Tokyo, 5th July 2024 – A delegation from the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), participated in the 26th Japanese University Consortium (JUC) meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo, Japan. The delegation was led by Prof. Dr. Mohd Shafry bin Mohd Rahim, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & Internationalization), and included Prof. Ts. Dr. Ali bin Selamat (Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Student Affairs & Alumni, also Acting Dean of MJIIT), Prof. Ts. Dr. Abd Latif bin Saleh (Pro-Vice Chancellor of UTM Kuala Lumpur), and representatives from MJIIT and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The primary objectives of the JUC meeting were to showcase MJIIT’s achievements over the years and discuss collaborative plans with JUC members to enhance the Malaysia-Japan Linkage (MJL) Office at MJIIT. In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Mohd Shafry highlighted MJIIT as a successful project under the Look East Policy (LEP), emphasizing its role in providing Japanese-style engineering education and cultural exposure blended with Malaysian distinctiveness for a sustainable future.

During the meeting, Prof. Ts. Dr. Ali bin Selamat presented recent collaborative activities with JUC members, including Tokyo City University (TCU), Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT), Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology (TUAT), University of Tsukuba, Muroran Institute of Technology, and Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST). The delegation also showcased close collaborations with Japanese industries such as Oshikiri Machinery Ltd., Daido Kogyo Co., Ltd., Kojundo Chemical Laboratory Co. Ltd., Nissin Giken Co., NSK Ltd., STT Inc., and Azbil Corp., which have accepted MJIIT students for industrial training in Japan. Prof. Dr. Ali also outlined future plans for MJL to enhance network and partnership activities with JUC and other universities in Southeast Asia, inspiring hope and anticipation for UTM MJIIT’s bright future. UTM MJIIT received notable recognition from Prof. Masahiko Horie, the former Ambassador to Malaysia, for its outstanding achievements and commitment.

During their one-week program in Japan, the UTM MJIIT delegation visited three Japanese universities: TCU, SIT, and the University of Tokyo. These visits facilitated information exchanges on academic and research matters, including potential international internship placements, staff and student attachments, and the appointment of Visiting Professors from Japanese universities at MJIIT.

Additionally, MJIIT aims to improve links and seek future collaboration opportunities with Japanese industrial partners. The delegation visited Japanese industries and agencies, such as Shimizu Corporation and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). A special engagement session organized by JETRO saw participation from over 100 industries interested in collaborating with UTM MJIIT on internship programs and employment opportunities. The delegation also visited JICA HQ and the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) to discuss future collaboration activities.

The UTM MJIIT delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Embassy of Malaysia in Japan, where they were warmly received by Deputy Chief of Mission Mr. Anwar Udzir, Counsellor Mr. Imran bin Yussof, and Mrs. Nora Azlinda binti Jaapar. Mr. Anwar expressed his admiration for UTM MJIIT’s initiatives and efforts in ensuring the success of the Malaysia-Japan partnership.

The delegation also met with alumni working in Japanese companies and studying in Japanese universities, strengthening bonds and discussing future collaboration strategies. Currently, over 50 UTM MJIIT alumni are in Japan, reflecting UTM MJIIT’s academic quality.

The partnership with Japanese counterparts is expected to lay a stronger foundation for the future of education and research at UTM MJIIT, expanding the quality of Japanese lab-based engineering and technology education in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

By:

Nurfatehah Wahyuny Che Jusoh,

Manager Quality and Strategy MJIIT