The establishment of the University of Tsukuba’s new branch campus in Malaysia promises to broaden the educational horizons for Malaysian students while bolstering bilateral relations between Japan and Malaysia. Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia, Katsuhiko Takahashi, highlighted that the university is renowned in Japan for its excellence in education and sports, having been associated with three Nobel Prize laureates and 133 Olympic and Paralympic medalists.
Tsukuba can offer Malaysian students a variety of academic options and opportunities for growth. Everything is going smoothly as the campus here is set to open at the beginning of September. "We are delighted that Malaysia was chosen as the first location for this significant expansion, which demonstrates the strong ties between our countries". He made these remarks in an interview on The Nation 'In-Focus: Malaysia-Japan Relations' programme.
Elaborating, Takahashi emphasized that applications for the September intake are currently open. The first cohort will consist of 40 students and 14 teachers from Tsukuba. "We are prepared for the start of the academic year and hope that more Malaysian students consider applying. Information is available on the university's website", he added. The first Japanese university to establish an overseas branch offering degrees in Kuala Lumpur provides interdisciplinary courses.
The University of Tsukuba aims to attract students from Malaysia and neighboring countries to its new "School of Transdisciplinary Science Design," focusing on equipping them with skills to address regional challenges in Southeast Asia. Additionally, Ambassador Takahashi expressed enthusiasm for Malaysia's involvement in the upcoming World Expo 2025 in Osaka.
The diplomat highlighted the opportunities that the Expo presents for strengthening bilateral relations. “I hope Malaysia’s pavilion can showcase its achievements in sustainable agriculture, smart living, advanced manufacturing, and environmental management. Having a successful Malaysian pavilion is a big contribution to the Expo. If Malaysia succeeds, we all succeed, leading to a win-win situation and further consolidation of our bilateral relations", he said.
Takahashi also urged Malaysian companies to utilize the Expo to showcase advanced technologies and promote mutual learning. "All advanced technologies will come together in one place, providing a great opportunity for mutual learning and collaboration", he added.
The Expo, scheduled for April 13 to October 13, 2025, on Yumeshima Island, will center around the theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives." This global event aims to highlight innovations and solutions to contemporary challenges, with a particular emphasis on the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
