daily life in a foreign country encouraged Reeves to become more independent and adaptable. Exploring different parts of Japan during free time also allowed the internship to become a personal experience, rather than being limited to professional development.

“The internship allowed me to gain practical experience in areas that I had not previously worked with, while also showing me how much more there is to learn. I hope to continue involving myself in different engineering projects, broaden my technical knowledge and develop into a more well-rounded engineer.”

Looking back on the experience, Reeves recognises that the internship was also an important step in understanding personal areas for improvement. Although the training provided valuable knowledge and practical experience, it also highlighted how much remains to be learned. Engineering involves many factors and considerations that cannot always be understood through academic study alone, making continued learning and practical exposure important for future development.

Reeves expressed his appreciation to Dr. Nur Zalikha Khalil, Dr. Siti Rahmah Aid and Prof. Dr. Kanao Fukuda for making the internship opportunity at KITZ Corporation possible. He also thanked Kosuge Hiroyuki and Kajihara Shunki for their guidance and support, along with the members of the Machinery Equipment Group and KITZ Corporation Chino Plant for their patience and encouragement throughout the training. Reeves also acknowledged MJIIT, UTM and everyone who contributed to making the overseas internship a meaningful experience.

For students considering an overseas industrial training programme, Reeves encourages them to approach the experience with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Learning some basic Japanese and understanding Japanese workplace culture beforehand can make the transition easier, while researching the host company can help students better understand the environment they will be entering.

At the same time, an overseas internship should not be viewed solely as a professional experience. Reeves encourages future students to take the opportunity to explore the country, experience its culture and create meaningful memories alongside their work. These experiences can contribute to personal growth just as much as the professional lessons gained in the workplace.

Overall, the internship at KITZ Corporation was an important chapter in Reeves’ development as an engineering student. From entering an unfamiliar working environment to learning from experienced engineers, adapting to a different culture and gaining confidence in approaching new challenges, the experience provided lessons that extend beyond technical knowledge. It reinforced the importance of curiosity, adaptability, communication and continuous learning, while motivating Reeves to continue developing towards becoming a more capable and well-rounded engineer.