LETTERS: A memorandum of cooperation was signed on March 14, 2023 on the establishment of University of Tsukuba's branch campus in Malaysia by September 2024.
The campus is the first such initiative by a Japanese university. It marks a significant milestone in the growing friendship between the two nations.
The campus plans to enrol Malaysian students in a degree programme that's focused on the acquisition of 21st-century skills to address contemporary challenges.
Graduates can further their studies or seek employment in either Malaysia or Japan. This not only provides Malaysian students with access to high-quality education but also strengthens the bond between Malaysia and Japan.
The timing could not be better as well, as Malaysia is looking closely at overhauling its higher education system with the aim of attracting more students.
Programmes and the pedagogy offered by universities are being enhanced to cater to millennials and Generation Z.
Academic exchanges, research collaborations and the sharing of knowledge through the branch campus are expected to bring Malaysia and Japan closer.
Beyond education and training, the alliance between Malaysia and Japan extends to economic aspects, such as trade and investment.
In the years to come, there will be even greater collaboration in areas such as the green economy, robotics, smart society and the digital economy.
These areas align with Malaysia's increasing commitment to inclusivity and sustainability.
The University of Tsukuba's branch campus is a step towards realising this vision.
The collaboration between Malaysia and Japan represents a remarkable example of international friendship. It not only fortifies educational ties but also opens doors for mutually beneficial partnerships in various fields.
Dr Devika Nadarajah
Associate professorPutra Business School
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times
