A student from the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), has completed a 12-week international industrial training programme at NSK Ltd., Japan, gaining exposure to engineering practices, technical work and Japanese workplace culture.

Yeong Sing Yip, a third-year student from the Department of Mechanical Precision Engineering, undertook his training at the NSK Fujisawa Plant from July to October 2026. The placement allowed him to apply engineering knowledge acquired at UTM in a professional industrial environment and develop practical skills through direct involvement in engineering activities.

Established in 1916, NSK Ltd. is a Japanese multinational company specialising in bearings, automotive components, precision machinery and mechatronic products. Its work across industrial machinery, automotive products, precision machinery, and motion and control technologies provided a setting for Yeong to observe how engineering concepts are applied in industry.

During the internship, Yeong took part in engineering activities related to gear systems and product development. His tasks included analysing and evaluating gear behaviour, inspecting gears and measuring gear geometry. These activities gave him practical exposure to computer-aided design (CAD) modelling, engineering simulation, dimensional measurement, surface inspection and assembly design.

The experience helped Yeong understand the importance of accuracy, attention to detail and systematic analysis when working with mechanical components and engineering problems. It also showed him how knowledge gained through university study can be applied to practical tasks in an industrial setting.

One challenge was his limited familiarity with SolidWorks at the beginning of the training. To address this, he practised regularly, studied the software independently and sought guidance from his supervisor, mentor and senior colleagues. Through continued learning and feedback, he improved his skills in gear modelling, part modification, assembly mating and motion simulation.

The placement also supported Yeong’s professional development. Discussions with supervisors and team members, technical reporting and regular progress updates helped him strengthen his communication, teamwork, analytical thinking, documentation and time-management skills. He also learned to approach unfamiliar engineering problems with patience, a willingness to learn and a mindset of continuous improvement.

For engineering students, this kind of placement can offer a useful bridge between classroom concepts and the standards expected in a working environment. Exposure to technical tasks, feedback from experienced engineers and collaboration with colleagues can help students recognise the importance of applying knowledge carefully, communicating clearly and continuing to learn as technologies and workplace needs evolve.

Reflecting on the experience, Yeong said the internship had helped him connect university learning with real industrial applications.

“My industrial training at NSK Ltd. allowed me to apply the engineering knowledge I gained at UTM in a real industrial environment. Through the assigned projects, I gained practical experience in CAD modelling, gear analysis, dimensional measurement, surface inspection, and engineering simulation. More importantly, the guidance and support from the engineers helped me improve my problem-solving skills, technical knowledge, communication, and confidence as a future engineer.”

Outside the workplace, the international placement also gave Yeong opportunities to experience Japanese culture and local traditions. One memorable occasion was attending the Minato Mirai Smart Fireworks Festival in Yokohama. The event offered him a glimpse of a Japanese summer celebration and the festive atmosphere shared by the local community.

He also visited Katsuoji Temple, where he experienced another aspect of Japan’s cultural and historical heritage. Its traditional architecture and peaceful surroundings gave him an opportunity to appreciate a different side of Japanese life. Together with his daily interactions with colleagues at NSK, these experiences helped him become more adaptable and confident when communicating in an unfamiliar environment.

Yeong expressed gratitude to NSK Ltd. and the engineers and staff who guided and supported him throughout the internship. He also thanked MJIIT and UTM, particularly his academic supervisor, Dr. Zalikha Khalil, his company supervisor, Sumio Sugita, and his technical mentor, Ishii Hideyuki, as well as his family and others who supported him during the programme.

Overall, the 12-week internship broadened Yeong’s engineering knowledge and strengthened his practical, analytical and professional skills. It gave him a clearer understanding of industrial engineering practices and workplace expectations, while the cultural experiences helped him appreciate the value of international exposure.

Yeong hopes to apply the knowledge and skills gained during the training to his future studies and professional career. His experience highlights how international industrial training can help engineering students connect academic learning with industry practice, develop adaptability and prepare for work in an increasingly global environment.