UMPSA welcomes Japanese Ambassador, strengthens academic and industry ties

PEKAN, 30 September 2025 - Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) received a courtesy visit from the Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, His Excellency Shikata Noriyuki, accompanied by Ms. Masubuchi Kana, Second Secretary, at its Pekan campus this week.

The delegation was welcomed by UMPSA Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Yatimah Alias, alongside members of the university’s senior management team and a group of UMPSA alumni who pursued their studies in Japan. 

The reception, held at the Banquet Hall, Chancellery Tun Abdul Razak, showcased the strong and enduring ties between UMPSA and Japan.

In her welcoming remarks, Professor Dr. Yatimah expressed her appreciation to H.E. Shikata Noriyuki and Ms. Masubuchi Kana for their presence at UMPSA.

“It is truly a joy and an honour for UMPSA to host our guests of honour, His Excellency Shikata Noriyuki and Ms. Masubuchi Kana, this morning. 

“Selamat Datang and welcome to our campus,” she said, expressing UMPSA’s honour in welcoming the distinguished guests.

Professor Dr. Yatimah also highlighted the important role Japan has played in UMPSA’s development. 

“More than 58 alumni of Japanese universities are currently serving as lecturers, researchers, and professionals at UMPSA, contributing to teaching, research, and innovation.

“Their presence reflects the lasting value and impact of Japanese education, which continues to enrich UMPSA’s academic strength and global outlook,” she noted.

During the session, UMPSA’s Japanese alumni had the opportunity to engage directly with H.E. Shikata Noriyuki, sharing their experiences of studying in Japan and their professional journeys since returning to Malaysia. 

The dialogue highlighted the enduring influence of Japanese higher education in shaping the careers of UMPSA graduates and strengthening the bridge of friendship between the two countries.

Professor Dr. Yatimah also shared insights from her recent participation in World Expo 2025 in Osaka, where she met with leaders from Japanese universities and an industry partner, Hokoku Engineering. 

She emphasised that these partnerships facilitate joint research initiatives, industry-driven projects, and deeper collaboration between academia and industry.

A key focus of discussion was the expansion of Work-Based Learning (WBL), a model that integrates academic theory with practical industrial training. 

Through this approach, UMPSA students will be able to gain first-hand industry experience, build professional networks, and enhance their employability.

Professor Dr. Yatimah explained, through these collaborations, our students will benefit immensely from industry exposure, research funding opportunities, and a holistic education that bridges theory and practice. 

“Looking ahead, UMPSA aims to broaden opportunities for staff and student mobility with Japan, including collaborations with prestigious universities such as Kyoto University, while also welcoming more Japanese students to UMPSA,” she said. 

Professor Dr. Yatimah reiterated that these aspirations align with Malaysia’s Look East Policy, which has long drawn inspiration from Japan’s values of discipline, innovation, and excellence.

As part of the visit, the Ambassador and his delegation also had the opportunity to participate in a short campus tour led by UMPSA Global, offering them a glimpse of the university’s facilities and dynamic learning environment.

The visit concluded with an engagement session between UMPSA academics and the Japanese delegation, focusing on research, academic exchanges, and industry linkages.

UMPSA looks forward to enhancing academic, research, and cultural collaborations with Japan, building on the strong foundation of mutual trust and shared aspirations. 

UMPSA remains committed to fostering meaningful partnerships that will contribute to the advancement of education, innovation, and bilateral cooperation between Malaysia and Japan.

By: Nur Ezzati Mohd Nasir, UMPSA Global 

Photos: KHairu Aidilnishah Rizan Jalil, Centre For Corporate Communications