Okayama University Strengthens International Network for Promoting Study in Japan with New Office in Malaysia

Opening Ceremony of Japan Study Center at Okayama University in Malaysia

On May 16, 2025, Okayama University held the opening ceremony for its Japan Study Information Center (OJEIC) office located within Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). This initiative is part of the Ministry of Education’s project aimed at strengthening overseas networks to promote studying in Japan. The event was attended by prominent figures including the university president, Yasuyuki Nasu, as well as the vice president in charge of international relations, Takayoshi Suzuki, and the dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Yuuki Ichinose.

Over 100 attendees participated in the ceremony, including the Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia, Yoshikazu Shikata, UPM Vice President Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah, and many members of alumni associations and faculty representatives from UPM. Ambassador Shikata expressed his hopes that the initiative will serve as a bridge for collaboration between universities in Japan and Malaysia, while Vice President Ahmad articulated his expectations for strengthened cooperation in education and research between the two countries.

Professor Foo Hooi Ling, who has collaborated with Okayama University for over 30 years, delivered a lecture on the history of research exchanges between the two institutions. President Nasu thanked the involved parties for their support and expressed enthusiasm for future developments in local activities. Vice President Suzuki provided an overview of the specific initiatives related to the project.

Before the ceremony, a seminar focused on studying in Japan was held, attracting around 90 students from UPM interested in pursuing education in Japan. The seminar featured representatives from the six national universities collaborating on this project, who introduced their respective universities and unique research programs. Dr. Siang Hee Tan, an alumnus of UPM, shared his personal experience of studying in Japan with the participants.

Following the presentations, information on studying in Japan was provided by coordinator Sachiko Sugiyama, along with insights into the activities and grant systems of the Japan Foundation's Kuala Lumpur office presented by Rina Kobayashi and Farah Ammar. Hiroto Fujii from the Japan Science and Technology Agency introduced their invitation program and collaboration projects. After the seminar, there was an opportunity for participants to engage directly with the speakers, leading to high enthusiasm and many inquiries about studying in Japan.

Moving forward, the OJEIC office will serve as a key hub for disseminating information about studying in Japan within Malaysia. The initiative aims to collaborate with local universities, related institutions in Japan, and alumni organizations to further support students aspiring to study abroad. Continuing to build on its reputation as a distinctive regional research university, Okayama University is poised to intensify its efforts in promoting educational exchanges.

Strengthening Networks for Study Abroad

The establishment of OJEIC is part of a larger endeavor to double the number of Southeast Asian students studying in Japan, with a target of 103,861 students over five years, as stipulated by the Ministry of Education. Previously, Okayama University successfully increased the number of students from Myanmar threefold during a similar program.

Since 2021, the initiative has broadened its scope to include all 10 ASEAN nations, establishing offices in Yangon, Mandalay, Bangkok, Phnom Penh, Vientiane, Jakarta, Surabaya, and now Kuala Lumpur, with the goal of attracting talented international students. This comprehensive effort ensures that education and research collaboration between Japan and Southeast Asia continues to thrive.

For more details, please visit the official pages for more updates and information on studying in Japan and Okayama University's initiatives.