USM Chemical Engineering Welcomes Osaka University Professor to Explore New Frontiers in Research and Academic Collaboration
21 September 2026 – The School of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) welcomed Professor Nobuto Yoshinari from the Graduate School of Science, University of Osaka, Japan, in an academic visit aimed at exploring new opportunities for institutional collaboration, student mobility, and joint research initiatives.
The visit was held at 10.00 am. at the Meeting Room, School of Chemical Engineering, USM, bringing together academic staff, researchers, and postgraduate students from the School of Chemical Engineering and the School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering.
Exploring New Avenues for International Collaboration
The USM delegation was led by the Dean of the School of Chemical Engineering, Professor Ir. Dr. Zainal Ahmad, together with Deputy Dean (Research and Postgraduate), Associate Professor Vel Murugan, and Deputy Dean (Academic and International), Associate Professor Dr. Azam Taufiq Mohd Din.
Also present were Manager (Quality), Professor Low Siew Chun; Manager (Talent Empowerment and Creativity), Associate Professor Dr. Masrina Mohd Nadzir; Ir. Dr. Ayshah Rosli; Ir. Dr.-Ing. Noor Ashrina Abd Hamid; Dr. Fadzil Noor Gonawan; Dr. Muhammad Nazri Murat, Professor Lim Jit Kang and Professor Ooi Boon Seng.
Researchers and lecturers from the School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering, USM, as well as postgraduate students from both Schools, also participated in the engagement, creating a diverse platform for research discussion and academic exchange.
Towards an MoU and MoA between Osaka University and USM
A key objective of Professor Yoshinari’s visit was to explore the initiation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the Graduate School of Science, University of Osaka and the School of Chemical Engineering, USM.
The discussions also examined the possibility of establishing a dual-degree programme, which could provide students with opportunities to undertake academic studies at both institutions and gain broader international academic and research exposure.
Another important area discussed was student exchange under the Sakura Program of the University of Osaka. Such mobility opportunities could further enhance cultural exchange, academic development, and international research experience among students from both institutions.
Discovering USM’s Research and Teaching Facilities
Professor Yoshinari also participated in a laboratory tour of the School of Chemical Engineering. The visit showcased several key facilities, including the Unit Operations Laboratory, Process Control Laboratory, Chemistry Laboratory, Analytical Analysis Laboratory, and Petroleum Laboratory.
The laboratory tour provided an opportunity to introduce the facilities, equipment, and research capabilities available at USM. It also served as an avenue for exchanging ideas on how existing infrastructure and expertise could support future collaborative research and student training activities.
Sharing Research through the NEXUS Project
The visit was further enriched by a Research and Collaboration Sharing Session, during which Professor Nobuto Yoshinari delivered a research talk entitled “From K-NCIS Ion Conductors to ASEAN Research Network: Collaboration through the NEXUS Project.”
The session provided participants with insights into Professor Yoshinari’s research work and highlighted the potential of regional research networks in fostering international collaboration. The sharing also offered postgraduate students and academic staff an opportunity to gain broader perspectives on emerging research directions and collaborative approaches involving partners across the ASEAN region.
Strengthening Japan–Malaysia Academic Connections
The visit provided a valuable platform for USM and Osaka University to explore practical pathways towards stronger academic and research engagement. Discussions on institutional agreements, dual-degree opportunities, student exchange, and collaborative research demonstrate the potential for a broader and more sustained partnership between the two institutions.
The engagement concluded at 12.30 pm. with closing remarks by the Dean, Professor Ir. Dr. Zainal Ahmad, who expressed appreciation for Professor Yoshinari’s visit and the opportunities discussed during the session.
Building Bridges for Future Collaboration
The visit represents a meaningful step towards expanding the international academic network of the School of Chemical Engineering, USM, particularly through stronger engagement with Japanese higher education and research institutions. With continued dialogue and follow-up, the initial ideas discussed during the visit can be translated into meaningful opportunities for joint research, student mobility, dual-degree education, and knowledge exchange.
The School looks forward to turning this first connection into a lasting partnership, bringing researchers, students, and ideas together to create new opportunities for innovation and international collaboration.
Text: MHU
Photos: MFAB