Academic mobility to Kobe University strengthens technology networks and cultural exchange of UMPSA students

KOBE, 27 November 2025 – A total of ten students from four faculties at Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) participated in the Non-Credit Academic Mobility Programme at Kobe University, Japan, for six days starting from 25 to 30 November 2025, organised by the Students’ Representative of Residential College 6 (PEKA 6).

The participants comprised students from various academic disciplines, namely students from the Faculty of Computing (FK), the Faculty of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering Technology (FTKMA), the Faculty of Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology (FTKEE), and the Faculty of Manufacturing and Mechatronic Engineering Technology (FTKPM).

They were accompanied by the Senior Executive of the Registrar Department, Mohd Izzat Shafie@Mohd Alias, who also served as the programme advisor.

According to Mohd Izzat, this programme was held to strengthen global academic networks and to enhance student development in an international environment.

“Throughout the programme, students participated in an introductory session with Professor Hibiki Takahira, as the coordinator who led the students to visit locations around the city of Kobe and the Kobe University Campus.

“Among the places visited was the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Memorial Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution.

“At this site, students had the opportunity to learn about the history of the earthquake that struck Kobe in 1995 as well as to observe engineering innovations and the city reconstruction strategies of Kobe implemented over the 30 years following the tragedy,” he said.

He added that video displays of the moments of the incident, as well as artefacts left behind by victims, served as references for students on the importance of preparedness in facing disasters.

“In addition, students had the opportunity to visit iconic places in Kobe, such as Kobe Port Tower, Meriken Park, and Earthquake Memorial Park.

“Through visits under the guidance of Professor Dr Keiko Gion from the Graduate School of Medicine, students had the opportunity to visit the Department of Medical Device Engineering located on Port Island, which is listed among the 10 largest artificial islands in the world and houses several universities, hospitals, and other facilities.

“This visit session exposed students to methods of producing innovation through hands-on training as well as visits to medical device research laboratories to understand the application of the latest technologies in medical engineering,” he explained.

He added that the delegation was also given the opportunity to attend a series of presentations and academic visits at the Graduate School of Human Development and Environment located at the Rokkodai Campus, which is the main campus of Kobe University situated in a hilly area.

“Among the researchers who shared their expertise were Professor Dr Nobuko Ohmido, Professor Dr Atsushi Tani, Associate Professor Dr Tatsuya Saga, and Associate Professor Dr Kosuke Kurosawa.

“Throughout these sessions, students were exposed to a diversity of research fields such as cytogenetics, plasma-induced chemical processes, entomology, as well as planetary evolution studies, which highlight the research excellence of the university in placing it among the top 15 universities in Japan.

“A visit to the Energy Conversion Engineering Laboratory (MH-3) with Professor Dr Hitoshi Asano provided students with the opportunity to learn about research related to energy conversion technology, thermal engineering, and sustainable energy applications,” he said.

He also shared that sessions were conducted involving two-way communication between UMPSA students and Kobe University students who are conducting laboratory research.

“In the briefing session regarding the university, it was also informed that Japan’s current first female Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, is an alumna of Kobe University.

“In the aspect of cultural exchange, in addition to interaction sessions with international students and Japanese students regarding classroom learning culture, the delegation was given experiences related to dining etiquette (Japanese Table Manners) and the art and meaning in food preparation.

“Learning about Chanoyu, namely the art of serving green tea, which symbolises Japanese culture, was also experienced by the delegation during the closing session after the presentation of student participation certificates was conducted,” he said.

In addition, students had the opportunity to visit Kobe Mosque, which is the first mosque in Japan, built in 1935 and is among the buildings that survived the Hanshin earthquake in 1995.

Also sharing experiences throughout the programme was a Year 4 FK student, Umie Kalsum Ghazali, who also served as the programme director, stating that this mobility programme not only broadened students’ global perspectives, but also enhanced their confidence in an international academic environment.

“This initiative also strengthens UMPSA’s efforts in expanding research collaboration and academic exchange with Kobe University, while at the same time opening opportunities for long-term collaboration in the fields of technology and innovation,” she said.

The students also expressed their highest appreciation to UMPSA, especially the Student Affairs and Alumni Department (JHEPA), for the approval and financial support of the programme which indirectly provided opportunities for students to be involved in mobility programmes, as well as PEKA 6 which organised the programme, the Malaysian Embassy in Tokyo, staff and students of Kobe University who were involved in the visit sessions, and the sponsoring company, Axis Technology Resources (M) Sdn. Bhd.

By: Mohd Izzat Shafie@Mohd Alias, Registrar Department

Translation by: Dr. Rozaimi Abu Samah, UMPSA Press