PENANG, 19 September 2025 – The Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Alternative Protein Project (USM APP), under the School of Industrial Technology (PPTI), recently embarked on a student outbound programme to Osaka, Japan, in collaboration with the Good Food Institute (GFI) and Osaka Institute of Technology (OIT) to raise awareness on the importance of alternative proteins.

From 6 to 14 September 2025, a delegation of 18 representatives from USM, led by lecturers from PPTI, Dr. Noreen Suliani Mat Nanyan, Dr. Mohamad Hafizi Abu Bakar and Dr. Siti Balqis Zulfigar, together with 15 students from the Bioprocess Engineering Technology programme, joined hands with OIT students under the guidance of Professor Dr. Muraoka Masahiro and Kitagawa Ayumi.

The week-long programme combined educational and cultural activities centred on alternative proteins. The opening ceremony was graced by the Vice President of OIT, Professor Dr. Ashitaka Emiko.

This initiative, entitled “AltProteinTour@Japan 2025” with the theme of “Bridging Innovation and Sustainability: Advancing Alternative Proteins through Global Collaboration”, was designed to highlight the role of alternative proteins in shaping future food security and sustainability, while encouraging cross-cultural curiosity, dialogue, and innovative solutions.

The programme kicked off with an educational visit to Professor Dr. Matsusaki Michiya’s laboratory at the University of Osaka, where participants gained insights into cutting-edge research in cultivated meat.

The highlight of this visit was witnessing the hard work done to produce cultivated meat using a 3D bioprinter, a project involving the collaboration with industries such as ZACROS and Shimadzu.

Delegates were able to observe and even touch cultivated meat samples that closely resembled real meat, gaining first-hand insights into the science and technology behind this revolutionary innovation.

In addition, participants conducted a community outreach programme at Josho Gakuen High School in Osaka, engaging with students at the age of 16-17 on the challenges of global food security and the potential of alternative proteins.

Through discussions and group presentations, the high school students showcased their creativity, critical thinking, and positive outlook towards embracing alternative protein solutions.

The itinerary also included an industrial visit to Hyogo prefecture, where participants explored ZACROS and Kikkoman industries.

At ZACROS, the group was introduced to advanced bioanalytical instruments and technologies using a 2000-liter bioreactor, while the visit to Kikkoman offered a unique perspective on the traditional art and modern science of soy sauce production in Japan.

Both visits provided valuable lessons on how Japanese industries merge innovation and tradition to build a sustainable future through fermentation and cultivated protein development.

During their visit to the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion at Osaka Expo 2025, the USM APP members were deeply impressed by the seamless integration of advanced healthcare technologies with sustainable living concepts.

They explored interactive exhibits showcasing innovations in regenerative medicine, AI-assisted diagnostics, and personalised nutrition, many of which connected closely with their own research interests in alternative proteins and biotechnology.

Prof. Matsusaki’s pioneering 3D-bioprinted meat was also displayed, which demonstrated how cutting-edge tissue engineering can replicate the texture and structure of premium Wagyu beef, offering a vision for sustainable food solutions.

The students were particularly inspired by how such healthcare and food innovations can contribute not only to individual well-being but also to broader societal sustainability.

This experience broadened their perspective on the intersection of science, technology, and human health, reinforcing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in solving global challenges.

The programme concluded with a session of meaningful exchanges in knowledge and culture, leaving participants inspired to bring forward new ideas and collaborations in the field of alternative proteins.

USM APP would like to extend its sincere appreciation to the GFI and the International Mobility and Collaboration Centre (IMCC), USM, for their invaluable support in making AltProteinTour@Japan 2025 a great success.

Text & Photo: Zaihidi Rusli, President of USM Alternative Protein Project (APP), School of Industrial Technology/ Editing: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin