7 days in Japan with a group of MJIIT students!
A group of 10 MJIIT students from ChECA Ikohza were given a chance to travel to Japan in a program called Sakura Science Plan at the AP Dr. Kazuya Shimizu Molecular Laboratory, University of Tsukuba. They were appointed a task to conduct an experiment on the assessment of the impact of microbial community structural on biopolymer degradation. Not only that, in this Sakura Science Plan, the teaching of the theoretical part of the molecular of microbiology assessment was also incorporated.
Throughout the 7 days in Japan, the students have taken part in many eye-opening activities such as touring the campus, visiting Tokyo National Museum, lab activities such as bio-polymer degradation and analysis on microbial community change. Following the lab activities, the students then had to conduct a presentation and discussion regarding their experience in the research work and also those related to the Japanese culture. On the last day, before leaving for Kuala Lumpur, they had the opportunity to visit Miraikan – The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation.
Day 1: Campus Tour
On the first day of the program, participants visited the Nobel Prize Gallery, Bio-Process Laboratory and Aquatic Eco-Engineering Laboratory. A lecture on molecular analysis on microbes was also delivered by Shimizu Sensei. Soil for the experiment on bio-polymer degradation was collected aroun the Laboratory for Environmental Disaster Building Prevention Research.
Day 2: Tokyo Tour
On the second day, participants visited the Japanese oldest and largest art museum, Tokyo National Museum (TNM). This museum is located in Ueno Park in Taito, Tokyo. From the visit, participants learned about the ancient Japanese art and Asian art. After visiting the museum, participants were given an opportunity to try the traditional soba in Tokyo.
Day 3 to 5: Lab activities
Experiment on the bio-polymer degradation was carried for 10 samples. From the experiment, DNA was extracted and analysed by using Polymerase Chain Reaction and Agarose Gel Electrophoresis. The experiments were carried with the help of Shimizu Sensei’s postgraduate students. On the third day, a special dinner was held by the UT and JST staffs to celebrate the Sakura Science Plan participants. Various sushi was served and other Malaysian students at UT were also invited for the dinner.
Day 6: Presentation and Discussion Day
After completing the research activity, participants presented their experience in the research work and Japanese culture. Each participant receives insightful comments and questions from Shimizu Sensei regarding their research and Japan experience. A closing ceremony was held after the presentation. The certificate and Sakura Science badge were distributed by Shimizu Sensei to the participants.
Day 7: A Visit to Miraikan, Odaiba
Before departing to Kuala Lumpur, the participants visited Miraikan – The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation. Participants were very excited to learn about Japanese innovation and technology.