USM PENANG, 13 December 2023 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) through its Division of Research and Innovation (R&I), today celebrated a momentous occasion with a ceremony held at the Osaka University (OU) Office, ASEAN Campus Malaysia, located in Toray Building, USM in a hybrid manner via the Webex application.

The event was a heartfelt expression of appreciation, honouring the achievements of USM staff and students who successfully completed the Osaka University International Certificate Programme (OUICP) 2022.

Additionally, it served as a warm welcome to the incoming cohort of OUICP 2023 students, marking a pivotal milestone in the collaborative journey of Osaka University and USM.

The ceremony was graced by the distinguished presence of the Collaborative Professor of OU in Malaysia, representing Osaka University, Dato’ Seri Michael Tio, who attended the event with honour and prestige.

Michael Tio in his speech said that from the industry point of view, it is hoped that this collaboration will continue for students to become top notch graduates in the near future, as they already have the international exposure.

Meanwhile, the USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor of R&I, Professor Dr. Habibah A. Wahab, expressed her gratitude for the support provided by the R&I USM to students and staff engaged in the exchange programmes.

“I am confident that the knowledge they have acquired has enhanced their research expertise, and they will continue to contribute to meaningful research endeavours at USM,” she said.

Habibah also extended an appreciation to Osaka University for their support during the students' time in Osaka and anticipated the same for the incoming batch.

Reflecting on the previous year's achievements, the ten participants, comprising of six students and four faculty members, successfully completed a diverse range of courses.

Topics spanned from Computational Materials Design to STEM-Centered Learning, Nanoscience, Nanotechnology, Halal Science, and Advanced Industrial Biotechnology, showcasing the interdisciplinary nature of the programme.

Looking ahead to 2023, a total of eight participants, including five students and three faculty members from various schools such as School of Distance Education (PPPJJ); School of Biological Sciences (SBS); Advance Medical and Dental Institute (IPPT); Institute of Nano Optoelectronics Research and Technology (INOR); and Graduate School of Business (GSB) USM are set to embark on their OUICP journey.

The programme, spanning 9 to 10 months, seamlessly integrates online and study abroad courses.

OUICP, with its outbound and inbound components, strengthens the ties between Osaka University and USM. In the outbound programme, Osaka University students explore the richness of OU ASEAN Campuses, while the inbound programme invites students from these campuses for a transformative study abroad experience at Osaka University.

USM, as the host for OU ASEAN Campus Malaysia, actively contributes to the success of the OUICP inbound programme, fostering international collaboration and enriching the educational landscape for both institutions.

Text: Nur Farrah Ezlin Mohd Suhaimi/Photo: Shahnizam Ab Rahim