Senior Lecturer, Dr Mohd Kamarul Irwan Abdul Rahim from School of Technology Management and Logistics (STML) was awarded participation in the JENESYS2017 (Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youth) programme, which included a fully sponsored tour by the Japanese Government of Tokyo and Kansai from 29 January to 6 February 2018.

Dr Kamarul, who is also the STML Operations Management Programme Coordinator and Associate Fellow of Technology and Supply Chain Excellence Institute (TESCE) said, he was exposed to various aspects of research and development (R&D) technology and innovation during visits to Japan’s cutting-edge technology firms, including Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan), Advanced ICT Research Institute, Japan’s largest comprehensive research institution RIKEN: Harima Branch, and Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institute.

He also observed the Japanese historical and cultural preservation efforts at various sites, such as Himeji-jyo Castle, Nishi-Oyashiki- ato Garden “Koko-en”, and Shoshazan Engyo-ji Temple, and experienced the famous “Tea Ceremony”. This exposes researchers to their efforts to preserve historical heritage and culture to be passed down to the next generation.

The JENESYS2017 Programme, as run by the Japan International Cooperation Centre (JICE) under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, is designed to build the capacity of young researchers in the area of Science and Technology to engage in formulation, investigation, research, implementation, and evaluation of projects by using their accumulated experience and knowledge in Japan.

This programme also aims to develop future leaders as well as the relationship between developing countries and the international community through the implementation of activities for mutually strengthening beneficial partnerships between Japan and foreign countries.

The wider benefit of JENESYS2017 is to promote mutual trust and understanding among the people of Japan and Malaysia, to build a basis for future friendship and cooperation, and to convey information of Japan’s economics, society, politics, and foreign policy to the general public through the participants of this project.