USM PENANG, 5 June 2025 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed, officially welcomed Japanese Consul General in Penang, Mr. Machida Shinya and Consul Officer, Mr. Kobayashi Masamori at the Vice-Chancellor’s Office here today.

Also present was the Director of the International Mobility and Collaboration Centre (IMCC) USM, Professor Dr. Lee Keat Teong.

The Vice-Chancellor expressed his appreciation for the courtesy visit, highlighting the success of USM’s collaboration with Japanese institutions, which has flourished for several decades.

Machida conveyed his gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for recognizing his fondness for USM, noting that this was his fourth visit since assuming the role of Japanese Consul-General at the end of 2024.

He also recalled his first visit to the USM Tuanku Fauziah Museum and Art Gallery, where he was deeply impressed by its vast and impressive collections.

During the meeting, the Vice-Chancellor highlighted USM’s strong and enduring partnerships with various Japanese institutions, including Osaka University for double degree programmes, RIKEN Research Institute—a globally renowned scientific research organisation—for collaborative research efforts, as well as Toyohashi University of Technology and Shinshu University.

“USM is a highly sought-after exchange destination for Japanese students, welcoming over 100 students annually for one-semester exchange programmes and short-term mobility initiatives. The number of students continues to grow yearly as USM expands its network in Japan,” he stated.

Additionally, the Vice-Chancellor informed Machida that USM would host a public lecture later this year by Professor Morinobu Endo, a distinguished scientist from Shinshu University recognised for his pioneering research on carbon fiber and carbon nanotubes.

The Japanese delegates expressed their deep appreciation for USM’s continuous and extensive support in organising academic and cultural programmes that strengthen bilateral relations between USM and Japanese institutions.

Text: Prof. Dr. Lee Keat Teong, Director of IMCC, USM; Editing: Rebecal Armugam, Internship Student of Media & Public Relations Centre (MPRC), USM/Photos: Mohd Fairus Md Isa