A signing ceremony aimed at strengthening collaboration in the agricultural sector between Japan and Malaysia was recently held on 7th April, attended by Mr. Noriyuki Shikata, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia; YBhg. Professor Ir. Dr. Abd. Rahim bin Abu Talib, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), University Putra Malaysia (UPM); and Mr. Hideki Hagiwara, Deputy Director-General for Export and International Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), Japanese Government.

 In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Toshiyuki Inagaki, Chief Executive, the University of Tsukuba, Malaysia (UTMy), introduced “MIDORI Infinity,” an initiative led by MAFF. The program aims to build a sustainable society and ensure food security through the use of innovative Japanese technologies.

 Dr. Inagaki emphasized that the initiative encourages the active engagement of youth, academia, and the private sector, including startup companies. He noted that it seeks to accelerate the transition toward sustainable and low-emission agrifood systems through innovation, knowledge sharing, and international collaboration.

 

 Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), UPM and UTMy will contribute to this initiative. Moving forward, UTMy will work closely with UPM to promote joint research in the field of agriculture and to further enhance student exchange opportunities between the two institutions.