malaysiangKUALA LUMPUR, The University of Tsukuba, Japan today launched its branch campus in Malaysia in partnership with Universiti Malaya (UM), making it the first-ever branch campus of a Japanese university to be established outside of the Land of the Rising Sun.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said the establishment of the University of Tsukuba, Malaysia (UTMy) demonstrates the trust placed in Malaysia, especially within the higher education sector.
Therefore, he said the establishment of UTMy would further strengthen the robust bilateral ties between the two nations, marking a new chapter in the academic collaboration.
‘As the first country in the world to host a Japanese university’s branch campus, Malaysia is truly honoured. This is a significant recognition of our efforts in higher education and it reinforces our commitment to fostering academic excellence.
‘The journey to bring the University of Tsukuba’s branch campus to Malaysia began in 2018 and today’s ceremony marks the succe
ssful culmination of those efforts. This milestone is not only a testament to our hard work but also a remarkable achievement in the history of our collaboration,’ he said in his speech at the opening and entrance ceremony of UTMy here today.
Zambry said the partnership would also allow Malaysia to observe and potentially integrate the innovative teaching methodologies and pedagogical approaches that have long been practised at the University of Tsukuba in Japan.
He said the School of Transdisciplinary Science and Design, offered at UTMy, would provide an education programme aimed at developing talents capable of addressing global challenges.
‘The curriculum is diverse, encompassing data science, natural science, humanities and an immersion in Japanese language and culture.
‘We firmly believe that UTMy has much to offer, particularly in contributing to Malaysian society by addressing critical issues such as artificial intelligence, health, disaster prevention, environmental sustainability and more,’ he ad
ded.
Meanwhile, UTMy and UM, in a joint statement, said the establishment of the University of Tsukuba’s branch campus within the Wisma RandD Building at UM marked a profound strengthening of the enduring partnership between the two institutions.
It said the strategic placement of the UTMy campus within UM’s facilities highlights the shared commitment of both universities to cultivating a dynamic and synergistic academic environment.
‘The 14 full-time faculty members specialise in a wide variety of fields, including life and environment, information technology, comparative literature, political science and subcultures.
‘Students will be able to work for global companies and organisations based in Malaysia or overseas and play an active role in a sustainable manner after graduation,’ the statement read.
Earlier, University of Tsukuba president Prof Nagata Kyosuke, in his speech, said UTMy’s School of Transdisciplinary Science and Design aimed to develop individuals with data science literacy that could ap
ply ideas and technologies from the natural sciences, humanities and social sciences to a broad range of global issues.
He said by utilising design thinking, the students could creatively contribute to solving global issues.
‘It is difficult for us to solve many of the unsolved global issues only by classical academic disciplines. Rather, a transdisciplinary manner is needed.
‘Now, we have new students here. These students are a symbol of collaboration between Malaysia and Japan. We believe the students will complete our programme successfully and contribute greatly to society in Malaysia, Japan and all over the world in the near future,’ he added.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency
