University of Tsukuba Tokyo Campus, Tokyo | Wednesday 16 September 2026
UTM Delegation Visits the University of Tsukuba Tokyo Campus to Discuss Strengthening Future Collaboration

 

On September 16, 2026, a delegation from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) visited the University of Tsukuba Tokyo Campus to review the achievements of the longstanding partnership between the two institutions and exchange views on further expanding collaboration in education and research.

The UTM delegation was led by Dr. Ali Selamat, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research & Innovation), and included Dr. Nurulakmar Abu Husain, Dean of the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), as well as Dr. Pramila Tamunaidu of the Malaysia-Japan Linkage Office (MJL).

The University of Tsukuba was represented by Vice President Saori Donkai, Director-General of the Bureau of School Education, and Ms. Misao Hanamitsu, Head of Division of Planning and Development of Department of Tokyo Campus Affairs, Mr. Tatsuya Kitaoka, Director of the Embassy of Japan in Malaysia, Professor Maki Tsujimura, Dean of the School of Transdisciplinary Science and Design, and Mr. Masatoshi Yokose, Head of Academic Serivice Office for Malaysia Overseas Education Hub at the University of Tsukuba, Malaysia (UTMy), also attended the meeting.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Ali Selamat highlighted that MJIIT was established in 2011 through cooperation between the governments of Malaysia and Japan and has since developed into a higher education institution that responds to the needs of Malaysian society while being founded on the principles of Japanese-oriented engineering education.   

He also expressed appreciation for the long-standing relationship between UTM and the University of Tsukuba, noting that the two institutions have steadily expanded cooperation in education, research, and human resource development, particularly through MJIIT.

Dr. Ali further noted that the establishment of the University of Tsukuba Kuala Lumpur Office within MJIIT in 2013 and the joint operation of the Joint Master's Degree Program in Sustainability and Environmental Sciences since 2017 have served as important foundations for the development of the Campus-in-Campus (CiC) initiative and, ultimately, the establishment of the University of Tsukuba, Malaysia. These longstanding collaborative efforts have fostered a wide range of academic activities, including student exchanges, faculty exchanges, and joint research projects.

The visit was conducted as part of the MJIIT 2.0 initiative, a strategic vision aimed at further enhancing MJIIT's educational, research, and innovation capabilities while strengthening industry-academia-government collaboration and international networks. Through these efforts, MJIIT seeks to position itself as a leading education and research hub in the ASEAN region.

As one of the key initiatives under MJIIT 2.0, MJIIT launched its own Foundation Programme in July 2026. The one-year pre-university program is designed for students aspiring to pursue studies in science and engineering fields. In addition to strengthening fundamental knowledge in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and English, the program develops the academic skills necessary for a smooth transition to university-level education. Japanese language education is also incorporated into the curriculum, with students encouraged to obtain a Japanese Language Completion Certificate and achieve JLPT N5 proficiency. The program is expected to serve as a foundation for cultivating globally competent talent through Japanese-style engineering education.

During the meeting, participants exchanged views on the University of Tsukuba's educational system, the management of its affiliated schools, and its philosophy and practices in human resource development. Discussions also focused on pathways that connect primary and secondary education with higher education, as well as opportunities for expanding international educational initiatives. In addition, participants explored possibilities for collaboration aimed at broadening student progression pathways and enhancing international exchange opportunities.The participants reaffirmed the importance of further advancing cooperation in education and research by building upon the strong trust and mutual understanding that have been cultivated between the two institutions over many years. They also shared a common recognition of the potential for new forms of international collaboration that bridge school education and higher education.

The University of Tsukuba, Malaysia (UTMy) will continue to deepen its partnership with MJIIT and UTM, contribute to the development of educational and research networks connecting Malaysia and Japan, and promote the cultivation of globally competent human resources.

MJIIT Foundation Programme

https://mjiit.utm.my/foundation-programme/