MJIIT and UTM Strengthen Ties with Japan and South East Asia’s Industry-Academia-Government Consortium
Japan, 6 December – As Advisory Members, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT) attended the Global Technology Initiative (GTI) Consortium Symposium on 6th December 2019 at Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT), Japan. GTI is an industry-academia-government collaboration comprising of 218 member institutions including industry, corporations and associations, learning institutions, and government organisations in Japan and South East Asia. The symposium featured special speeches from its member representatives, including Mr. Alexandre Riesterer, Director and Executive Vice President of Bosch Corporation, Japan, and Dr. Hiroshi Fujiwara, Chairman and President, and Chief Executive Officer of the Internet Association Japan and BroadBand Tower, Inc, Japan.
UTM and MJIIT have been participating in GTI activities since the establishment of the alliance in December 2015. In addition to international projects between learning institutions, the consortium also focuses on inter-governmental projects, allowing allied universities to take part in national aid projects based on intergovernmental agreements and international joint research projects. Through its global internship, it presents student opportunities for an internship at firms and factories overseas to experience cultural diversity and gain an understanding of different approaches to problem solving. In its Global Project Based Learning, students from member universities form international teams to put forward proposals and present ideas to solve challenging technical issues, with mentorship from university faculty members, authorities working at member companies and government agencies.
In the opening ceremony of the symposium, Prof Dr. Masato Murakami, President of SIT, emphasized the need for a new generation of engineers who can function in global teams, appreciating and respecting professional and cultural diversity. GTI will be a platform where global industries and universities in Japan and the world in cooperation with government agencies collaborate to nurture global engineers and to bring technological innovation, and thus to strengthen international competitiveness in the engineering field. The consortium aims to foster global human resources, drive innovation for global sustainability, Quality Assurance of higher education in STEM fields, and enhance industry competitiveness.
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia was represented by Dean of Faculty of Engineering, Prof Dato’ Ir. Dr. Mohammed Rafiq Abdul Kadir, Dean of Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology, Prof Dr. Ali Selamat, and Manager (International Alliances), UTM International, Dr. Farhana Diana Deris.
H.E. HIROSHI OKA’S INAUGURAL VISIT TO MJIIT UTM
KUALA LUMPUR, 3 December 2019 – Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT) was honoured to graciously receive His Excellency Hiroshi Oka, the Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia for his inaugural visit to MJIIT. Accompanying H.E Oka were Minister Kaname Araki, The Japanese Minister to Malaysia and Mr. Sentaro Ishikawa, First Secretary to Ambassador were also present.
MJIIT Dean, Prof. Dr. Ali Selamat led the delegation with briefings on the the track records of MJIIT and how MJIIT intends to move forward in the next 5 years. H.E Oka congratulated MJIIT and noted that MJIIT has been a benchmark for other higher education institutions offering Japanese-based engineering programs outside Japan, and being an “excellent example to the world”.
MJIIT, established in 2010 as a Government-to-Government Initiative under the Look East Policy, manifests a unique education project between Malaysia and Japan. Japan has formed a consortium of 29 universities under the Japanese Universities Consortium (JUC) and has dispatched Japanese lecturers and professors to MJIIT providing support for the Japanese-oriented engineering programs for Malaysians. The commitment of both countries is strengthened by sending exchange students and staffs to Japan, setting up training programs in selected Japanese companies and partnering with Japanese universities through various academic and industry collaborations.
One of the main aim of the establishment of MJIIT is to provide cost efficient Japanese-style engineering and technology education to Malaysians and to other ASEAN nations. Young Malaysians need to only spend RM40,000 for a 4-year undergraduate Japanese-style engineering program in MJIIT Kuala Lumpur compared to an average of RM300,000 to RM500,000 for similar programs in Japan. This figure has yet to include the high living costs as well as other tuition requirements in Japan. Understanding the critical importance of this 2 nations project and how it contributes to the newly launched Wawasan Kemakmuran Bersama 2030 (WKB 2030), MJIIT provides special access and opportunity to students from the B40 bracket to join its undergraduate programs. 70% of the current student enrolment for their undergraduate engineering programs come from this income bracket.
