📝 Summary
A 13-member academic delegation from Japan visited the Faculty of Educational Sciences and Technology (FEST) at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) to strengthen educational collaboration between Malaysia and Japan. The delegation observed classroom teaching and learning activities at a local primary school and engaged in discussions with FEST UTM representatives on potential areas for future academic and research collaboration. The visit aimed to foster a deeper understanding of Malaysia’s school education system and teaching practices, and to explore opportunities for internationalization and academic exchanges.
JOHOR BAHRU, Aug 24 – The Faculty of Educational Sciences and Technology (FEST), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), welcomed a 13-member academic delegation from Japan, led by Naruto University of Education (NUE), for a visit to FEST UTM and Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil (SJK(T)) Kangkar Pulai.
Led by Prof. Hiroki Ishizaka, the delegation comprised seven academics from NUE, Fukuyama City University (FCU), Kyoto Women’s University (KWU), Kyushu Lutheran College (KLC) and Hiroshima Shudo University (HSU); two primary school teachers from Tokyo and Kumamoto Prefecture and four international graduate students from NUE.
The programme marked the second visit by representatives of NUE to FEST UTM, reflecting the continuing relationship between the institutions and their shared commitment to strengthening educational collaboration between Malaysia and Japan.
The visit provided the delegation with a closer understanding of Malaysia’s school education system and teaching and learning processes in a local primary school. It also enabled academics, schoolteachers, and graduate students to exchange perspectives on classroom practices, educational approaches, and learning environments.
FEST UTM coordinated the visit to SJK(T) Kangkar Pulai, with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zainudin Hassan leading the UTM delegation on behalf of the External and Global Engagement Manager. Dr. Ariff Hidayat Osman served as the liaison between FEST UTM and the school.
During the school visit, the delegation observed classroom teaching and learning activities, particularly in Science and Mathematics, and visited the school’s greenhouse, herb garden and laboratories to gain a broader understanding of its facilities and learning environment.
Dr. Gomathy Sankaran served as the school facilitator and shared the school’s best practices and initiatives in Science and Mathematics teaching and learning, including its teaching approaches, learning activities, facilities and efforts to improve pupils’ learning experiences.
The programme continued at the C22 Meeting Room, FEST UTM, with a welcome address by the Dean of FEST, Prof. Dr. Noraffandy Yahaya, followed by an address by Prof. Hiroki Ishizaka. The proceedings brought together the visiting delegation and FEST UTM representatives for academic presentations and discussions.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norulhuda Ismail presented the activities and initiatives of the Science and Mathematics Education Research Group (SME), while Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdul Halim Abdullah contributed to the panel discussion by sharing insights from his previous engagement with NUE.
The programme concluded with a discussion on potential academic partnerships, internationalisation initiatives, academic exchanges, and future collaborative programmes, facilitated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zainudin Hassan and Dr. Mohd Fahmi Adnan.
Both parties identified areas of common interest and possible directions for future institutional and academic engagement, including comparative research, staff and student mobility as well as professional development.
The visit strengthened university–school connections and reaffirmed FEST UTM’s role in connecting international partners with Malaysian schools, while opening pathways for broader interdisciplinary collaboration.
