UMPSA explores collaboration with Tsukuba University

TOKYO, 15 December 2024 – Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) is exploring a collaboration with Tsukuba University, Japan, to implement the Mission for an Inclusive Ecosystem of Sustainable Community International Networking (MEiJALIN) programme.

This programme continues the international benchmarking initiative for best practices in ecosystems and inclusive communities, empowering individuals with disabilities (PWD) through technology in Japan.

The UMPSA delegation, led by the Director of the Disability Services Unit, Dr Munira Abdul Razak, who is also the Chairperson of the Community-Based Rehabilitation Organisation (PPDK) DAMAi, was welcomed by the Head of the Bureau of Human Empowerment (BHE), Tsukuba University, Suzuki Kazuhiro, alongside Assistant Professor BHE Dr Nagayama Shintaro and Dr Yokoi Mio.

Joining the delegation was UMPSA lecturer from the Faculty of Manufacturing and Mechatronic Engineering Technology (FTKPM), Dr Ahmad Redza Ahmad Mokhtar, serving as the Deputy Project and Programme Leader as well as the Deputy Treasurer of PPDK DAMAi.

Also present were the Director of the Centre for Corporate Communications (PKK), Mimi Rabita Abd Wahit, Assistant Engineer at the Centre for Property Development and Management (PPPH), Aluwi Mohd Sikah, and Nurul Izzah Abu Bakar, serving as the main secretariat for the MEiJALIN programme.

According to Dr Munira, this collaboration provides UMPSA with the opportunity to learn technology and best practices from Tsukuba University in supporting students with disabilities, such as adaptive teaching technology and inclusive design.

“This collaboration can increase UMPSA’s awareness of the needs of special needs communities and develop more inclusive education policies by offering support to students with special needs through supportive initiatives and creating an inclusive learning environment that is welcoming to all,” she said.

Additionally, the collaboration between Tsukuba University and UMPSA has the potential to strengthen research capabilities, mobility, graduate employability, and inclusive support.

Discussions also included student and staff mobility, UMPSA student exchanges to study at Tsukuba University, training programmes, and academic initiatives, including innovative, industry-oriented programmes.

Moreover, this partnership will expand UMPSA’s global network and help drive academic excellence and strategic development in line with UMPSA’s vision as a premier technology university.

The visit under the MEiJALIN programme is set to establish strategic international collaborations with universities, industries, technology agencies, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Japan.

Furthermore, it aims to draft policies and action plans for the Model of Sustainable Inclusive Technology Community (KAMiL) in Malaysia based on data and expertise on inclusive ecosystem systems derived from MEiJALIN, benchmarking career development programmes and exploring career opportunities for inclusive communities in Japan.

The Inclusive Ecosystem Mission to Japan (MEiNARA), involving two phases, aims to collect best practice data to develop the i.K.M.A.L Module, which is a comprehensive, sustainable, and long-term guidance module for services and consensus empowerment for persons with disabilities (PWD) at national and international levels.

By: Mimi Rabita Abd Wahit, Centre for Corporate Communications
Translation by: Dr.  Rozaimi  Abu  Samah, Faculty   of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology