USM PENANG, 10 January 2025 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) marked another significant milestone in its successful partnership with Osaka University by celebrating the graduation of the second cohort of the Osaka University International Certificate Programme (OUICP) 2023 and welcoming the new 2024 cohort during a ceremony at the ASEAN Campus office in USM's TORAY Building, this morning.  

The hybrid event, conducted via Webex, brought together esteemed leaders such as Executive Vice President of International Affairs (Education), Osaka University, Professor Yamamoto Beverley Anne; USM’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Innovation, Professor Dr. Habibah A Wahab; Collaborative Professor at Osaka University ASEAN Campus, Dato’ Seri Michael Tio; Director of the USM Research Creativity and Management Office, Professor Dr. Zainovia Lockman; and principal officers from both universities.

They joined hands to honour eight graduates from diverse academic backgrounds, including the School of Distance Education, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, and the Institute of Nano Optoelectronics Research and Technology.

In her opening remarks, Habibah praised the graduates for their hard work and perseverance, recognised their ability to thrive in an intensive academic environment, and encouraged them to leverage the skills and knowledge they gained to make meaningful contributions in their respective fields.

“Congratulations to the graduates of OUICP 2023 on your accomplishments. Completing this programme is a testament to your hard work and dedication. You have not only gained valuable academic knowledge but also enhanced your ability to collaborate in a global context,” remarked Habibah.

Addressing the incoming 2024 cohort, comprising seven students and academic staff from faculties such as Health Sciences and Humanities, she urged them to embrace the programme's unique opportunities, and excel in their academic and professional pursuits.

In his speech, Michael Tio stated, “The OUICP serves as a bridge between cultures and industries, fostering collaboration and inspiring innovation.

“I encourage the graduates to apply the knowledge and experiences gained from the programme to create meaningful contributions in their respective fields,” he said.

The OUICP programme, launched in 2022, highlights the interdisciplinary approach of its participants. This year’s graduates reflected on their transformative experiences during the ceremony.

Notable speeches included personal reflections by Mohd Aiman Hakimi Abdul Rahim and Chm Dr. Enis Nadia Md Yusof, who credited the programme for shaping their academic and professional journeys.

The OUICP continues to strengthen ties between USM and Osaka University, creating a platform for academic and cultural exchange.

As USM aligns its vision with global engagement initiatives, the programme exemplifies the transformative power of international collaboration in education.

Text: Dr. Masrina Mohd Nadzir, School of Chemical Engineering/ Edited: Shafinaz Md Ismail/ Photo: Shahnizam Ab Rahim & Muhamad Faris Darwisy Muhamad Rafiq