Two students from the College of Computing, Informatics and Media (KPPIM) have been selected to participate in the Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science by the National Institute of Technology, Ube College from December 13 to 19. Elysander Laurence Timis from the School of Information Science and Muhammad Zul Akmal Shafiee from the School of Computing are among 13 students from Universiti Teknologi MARA that will embark on their journey as representatives this month.
According to the President of National Institute of Technology, Ube College “This program aims to contribute to the development of human resources that can contribute to Japan and the world in the future.”
During the one-week program, students will be able to learn about Japan’s cutting-edge technology and corporate facilities through company visits and facility tours, and experience the attractiveness of Japan and other cultures through exchanges with Japanese and long-term international students. They will also be given the opportunity to enhance the ability to innovate through research exchanges and workshops. The Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program is a stellar program which began in the year 2014 with over 33,000 youth have participated to date. Its program content is definitely an opportunity for Elysander Laurence Timis and Muhammad Zul Akmal Shafiee to harness new mindset and approach on future skills and IR4.0 accomplishment.
When asked the expected outcome from the exchange program, Elysander, who is a final year student majoring in Information Systems Management indicated that he hopes to gain more knowledge behind Japan’s modern technology, while experiencing the rich and vast culture of people of Japan.
Muhammad, a final year student majoring in Netcentric Computing, expressed he hopes that the visit will be beneficial not just for him but also for his College. He added, “This is a rare opportunity to get acquainted with people from there (Japan). Maybe I can establish a foundation of information sharing so others that will come after me especially my juniors will have the chance to experience Japan as I did therefore, creating a long-term relationship with them.”
While Elysander is excited to visit Japan for the first time, Muhammad is looking forward to experience winter for the first time.
The Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) operates the Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science (nicknamed the SAKURA Exchange Program in Science). This program invites outstanding young students and young professionals from Asian countries on short-term visits to Japan.