From left, Dean of MJIIT (Prof. Ali Selamat), UTM Vice Chancellor (Prof. Datuk Ir. Dr. Wahid bin Omar), Deputy Vice Chancellor ( Prof. Ir. Dr. Zainuddin Abdul Manan) and Ambassador of Japan (Hiroshi Oka)
With this cost efficient model in Malaysia, it is projected that graduates are capable to be employed by Japanese multinationals in Japan or in prominent Japanese companies neighbouring Malaysia. As of today, there are 1,400 Japanese companies operating in Malaysia, with about 700 in the manufacturing sector, 40% focusing on electrical and electronics. The rest are in the upcoming service sectors. Approximately 600 companies are registered with the Japanese Chamber of Trade and Industry Malaysia (JACTIM). MJIIT is working closely with around 45 of these multinationals to assist in producing the right human capital fit for these multinationals. As the aim of the LEP is to expose and groom young Malaysians in a Japanese work setting, and transfer of these knowledge and experiences back to our local companies, government institutions, and to the communities, MJIIT UTM plays a major role in producing highly capable graduates to be accepted by Japanese companies worldwide.
It is worth noting that in only a few years of establishment, MJIIT has supplied close to 200 graduate human capital to world renowned Japanese companies. To illustrate, 23 graduates of the 2018 batch alone are now attached to a number of Japanese companies in Japan, i.e. NSK, Nitto-Denko, Sumitomo Electronics, Kumonosu, Meiden-sha, UACJ, Daido-Metal, Kitz, Asahi-Yukizai, Railway Research, Hirakaya-Hyutech, SMK, Eagle Insutry and Shinei. 52 students from the same batch are attached to Japanese companies in Malaysia, 67 are attached to various MNCs around the country, 38 with the public sectors and 25 of the same batch are continuing their studies at a postgraduate level.
One of the factors making MJIIT graduates highly sought by Japanese MNCs is their ability to communicate in both verbal and written Japanese. Via its Japanese Language and Culture Centre (JLCC), MJIIT grooms students in Japanese language and culture, with emphasis on Japanese work values and verbal communication before exposing them to various mobility programs in Japan. One of the informal initiatives of JLCC is the Nihongo Café, where students can talk in person with Japanese guests in Japanese language.
Students are given the opportunity to apply their knowledge on 5S, Kaizen, Monozukiri, Senpai-Kohai, Ningen-Ryoku, Rinkoh sessions and others learnt from their lectures and lab exposures in MJIIT UTM in selected programs in Japan, before they graduate. These special programs encompass paid internships in Japan, research activities with Japanese universities, student exchange programs, joint-supervision with Japanese professors in Japan, double-degree programs, Jukebox programs and collaborative international i-kohza programs in Japan. The most popular initiative is the Sakura Exchange Program in Science, an opportunity for MJIIT students to be in Japan alongside selected Japanese university partners. Since the establishment of this unique program, hundreds of students have stayed with their Japanese counterparts in Japan for a minimum of 3 weeks to 6 months. It is hoped that they would transfer what they have learnt in Japan to their local friends and network.
H.E Hiroshi Oka’s inaugural visit to MJIIT marks the trust and strengthens the bilateral relationship of two nations, in building a better education for the world.
MJIIT Receives Visitors From All Around the Globe Almost Each Day!
6 November 2019, MJIIT UTM – The Management of Technology team of MJIIT UTM hosted the Dean of the Graduate School and his delegates from UNISSULA, Universitas Sultan Agung Semarang, Indonesia yesterday to initiate talks on collaborations in interdisciplinary programs and modules and more importantly to benchmark on MJIIT programs, especially the Master in Technology & Innovation Management degree.
The delegates were also brought to MJIIT UTM’s unique IP and Valuation Lab, a collaborative effort between MJIIT UTM and Yamaguchi University, Japan, and the one and only unique IP lab in Malaysia.
MJIIT UTM Convocation and Hi-Tea Ceremony 2019
3 November 2019, UTM Skudai – Last week was an entire week of celebrations for MJIIT UTM graduates. Families and friends were together in UTM Johor to congratulate and to share the heartfelt moments.
MJIIT wishes to share these moments in an album and montage (which was aired in the Hi-Tea event) as a memorable token to all who have worked hard and made meaningful sacrifices, through thick and thin, throughout your years in MJIIT UTM.
It is worth noting that in only a few years of establishment, MJIIT UTM has supplied close to 200 graduate human capital to world renowned Japanese companies.
To illustrate, 23 graduates of the 2018 batch alone are now attached to a number of Japanese companies in Japan, i.e. NSK, Nitto-Denko, Sumitomo Electronics, Kumonosu, Meiden-sha, UACJ, Daido-Metal, Kitz, Asahi-Yukizai, Railway Research, Hirakaya-Hyutech, SMK, Eagle Insutry and Shinei. 52 students from the same batch are attached to Japanese companies in Malaysia, 67 are attached to various MNCs around the country, 38 with the public sectors and 25 of the same batch are continuing their studies at a postgraduate level.
