Connecting minds across borders: A visit to Japan’s Advanced Research Institute enriches UTM PPMU with cutting-edge knowledge, fostering collaboration between research laboratories for mutual advancement in science and technology.

Tsukuba, Japan, February 26, 2024 – The University Laboratory Management Center (PPMU) of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Johor Bahru successfully participated in the DVCRI’s Global Outreach Program (GOP) in Tsukuba and Tokyo, Japan from February 25 to March 2, 2024. The goal of the program, led by the Department of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation) (DVCRI), was to benefit from the knowledge and expertise of non-academic staff with valuable exposure and experiences abroad. Dr. Zaidah binti Rahmat, Manager of the Chemical Management Unit (CMU), led the PPMU delegation, which included 1 academician and 15 technical staff members from different PPMU departments. These members represented administrative and financial staff, University Industry Research Laboratory (UIRL) staff, primarily Assistant Science Officers and Assistant Engineers, and an Assistant Science Officer from the CMU.

The GOP, organized by DVCRI UTM, provides an opportunity for PPMU staff at all levels to visit abroad at least once during their service. This allows them to broaden their knowledge and expand their horizons through observation and exposure to advanced research laboratory technology in Japan. It also enhances their proficiency in communication techniques across international borders. The goal is to enhance creativity and innovation while fostering a proactive work culture in alignment with UTM’s aspiration to become a globally renowned educational hub and a leading intellectual powerhouse, particularly in the Southeast Asian region.

PPMU has initiated a sequence of international benchmarking and collaborative visits to the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), both located in Tsukuba, Japan, renowned as the Science City.

The delegation’s first visit to the National Institute of Material Science (NIMS) in Tsukuba has provided numerous benefits to all the participants. NIMS is Japan’s only public research institute specializing in materials science. They have created several materials that have had a global impact, such as rich colored LEDs using Sialon phosphors for energy conservation in lighting, long-life structural materials systems for Japan’s aging infrastructure, ultra-steel which is stronger than conventional steel for reliability in buildings, bridges, and transportation systems, energy-saving jet engines that developed a superalloy breaking the world record for heat resistance, superconducting wire material for revolutionizing energy transmission, highly functional “smart polymers” made of inexpensive plastics for cancer treatments and artificial dialysis in medical care, and permanent magnets for electric vehicles without using dysprosium (Dy). Due to its significant achievements, NIMS was ranked No. 1 in materials science and is recognized as Japan’s most influential materials science research organization.

Upon their arrival, Ms. Megumi Kiwamoto, a representative from NIMS, warmly welcomed the delegation from UTM PPMU. The purpose of the visit is to learn about NIMS’ laboratory management and operations, tour the facilities to assess their scale, evaluate the morale of employees, and observe the operational standards of equipment. Since some similar instruments are also available in the PPMU laboratories, the delegation aims to engage in discussions with NIMS’ technical staff to exchange insights and experiences regarding NIMS’ research skills and expertise.

After the sharing and discussion session, the UTM PPMU delegation also had the opportunity to tour NIMS laboratories. The labs included two physical analysis labs equipped with TEM sample preparation equipment and Aberration-corrected electron microscopy, as well as the Materials Reliability Lab. The tour was divided into 2 groups, with each group being accompanied by Ms. Kumiko Shigano, Group Head, Institutional Alliance Group, Academic Collaboration Office, and Ms. Megumi Kiwamoto, Specialist Staff, Institutional Alliance Group, Academic Collaboration Office. The working environment at NIMS was similar to PPMU, and the tour and Q&A sessions provided a wealth of knowledge. NIMS serves as a benchmark for PPMU to ensure more success in the future. Additionally, in terms of administration and finance, NIMS derives 50% of its revenue from research grants, and the payment method is through Internet banking only.

The delegation was taken from Sengen-site to the Sakura-site by bus for their final lab tour. They specifically visited the NMR laboratory and were welcomed by Dr. Atsushi Goto, Group Leader for the Solid-State NMR Group at the Center for Basic Research on Materials, Dr. Shinobu Ohki, Principal Engineer, and Dr. Yuuki Mogami, Engineer from the High Magnetic Field Characterization Unit at the Materials Fabrication and Analysis Platform.

Next, the delegation headed to the National Institute of AIST, which is just 2 kilometers from NIMS. AIST has 7 research areas consisting of a wide range of research domains to support their mission of “leading the world in solving social challenges and creating innovations that contribute to strengthening industrial competitiveness”. Some of AIST’s notable research achievements include the Geological Map (1889), PAN-based Carbon Fiber (1959), Catalyst for Ammonia Synthesis (1926), Humanoid Robot (HRP-4C “Miim”, 2009), and Al Bridging Cloud Infrastructure (ABCI, 2018).

AIST welcomed the delegations with open arms, answering every question raised to ensure mutual understanding. The tour of the science square was exceptional. With hundreds of ingenious designs for future needs, the delegation was mesmerized by the advanced technologies implemented by AIST to solve problems.

In summary, the delegation from UTM PPMU completed their visit to NIMS and AIST in Japan, engaging in fruitful exchanges and insightful discussions. During their time at NIMS and AIST, they participated in comprehensive tours of the facilities, gaining valuable insights into their research capabilities and operational excellence. Furthermore, the delegation had the opportunity to strengthen ties with esteemed figures, enhancing the prospects for future collaborative endeavors. With a newfound understanding of NIMS’ and AIST’s innovative practices and a shared commitment to advancing research, the delegation returns to UTM PPMU with renewed inspiration and potential for further collaboration between the two institutions.

During their visit, UTM PPMU staff experienced the efficiency of Japan’s public transportation system, which serves as the nation’s primary mode of travel. They also observed that punctuality and discipline are deeply ingrained in Japanese life and noted the extensive internet accessibility, even in residential parks, which bolsters communication effectiveness among residents. Despite the high value of Japan’s currency, thorough planning facilitated smooth visits, ensuring seamless experiences for travelers.

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