Sains@ USM PENANG, 6 August 2025 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Shinshu University, Japan, today marked a significant milestone in international academic collaboration with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reinforcing their shared commitment to advancing research, education, and innovation on a global scale.

The MoU signing ceremony, held at the Auditorium Murad Mohd Noor, Sains@USM, was witnessed by esteemed guests including the Consul-General of Japan in Penang, His Excellency Mr. Shinya Machida; USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed; President of Shinshu University, Professor Dr. Soichiro Nakamura; and USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation, Professor Dr. Habibah A Wahab.

This MoU establishes a framework for cooperation in key areas such as academic mobility, joint research, training programmes, and knowledge exchange between the two institutions.

It also paves the way for continued trilateral collaboration with Toyohashi University of Technology, further strengthening the academic corridor between Malaysia and Japan.

Abdul Rahman, in his welcoming remarks, highlighted the longstanding collaboration between USM and Japanese institutions and emphasised the importance of knowledge diplomacy and joint innovation in addressing global challenges such as climate change, energy security, and sustainable development.

The ceremony was made more momentous by the presence of one of the world’s leading nanotechnology experts, Professor Dr. Morinobu Endo of the Aqua Regeneration Institute, Shinshu University.

Renowned for his pioneering work in carbon nanotubes (CNTs), Professor Endo delivered a commemorative talk titled “Nanocarbon Science and Applications: Toward Sustainability and the Century of Water.”

His groundbreaking research has transformed fields such as energy storage, water purification, and green hydrogen systems, aligning perfectly with Malaysia’s push towards a resilient and sustainable technological future.

Professor Endo’s contributions, which include innovations in reverse osmosis (RO) membrane technologies and sustainable water-energy systems, have earned him numerous prestigious awards, including the Medal with Purple Ribbon from the Japanese government and the Charles E. Pettinos Award.

The collaboration comes at a timely moment, as Malaysia embarks on the ambitious National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS), which aims to position the country as a strategic player in the global semiconductor value chain.

Both USM and Shinshu University are committed to contribute meaningfully through frontier research in advanced materials and nanotechnology.

As a leading research university under the APEX framework, USM continues to drive internationalization and research excellence.

The renewed partnership with Shinshu University will foster impactful knowledge sharing and empower the next generation of scientists and engineers in Malaysia and beyond.

This MoU signifies more than a formal agreement. It is a gateway to deeper cooperation, shared purpose, and a collective vision for a sustainable and technologically empowered future.

Source: Press statement dated 6 Aug 2025 from the Division of Research & Innovation, USM/ Editing: Tan Ewe Hoe/ Photo: Muhamad Faris Darwisy Mohammad Rafiq