TOKYO, Jul 10 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), through the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), continued to strengthen its internationalisation agenda through participation in the 6th Asia-Oceania Five Universities Alliance (AOFUA) Summer Camp, hosted by Tokyo City University (TCU), Japan, from 5 to 10 July 2026.
The initiative supports the aspirations of UTM ASCEND 2030 by advancing knowledge through experiential learning, expanding UTM’s global impact through international partnerships, promoting sustainability and nurturing responsible, globally minded graduates.
Five MJIIT students represented UTM alongside participants from TCU, Edith Cowan University (ECU), Australia, Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (SIIT), Thailand and De La Salle University (DLSU) from the Philippines. The programme brought together 27 students from five universities, representing seven nationalities.
Held under the theme “Climate Action and Ocean Sustainability,” the programme supported the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 14: Life Below Water. It also aimed to deepen cross-cultural understanding, develop global leadership skills, introduce students to Project Cycle Management (PCM) and foster meaningful connections among future leaders across the Asia-Pacific region.
The five-day programme combined lectures, PCM workshops, technical visits, community engagement and hands-on activities. This multidisciplinary approach enabled participants to advance their knowledge and translate classroom concepts into practical responses to real-world sustainability challenges.
The programme began with an opening ceremony and orientation at the TCU Setagaya Campus, where participants were introduced to the objectives and sustainability themes of the summer camp. Ice-breaking activities encouraged students from the participating universities to build friendships, exchange perspectives and strengthen intercultural understanding.
Participants later visited the Suginami Incineration Plant, where they gained first-hand exposure to Japan’s advanced waste-management and waste-to-energy systems. Through guided tours and expert briefings, the students learned how municipal waste is processed using modern technologies to generate electricity, reduce landfill dependency and minimise environmental impact.
The visit also highlighted Japan’s commitment to sustainable urban development through strict environmental standards, resource recovery and public awareness. These practices provided valuable examples of how cities can address climate change while advancing circular-economy initiatives.
The day concluded with the participants’ transfer to the Shonan Village Centre, followed by a welcome barbecue that provided a relaxed setting for networking and intercultural engagement.
Throughout the programme, participants were introduced to the fundamentals of PCM through interactive lectures and case-study exercises. Working in multinational teams, they applied the methodology to identify sustainability challenges, develop project proposals and present practical solutions during the final presentation session.
The collaborative learning process encouraged students to consider the social, environmental and human dimensions of each challenge. It also reflected the UTM ASCEND 2030 aspiration of upholding human values by developing graduates who demonstrate empathy, mutual respect, social responsibility and the ability to work across cultural boundaries.
Other programme highlights included a visit to the TCU Yokohama Campus to learn about its ISO 14001 environmental-management initiatives. Participants also took part in a hands-on waste-segregation activity, during which they classified household waste into combustible and non-combustible categories.
The exercise demonstrated how proper waste separation at source can improve recycling efficiency, support waste-to-energy processes and reduce environmental impacts. It also encouraged participants to reflect on the role of individual behaviour in ensuring environmental sustainability and building more responsible communities.
Participants further joined a coastal conservation programme organised with the Kanagawa Coastal Beautification Foundation. As part of the initiative, they took part in a beach-cleaning activity at Zushi Coast, working together to collect and separate different types of waste.
The activity strengthened students’ awareness of marine conservation and the importance of maintaining clean public spaces. It also enhanced teamwork, communication and a shared sense of responsibility for protecting the environment.
On the final day, all five student groups presented their PCM project proposals before the deans of the participating universities. Each team shared the outcomes of its collaborative work, followed by a question-and-answer session that allowed the deans, students and facilitators to exchange views and provide constructive feedback.
A certificate presentation ceremony was subsequently held, with certificates awarded to all participants by the President of TCU in recognition of their participation and achievements. One team was also selected as the best group based on the quality of its project proposal, teamwork and final presentation.
The programme concluded with a farewell lunch, providing participants and organisers with an opportunity to celebrate the successful completion of the summer camp. Selected participants also joined media interview sessions to share their experiences, reflections and impressions of the programme.
Following the student programme, the AOFUA Joint Management Committee convened to review the alliance’s progress and discuss future directions, student mobility opportunities and collaborative initiatives among the member universities.
The AOFUA Summer Camp provided an important platform for advancing knowledge through academic exchange, cultural understanding and collaborative learning. Through lectures, group projects, technical visits and community-engagement activities, students strengthened their communication, teamwork, leadership, presentation and problem-solving skills while gaining exposure to diverse cultures and educational environments.
From the institutional perspective, the programme expanded UTM’s global impact by reinforcing cooperation among AOFUA member universities and promoting knowledge exchange, student mobility and future academic partnerships. It also supported the development of sustainable, long-term relationships across the Asia-Oceania higher education network.
Moving forward, AOFUA will continue to expand student-exchange opportunities and strengthen collaboration among its member universities. The next AOFUA Summer Camp will be hosted by DLSU in the Philippines, offering students another opportunity to participate in meaningful academic activities, intercultural exchange and collaborative projects.
Through initiatives such as the AOFUA Summer Camp, MJIIT and UTM remain committed to the aspirations of UTM ASCEND 2030 by advancing knowledge, expanding global impact, ensuring sustainability and upholding human values in the development of future-ready graduates.