An engineering student from the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), has completed an international research internship at the Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Japan. Ahmad Hafiz Zaini, a third-year MJIIT student, completed the internship in October 2026, focusing on the circular economy and second-life electric vehicle (EV) battery health diagnostics.

The internship placed Ahmad Hafiz at the renowned Tanaka Laboratory, where he worked under the supervision of Prof. Tanaka Kenji and Prof. Amy Poh, and lecturer Dr. Nakano Kosaku. He also received academic guidance from Senior Lecturer Dr. Siti Rahmah Aid of UTM. The experience provided an opportunity to engage with an international research environment while strengthening his understanding of sustainable engineering.

His research focused on diagnosing the health of second-life EV batteries, an area connected to the circular economy and the sustainable use of battery resources. Through hands-on research activities, Ahmad Hafiz gained practical experience in battery health diagnostics and developed his technical problem-solving skills. The internship also deepened his appreciation of how engineering research can contribute to the application of sustainable technologies.

Reflecting on his experience, Ahmad Hafiz shared that Japan was an ideal place to learn about the circular economy. He explained that the internship had changed his perspective on research and professional collaboration, particularly the importance of time management and regular discussions with laboratory colleagues and supervisors.

His daily experience in the laboratory also exposed him to Japanese work practices, the importance of clear communication and proper etiquette when interacting with senior colleagues and professors. These experiences broadened his understanding of the professional expectations involved in an international research environment.

Beyond his research activities, Ahmad Hafiz described Japan as a beautiful country to live in and highlighted the opportunity to broaden his horizons through international exposure. During his internship, he also had the privilege of meeting the Ambassador of Malaysia to Japan, the Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of UTM, his faculty dean, and other researchers in Japan who are working towards a better future.

Expressing his appreciation for the opportunity, Ahmad Hafiz said, “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Graduate School of Engineering at The University of Tokyo for the amazing opportunity to undergo my research Internship.”

“I am deeply thankful to my supervisors, Prof. Tanaka, Prof. Amy Poh, and Dr. Nakano, as well as all my lab mates, for their invaluable advice, guidance and encouragement throughout the internship,” he added.

He also thanked UTM for the opportunity and expressed special appreciation to Dr. Siti Rahmah for her continuous support and guidance throughout his research journey.

Building on the knowledge and data gathered during the internship, Ahmad Hafiz is currently working towards submitting his conference paper to the Malaysia-Japan Visionaries Conference (MJVC) 2026. The submission marks his first attempt at contributing an academic paper to a conference, representing another step in his academic development.

Looking back on his journey, Ahmad Hafiz encouraged fellow students to remain persistent in pursuing their ambitions. He said, “Getting here is not a straight journey. Please always work hard for the things that you want and always celebrate your achievements, whether it’s small or big. Thank you, UTM, for this amazing opportunity. Please believe in yourself. If I can do it, you also can.”

His experience highlights the value of international research exposure in helping students develop technical skills, gain new perspectives and build academic networks. It also reflects the potential for UTM students to engage with global research communities and apply their knowledge towards addressing sustainability challenges.

Through opportunities such as this internship, UTM continues to support students in broadening their academic experiences and preparing for future professional and research endeavours. Ahmad Hafiz’s journey serves as an encouragement for fellow students to explore international opportunities, embrace new challenges and contribute their knowledge and skills to the nation.