The University of Tsukuba, one of Japan's leading institutions, has inaugurated its first international branch campus in Malaysia, marking a significant milestone in academic collaboration between Japan and Malaysia. This new campus, known as the University of Tsukuba, Malaysia (UTMy), is the first-ever branch campus of a Japanese university established outside Japan.
The launch ceremony, held today, was attended by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir, who emphasized the significance of this development in strengthening the bilateral ties between the two nations. "As the first country to host a Japanese university’s branch campus, Malaysia is truly honoured. This recognition of our higher education sector reinforces our commitment to academic excellence", said Zambry in his opening speech.
The journey to establish UTMy began in 2018, and its successful culmination represents a major achievement in Malaysia's educational landscape. The new campus is situated within the Wisma R&D Building at Universiti Malaya (UM), reflecting a deepened partnership between the two institutions. This strategic placement underscores their shared commitment to fostering a dynamic and synergistic academic environment.
UTMy will offer a distinctive educational program through its School of Transdisciplinary Science and Design. The curriculum is designed to develop talent capable of tackling global challenges, encompassing fields such as data science, natural science, humanities, and Japanese language and culture. The focus on transdisciplinary education aims to equip students with the skills to address critical issues such as artificial intelligence, health, disaster prevention, and environmental sustainability.
Professor Nagata Kyosuke, President of the University of Tsukuba, highlighted the innovative teaching methodologies and pedagogical approaches that UTMy will bring to Malaysia. "Our goal is to develop individuals with data science literacy who can apply ideas and technologies from various disciplines to global issues. We believe that a transdisciplinary approach is essential for solving many of the complex challenges we face today", he said.
The new campus will feature 14 full-time faculty members specializing in diverse fields including life and environment sciences, information technology, comparative literature, political science, and subcultures. This breadth of expertise is expected to provide students with a comprehensive and multifaceted education, preparing them for roles in global companies and organizations.
UTMy and UM’s joint statement emphasized the profound impact of this collaboration on both institutions. "The establishment of UTMy within UM’s facilities highlights our commitment to creating a vibrant academic environment that benefits both Malaysian and Japanese students. We are confident that this partnership will lead to significant contributions to society and foster further educational innovations", the statement read.
As Malaysia and Japan embark on this new academic chapter, UTMy is set to play a pivotal role in bridging educational practices between the two countries and addressing global challenges through innovative transdisciplinary approaches.
