In a notable step towards strengthening bilateral ties and fostering educational collaborations, His Excellency Takahashi Katsuhiko the Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia, embarked on a visit to the esteemed Pagoh Education Hub. The visit, which took place on 24 August 2023, marked a significant milestone in the growing relationship between Japan and Malaysia, while also highlighting the hub’s vital role in promoting academic and research excellence. The Japanese Ambassador was accorded a warm welcome by Mr. Huzaimi Amir Zainudin, the Director of Pagoh Education Hub, Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia along with distinguished representatives from various educational institutions housed within the hub.
The event was also attended by directors from prominent Malaysian educational institutions, including the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Polytechnic Tun Syed Nasir, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), and the Malaysia-Japan Advanced Research Centre (MJARC).
Professor Ts. Dr. Ali Selamat, the Dean of Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT) in his welcoming address, expressed UTM’s deep appreciation for the continued commitment and collaboration demonstrated by Japan. He emphasized MJIIT’s dedication to facilitating knowledge exchange and fostering cross-cultural learning experiences, which have been pivotal in producing graduates equipped with a global perspective and a profound understanding of diverse academic disciplines.
One of the highlights of the visit was the engagement with the Malaysia-Japan Advanced Research Centre (MJARC) lead by Ts. Dr. Pramila Tamunaidu provided a glimpse into the centre’s cutting-edge initiatives, which encompasses a wide array of research domains spanning from green technology to waste-management and waste-processing technologies. Collaborative research projects between Malaysian and Japanese scholars were highlighted, underscoring the significance of synergistic efforts in addressing waste management challenges.
As the visit drew to a close, a commemorative gesture took place with a planting of a Tecoma tree also known as the Malaysian Sakura, chosen for its resilient nature and its vibrant, blossoming flowers, it was jointly planted by the Japanese Ambassador and Madam Takahashi Mami, spouse of the ambassador. This act served as a metaphor for the enduring growth and flourishing partnership that the two nations aspire to achieve.