This success demonstrates the high marketability of MJIIT graduates and the academic quality of this faculty in producing holistic and competitive graduates to build successful careers after graduation.
MJIIT’s Dean delivers his speech to all guests in the Hi-Tea Graduation Ceremony 2019
One of the factors making MJIIT UTM graduates highly sought by Japanese MNCs is their ability to communicate in both verbal and written Japanese. Via its Japanese Language and Culture Centre (JLCC), MJIIT UTM grooms students in Japanese language and culture, with emphasis on Japanese work values and verbal communication before exposing them to various mobility programs in Japan. One of the informal initiatives of JLCC is the Nihongo Café, where students can talk in person with Japanese guests in Japanese language.
Students are given the opportunity to apply their knowledge on 5S, Kaizen, Monozukiri, Senpai-Kohai, Ningen-Ryoku, Rinkoh sessions and others learnt from their lectures and lab exposures in MJIIT UTM in selected programs in Japan, before they graduate. These special programs encompass paid internships in Japan, research activities with Japanese universities, student exchange programs, joint-supervision with Japanese professors in Japan, double-degree programs, Jukebox programs and collaborative international i-kohza programs in Japan.
The most popular initiative is the Sakura Exchange Program in Science, an opportunity for MJIIT students to be in Japan alongside selected Japanese university partners. Since the establishment of this unique program, hundreds of students have stayed with their Japanese counterparts in Japan for a minimum of 3 weeks to 6 months.
It is hoped that they would transfer what they have learnt in Japan to their local friends and network.
“KENALI MJIIT” WITH THE 50 TOP SCHOOLS
The inaugural ‘Kenali MJIIT’ was held on the 3rd Oct 2019.
For the first time, representatives (mostly counselors) from 50 of Malaysia’s top boarding schools (MRSM, SBP, TKC, etc) were with us to learn what MJIIT offers and how they fit into the Japanese education and career paths.
This sharing also witnessed presentations from 7 schools, in relation to their track records, experiences and issues in handling success stories of students.
The event kicked off with a short briefing by MJIIT Deputy Dean, Assoc. Professor Dr. Nor Azwadi, followed with
a sharing session on ‘Nin Genri Yoku’ (Professional, Ethics, Safety and Health) by Dr. Jun Ishimatsu, one of MJIIT’s Japanese lecturers who is quite fluent in Bahasa Melayu.
The 6th from the left Dr. Nor Azwadi, our Deputy Dean, Mr. Abdul Hakim Sahidi who is the ex-MJIIT student, Professor Aminaton and Dr. Rahayu Tasnim are with the 50 representatives of the top schools.
A special sharing session by one of MJIIT’s successful alumnus, Mr. Abdul Hakim Sahidi who is now the Director of Leave a Nest Malaysia then followed. Mr. Abdul Hakim is proud to be part of MJIIT and is indebted to the lecturers for the superb guidance and support during his undergraduate years.
MJIIT’s Dean, Professor Dr. Ali Selamat then went on stage to share the uniqueness of MJIIT before awarding scholarships to 23 postgraduate students.
Upon departing, the delegates were brought for a short tour of MJIIT’s selected labs, before heading back to their respective boarding schools across the country.
UTM Researchers Promote Science and Technology for Disaster Resilience in Malaysia
23 August, Shah Alam – The Selangor State Government, group of researchers from the Disaster Preparedness and Prevention Center (DPPC) of the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), International Research Institute of Disaster Science (IRIDeS), Tohoku University, City of Sendai, Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) launched a publication on landslide and flood risks in the state of Selangor that was officially handed over to YAB Tuan Amirudin bin Shari, Chief Minister of the State of Selangor.
Called “Disaster Risk Report: Understanding Landslide and Flood Risks for Science-Based Disaster Risk Reduction in the State of Selangor”, the publication explains the science behind landslide and flood events so that local authorities, community leaders, and the community at large can better understand the risks they are facing. With this understanding, they can take action towards better preparedness or mitigation measures from the effects of landslide and flood disasters.
Replete with simplified technical explanations and illustrations, the Report shows how the outputs of science-based analysis such as hazard maps can serve as a decision making tool that allows local governments and community members better understand their disaster risks and come up with their own preventive actions.
This Report is the first output of a four-year program run by Selangor State, IRIDeS and DPPC/MJIIT called “Strengthening the Disaster Risk Reduction Capacity to Improve the Safety and Security of Communities by Understanding Disaster Risks (SeDAR)”. The SeDAR program enables the sharing and transferring of the knowledge, know-how, and expertise of IRIDeS based on Japanese experience to local community leaders and residents in Malaysia to better prepare for and cope with disasters. DPPC brings technical expertise and local knowledge of the project, while Selangor Disaster Management Unit carries out the outreach activities to bring this knowledge and understanding to the people of Selangor.
International Students of UTM Conquered the Cave of Wonders and Aventures Gua Tempurung!
On an excursion planned several months before, the international students of UTM Kuala Lumpur conquered the cave of wonders and adventures, Gua Tempurung on 20 July 2019. The UTM Youth Cave Exploration was organized as part of the internationalization at home initiatives.
The program was made successful with participation by full-time international students from 13 countries including Yemen, Japan, The Czech Republic, Sri Lanka, Somalia, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Iraq, Egypt, Cambodia and Afghanistan. This also included participation by the Exchange Students from the Islamic University of Madinah, Saudi Arabia; University of Tsukuba, Japan and the University of Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic. Positive and encouraging feedback was shared by students as they marvelled at the stunning stalagmites and stalactites, forming unique shapes that surround the cave. The trek and hike challenge presented the students with the perfect opportunity to crawl, slide and climb as they traverse the underground rivers, slippery passages and rocky surfaces while at times wade through water. Students said that the cave was definitely worth exploring. The group was guided by two experienced cave rangers throughout.
These challenges require students to foster immediate trust and teamwork among themselves, despite their nationalities and cultural differences. Students ought to demonstrate a deep understanding of each other as the experiences were truly unfathomable and provided a glimpse to the richness of nature. In addition, students were given the opportunity to empower their network and friendship while simultaneously developed leadership, communication and some basic survival skills.
Inside Gua Tempurung.
The slightly over 5-hours trek and hike program was a memorable success for all 40 participants, which were accompanied by the UTM International officers and UTM medical officers. They climbed close to 1000 steps, went through exceptionally high and steep points in the cave and concluded the adventure with a hearty lunch served by the locals before heading back to the city.
News taken from https://news.utm.my/2019/08/international-students-of-utm-conquered-the-cave-of-wonders-and-adventures-gua-tempurung/ written by Norhayati Abdullah.
Sakura Exchange Program in Science 2019 at Tokyo City University
The Sakura Exchange Program in Science was held from 28th July until 3rd August 2019 at Tokyo City University (TCU), Setagaya Campus. A total of 10 students from three departments participated in this program and assisted by a lecturer.
The main objective of the program was to allow the students to discover the Japan’s science and technology. This can be achieved by participating in TCU research groups and actively interact with their lecturers and laboratory mates. The students are divided into three groups: Mechanical engineering & mechanical systems engineering; Electrical, electronic and communication engineering; and Chemistry and energy engineering. Each student is assigned under different type of experiment. They spent three and half days (29th July – 1st August 2019) participating in program-based learning at the research lab. The findings of the experiment were presented on 1st August 2019 among lecturers and postgraduate students and they got praised for the very well presentation. Furthermore, they were also experiencing the latest and futuristic technologies, global environment, space exploration and life science during their visit at Miraikan, The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation.
Apart from the research activities, the students were exposed to Japanese culture such as good time management because Japanese people are really concerned about being punctual. Most importantly, the cleanliness of the country and their waste separation and recycling practices taught them the value of cleanliness. Besides, they also got to experience both modern and traditional culture such as Japanese cuisine, temples and shrines and fashion.
In short, this program not only enriched the knowledge in their research studies but also nurture good values among them. This program is believed to prepare the students to be succeed not only in their academic and research, but most importantly to be a great person with great personality.
Electrical, Electronic, and Communication Engineering Research Group.
Mechanical Engineering & Mechanical Systems Engineering Research Group.
Chemistry & Energy Engineering Research Group.
Students’ Presentation
Farewell Party.
Group visit at Miraikan, The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation.
Dean Prof. Ali Selamat Courtesy visit to Prime Minister Tun Mahathir of MJIIT UTM and the way forward on Look East Policy
Malaysian Prime Minister YAB Tun Dr. Mahathir’s visit to Japan last week further symbolizes the vast potential Malaysia & Japan could learn from each other.
Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology MJIIT UTM’s moving forward strategy is to strongly enhance academic, research and human talent development alongside its 29 Japanese university counterparts (the Japanese University Consortium) and a multitude of Japanese MNCs and communities.
Seen here is MJIIT UTM’s Dean, Professor Dr. Ali bin Selamat with YAB Tun Mahathir, sharing a moment of triumph, reflection and plans on how MJIIT UTM is moving forward with the Look East Policy 2.0 initiatives.