UMPSA highlights innovation and builds global bridges at Expo 2025 Osaka

OSAKA, JAPAN, 21 July 2025 – Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) marked another significant milestone in its globalisation journey by participating in Expo 2025 Osaka, held at Yumeshima Island, Japan. Coordinated by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), Malaysia’s official delegation to this world expo aligns with the nation’s aspiration to elevate education diplomacy, sustainability, and innovation on the global stage.

With the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” Expo 2025 is one of the world’s foremost international platforms showcasing breakthrough technologies, sustainable solutions, and transformative ideas. 

UMPSA’s participation not only highlighted the university’s strengths and innovation capabilities but also laid the foundation for collaborations with Japanese universities and industry players.

Podcast Feature and MoA Exchange with Hokoku Engineering

The visit began with a featured podcast session under the Malaysia Higher Education Week at Expo 2025, where UMPSA Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Yatimah Alias and Director of the Carbon Neutral Research Centre, Kansai University, Professor Dr. Masato Ueda, discussed ‘ESG and Sustainability: Navigating Carbon Net Zero’. 

The session reinforced UMPSA’s role as a thought leader in the Eco-University transformation agenda.

In her remarks, Professor Dr. Yatimah Alias shared, our commitment to sustainability goes beyond policy. 

“It is embedded in our curriculum, our campus operations, and most importantly, in the way we build partnerships with like-minded institutions and industries. 

“Expo 2025 Osaka is an important platform for UMPSA to showcase not only what we do, but who we are, a university with purpose and global vision,” she said.

The first day continued with the exchange of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between UMPSA and Hokoku Engineering Co. Ltd., represented by its President, Mr. Ei Tsukamoto. 

The MoA builds on the success of previous joint research and marks a new chapter in advancing sustainable engineering innovations.

Also on display at the Malaysia Pavilion was a research project led by Ts. Mohd Najib Razali from the Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology, attracting interest from international visitors and potential research collaborators.

Forging Stronger Ties with Japanese Institutions

On the second day, the delegation, led by Professor Dr. Yatimah Alias, paid an official visit to Kansai University, where they were welcomed by its President, Professor Tomoyuki Takahashi. 

The session explored strategic initiatives including Dual PhD/Master programmes, joint research in AI and advanced materials, and international curriculum initiatives such as Global Classroom and micro-credentials.

The delegation also visited the headquarters of Hokoku Engineering Co. Ltd., deepening collaboration on cross-border research and development, including new sustainable materials based on Malaysian bamboo and jointly proposed funding projects.

At the Malaysia Pavilion, the UMPSA delegation joined the Business Matching Programme organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), holding productive discussions with Japanese companies such as Dai Nippon Co., Fukulin Kagaku, DEOW Co., Ltd., Footstep, and Artha Graha Group. 

These discussions focused on industry–academia innovation, talent development, and student recruitment opportunities. 

These engagements, facilitated through the Business Matching Programme, carry a strong potential return on investment of approximately USD 80,000 through new research funding, talent pipelines, and market expansion opportunities for both UMPSA and its partners.

Collaborations with Setsunan University and Japanese KOSENs

Day three began with a visit to Setsunan University, where the delegation was warmly received by President, Professor Dr. Yasuyuki Kubo. 

The meeting identified opportunities for short-term student mobility, hybrid learning, language-based Global Classrooms, and student-led SDG projects. 

Both universities are preparing to launch mobility programmes starting in 2026.

The UMPSA delegation also engaged with Professor Dr. Muhamad Arifpin Mansor of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Sasebo to deliberate on a Malaysia-based Summer School programme, technical workshops, and knowledge exchange modelled on Japan’s applied engineering (KOSEN) approach.

A subsequent strategic discussion with Mie University centred on joint research in chemistry and IT, matching grants, and the co-development of Global Classrooms with UMPSA’s Centre for Mathematical Sciences.

The day concluded with a networking dinner hosted by Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), attended by Malaysian higher education delegates at Halal Yakiniku Restaurant, Osaka.

Strengthening Ties with Yonago NIT

On the final day, Professor Dr. Yatimah led a meeting with Professor Yoshiyuki Uruma of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Yonago. 

In September 2025, UMPSA will welcome 20 participants from NIT Yonago for a short-term inbound mobility programme. 

Discussions also pointed towards enhanced student exchange, research activities, and industrial training placements in the near future.

UMPSA’s presence at Expo 2025 Osaka not only reinforces its position as a globally engaged, sustainability-driven university, but also strengthens its commitment to achieving its long-term vision, becoming a recognised Eco-University and ASEAN Advanced TVET Hub by 2030, and emerging as one of the world’s distinguished technical universities by 2050.

By: Nur Ezzati Mohd Nasir, Centre for Global Engagement (UMPSA Global)