Nineteen students from MMU took part in a two-week mobility programme at Kanagawa University (KU), Japan, gaining academic exposure and opportunities for cross-cultural exchange with their Japanese counterparts in October 2026.
The delegation comprised students from the Faculty of Business (FOB), Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET), Faculty of Law (FOL), and Faculty of Information Science and Technology (FIST). Co-organised by FET and FOB, the programme was led by Dr. Chow Mei Min, Senior Lecturer from FOB, and Dr. Thong Li Wah, Deputy Director of the International Collaboration and Engagement (ICE) unit.
During the programme, students attended classes at KU’s Minatomirai and Yokohama campuses, participated in workshops and roundtable discussions, explored laboratory facilities and visited museums. These activities gave them first-hand exposure to Japan’s academic environment and opportunities to exchange perspectives on learning and culture with students and academics at KU.
An academic highlight was Dr. Chow’s guest lecture, “Different Is Normal: From Curiosity to Inclusion”, which explored cultural similarities and differences between Malaysia and Japan. The session encouraged participants to approach unfamiliar perspectives with curiosity, question assumptions and develop greater intercultural awareness. A subsequent cultural exchange session brought Malaysian and Japanese students together to share their experiences and perspectives.
The programme also provided an opportunity to discuss future collaboration between MMU and KU. Dr. Thong met with Dean Yukimoto, Professor Ohashi, Mr. Seki and representatives from KU’s International Office to explore potential initiatives, particularly in student exchange and international engagement. These discussions provided a basis for identifying possible activities to further develop ties between the two universities.
Through its combination of academic engagement, cultural exchange and institutional dialogue, the programme gave MMU students an opportunity to broaden their perspectives while exploring how international partnerships can create further learning opportunities. The discussions with KU also opened up possibilities for future collaboration in student mobility and international engagement.
