#Japan #Tokyo #LabBase #MJIIT #MJIIX 2025

LabBase and MJIIT Sign Comprehensive Academic Cooperation Agreement

On October 14, 2025, during the MJIIT Innovation and Industry Exhibition & Exchange 2025 (MJIIX 2025) held in Kuala Lumpur, LabBase, headquartered in Tokyo, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Malaysian-Japanese International Institute of Technology (MJIIT). This agreement aims to promote academic cooperation in research, education, and talent exchange between Japan and the ASEAN region.

The MoU serves as a fresh model for international academia-industry collaboration by linking Japanese companies with STEM graduates from ASEAN countries, fostering the exchange of research and human resources. The event, co-hosted by MJIIT and LabBase, revolved around the theme of "Academia–Industry–Government: Expanding Horizons,” focusing on creating new opportunities through collaboration among academic institutions, industry, and government.

The opening ceremony featured remarks from Associate Professor Nur Kamal Abul Hussain, Dean of MJIIT, and Professor Mohd Shafri Mohd Rahim, Vice Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). A keynote address by the Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia, Saito, emphasized the deepening of educational and industrial partnerships between Japan and ASEAN countries. The signing of the MoU was led by LabBase CEO Tomoaki Kamo and Professor Rahim, marking a significant step toward long-term research and human resource exchange.

Active Exhibitions and Exchange

Following the opening ceremony, the “IKoHza Research Exhibition and Innovation Showcase 2025” took place, featuring diverse research topics presented by students ranging from undergraduates to doctoral candidates. Numerous presentations showcased the practical application of AI and data science, as well as research addressing global societal challenges in agriculture and biosciences.

Participants at the event, including industry representatives, researchers, and students, engaged in vibrant discussions, fostering multidisciplinary networks that transcended national and academic boundaries. The afternoon sessions included tours of research facilities and academia-industry partnership discussions, with many attendees expressing excitement about potential collaborations.

The closing ceremony highlighted remarks from Associate Professor Nur Kamal and culminated with award presentations for the "IKoHza Research Innovation Awards," "MYRA Research Achievement Awards," and "MJL–JACTIM Research Competition," recognizing the remarkable achievements of participating students.

Comments from Leaders

Associate Professor Nur Kamal Abul Hussain stated, “MJIIT was established to bridge the remarkable expertise of Japan with Malaysia’s innovative spirit. For many years, both countries have built a strong partnership in education, industry, and technology. Through our partnership with LabBase, we aim to further promote the development of research talent and international industrial collaboration, contributing to a sustainable future for Japan, Malaysia, and the global community.”

LabBase CEO Tomoaki Kamo added, “LabBase is dedicated to building an Asia-wide research ecosystem where researchers, students, and industries connect organically beyond borders. The signing of this MoU with MJIIT will serve as a new model for Japanese companies to collaborate with universities in the ASEAN region, advancing exchanges in research, education, and recruitment. By fostering connections across countries, we aim to accelerate technological development and solve social challenges.”

Event Overview

• - Event Name: MJIIT Innovation and Industry Exhibition & Exchange 2025 (MJIIX 2025)
• - Date: October 14, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
• - Venue: Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur)
• - Organizers: Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT, UTM) co-hosted by LabBase (Japan)

About MJIIT and LabBase

MJIIT, established in 2011 with support from JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) within UTM, adopts Japan's model of industrial-academic collaboration in engineering education. It has produced many master's and doctoral graduates, successfully placing them into Japanese and local Malaysian companies, symbolizing the significant technical and educational cooperation between Japan and ASEAN.

LabBase aims to empower researchers and technical professionals with the motto, “The Power of Research, the Power of Humanity.” It connects dedicated STEM students with companies through initiatives like LabBase Recruitment and LabBase Career Transition. In 2024, LabBase was selected for a project under the Japan-ASEAN Economic and Industrial Cooperation Committee, facilitating expansion efforts across Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia.