By Nabilah Saleh
KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 (Bernama) -- The University of Tsukuba’s new branch campus in Malaysia will enhance educational opportunities for Malaysian students and strengthen Japan-Malaysia bilateral ties.
Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Katsuhiko Takahashi said that the university is considered one of the top education and sports institutions in Japan, having produced 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, demonstrating the strong ties between our countries."
He made these remarks in an interview on The Nation 'In-Focus: Malaysia-Japan Relations' programme produced by Bernama TV here on Monday.
Elaborating, Takahashi highlighted that applications for the September intake are currently open, with the first cohort starting with 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 university offering interdisciplinary courses in Kuala Lumpur is the first Japanese university to establish an overseas branch granting degrees.
According to the University of Tsukuba, the new “School of Transdisciplinary Science Design” department is targeting students from Malaysia and neighbouring countries, aiming to equip them with skills to help solve problems affecting Southeast Asian countries.
OSAKA 2025 WORLD EXPO
In another development, Takahashi expressed excitement about Malaysia’s participation at the upcoming World Expo 2025 in Osaka.
The career diplomat further emphasised the opportunities 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 encouraged Malaysian companies to leverage the Expo to showcase advanced technologies and foster 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 from April 13 to Oct 13, 2025, on Yumeshima Island, will feature the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”.
This event aims to showcase global innovations and solutions to modern challenges, focusing on UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
-- BERNAMA
