Malaysia-Japan Industrial & Innovation EXPO (MJIIX2024)

MARKETING MJIIT

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) announced the successful hosting of the Malaysia-Japan Industrial and Innovation Expo 2024 and the launch of the Malaysia-Japan Linkage (MJL) office. This took place alongside the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT) Career Fair on May 28, 2024, at the Grand Banquet Hall, Level 6, UTM Hotel and Residence in Kuala Lumpur.

The MJIIX2024 & MJIIT Career Fair, co-organized by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japanese Chamber of Trade & Industry, Malaysia (JACTIM), attracted around 500 participants. The event featured industry-driven knowledge-sharing sessions, allowing attendees to engage with experts and gain insights into the latest industry trends. An innovation competition showcased real-world solutions, demonstrating the creativity and ingenuity of the participants. The networking lunch allowed attendees to connect with industry leaders, academics, and professionals. The premier lecture featured distinguished speakers who shared their expertise on the future of industry and innovation. The career fair also provided a platform for attendees to explore career opportunities with leading companies and to bridge the gap between academia and industry. Additionally, the industrial exhibition showcased a diverse range of innovative solutions and cutting-edge technologies from industry leaders.

The following companies participated in the event: Takasago Thermal Engineering Company Limited, Hirose Electric (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., JEOL (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., iFORCOM Company Limited, City of Yokohama, Nippon Electric Glass (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., MARA Liner Sdn. Bhd., SE Strider Sdn. Bhd., DHL Asia Pacific Shared Services Sdn. Bhd., Rohm Electronics (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Top Thermo MFG (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Nextpointing Solutions Sdn. Bhd., Asahi Kosei (M) Sdn. Bhd., Yamaha Electronic Manufacturing (M) Sdn. Bhd., and Ueda Plating (M) Sdn. Bhd. Various agencies, including the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI), Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT), and Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC), also participated and shared funds for the initiative.

During MJIIX 2024, MJIIT launched the Malaysia-Japan Linkage (MJL) office at MJIIT. The inauguration of this significant initiative was officiated by Yang Berhormat Datuk Ts. Mustapha Sakmud, Deputy Minister of Higher Education. The launch marked the Third Phase of the Project, running from July 2023 to 2028, following the First Phase (2010-2017) and the Second Phase (2018-April 2023).

MJL aimed to establish MJIIT UTM as a prominent Japanese industrial and education hub between ASEAN and Japan, serving as a sustainable platform for collaboration with Japanese universities and industries.

“We can unlock this potential and pave the way for a brighter future for both Malaysia and Japan,” stated Yang Berhormat Datuk Ts. Mustapha Sakmud while congratulating the MJIIX2024 event.

At the same time, Prof. Datuk Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Fauzi Ismail, Vice-Chancellor of UTM, expressed that MJL aims to establish MJIIT UTM as a prominent Japanese Industrial and Education Hub between ASEAN and Japan, serving as a sustainable platform for collaboration with Japanese universities and industries.

“The MJL office will facilitate expanded collaboration with Japanese industry and universities in education and research. Initiatives include academic and research collaboration, talent development programs, joint seminars, workshops, and conferences,” he added.

During the event, YBhg. Dato’ Seri Ir. Zaini Ujang, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), presented a premier lecture titled “Japanese Ecosophy: 10 Lessons on Innovation.” There was also a forum on “University-Industry-Government Collaborative Strategies for Government, Industry, and Academia: Technological Synergies for Sustainable Development in Malaysia,” with YBrs. Prof. Dr. Azlinda Azman, YBrs. Prof. Dr. Kanao Fukuda, YBrs. Tn. Hj. Shahrul A. Rashid, and YBrs. Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohd Ibrahim Shapiai as the attendees.

The Malaysia-Japan Advanced Research Centre (MJARC) won the innovation competition, and there was a memorandum of understanding (MoU) exchange with AZBIL JAPAN. Additionally, students who received job offers from Japanese companies were awarded the Suisen Oubo Award.

Prof. Datuk Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Fauzi Ismail highlighted the role of the MJL office in expanding collaboration, particularly in disaster preparedness, food security, halal, and green technology. The office aims to strengthen ties with the Japanese University Consortium (JUC) and promote research and development capabilities through staff exchange programs and advanced laboratories at UTM to drive innovation, enhance educational programs, and contribute to the growth of both Malaysia and Japan.

Also present at the event were Minister Mr. Atsushi Karimata, Deputy Chief of Mission; YBhg. Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Zaini Ujang, Secretary-General of MOHE; YB Tuan Ts. Zahir Hassan, Member of Parliament (MP) for Wangsa Maju; Mr. Shingo Abe, Vice-Chairman of JACTIM SMI Committee; Ms. Minako Sugawara, Chief Representative for JICA Malaysia Office; and Prof. Ts. Dr. Ali Selamat, Dean of MJIIT.

In a remarkable display of dedication and collaboration, the committee members and volunteers, under the leadership of Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Sumiaty Ambran, the program chair for MJIIX 2024, have achieved resounding success. This accomplishment marks a significant milestone in the annals of MJIIX 2024, underscoring the collective effort and hard work that went into organizing and executing the MJIIX 2024.