Postgraduate students of multidisciplinary research background from Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT) accompanied by a senior lecturer, Dr. Nurshafinaz Mohd Maruai, and a research officer from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) – Ocean Thermal Energy Centre (OTEC), Dr. Fathirah Rahimi, have successfully participated in the Sakura Science Program 2024 hosted by Akita University, Japan. This exchange program was commenced from the 15th until the 19th of February 2024 taking advantage of the warm winter experienced by the residents of Akita City, Japan this year.

The Sakura Science Program at Akita University encompasses an overview of cutting-edge research and innovation on aircraft electrification aligned with the efforts toward Japan’s goal to become a decarbonized society in 2050. The close collaboration of academic research conducted by Akita University and its industry partner, IHI Corporation has positively impacted the project of aircraft electrification. The participants of this program were introduced to the current progress of ongoing research on aircraft electrification by graduate students from Akita University and the partner engineer from IHI Corporation. A brief meeting with the Dean of Science and Engineering Faculty of Akita University was also arranged by the hosting professor.

Among the highlights of the program are visits to the research facilities in and out of campus. All participants were brought to visit a laboratory on campus and an Electric Aircraft research center. The electric aircraft research center is equipped with the life-sized avionics system model and the gas turbine model for the Boeing 787 aircraft electrification project. Apart from that, this program also includes a visit to Aster Co. Ltd. in Yokote City. The innovation of a new type of coil, namely AST COIL, by Aster Co. Ltd, was introduced to the participating members and a walkabout through the manufacturing process of AST COIL was conducted.

Aligned with the objective of the Sakura Science Program, several activities have been organized to introduce Japanese culture specifically in Akita Prefecture to the participants. An introduction to Japanese culture was delivered by Ms. Shino Saito and proceeded with a flower arrangement class. A sharing session including a roundtable discussion was also held between the students of MJIIT and high school students from Yurihonjo City. An exchange of brief introductions on both countries was delivered and finished by MJIIT students sharing their local favorite snacks with the high school students, teachers, and lecturers.

Towards the end of the program, a well-arranged excursion to Lake Tazawa, hotspring (Nyuto Onsen), and Miso and soy sauce brewery (Ando Jozosho). The scenery along the excursion was breathtaking and enjoyable. Despite the warm winter they had this year, students managed to play with some leftover snow, especially at the Nyuto Onsen. Students also managed to visit Akita’s attractions including the Museum of Art, Akita City Folk Center, and the Former House of the Kaneko Family before flying back to Malaysia.

Akita, unlike Tokyo, is quite a calm and peaceful city. We love it here and definitely will come back here whenever the invite is due. Thank you Professor Takahiro Adachi for your great hospitality and for making the program an eventful and enjoyable one!

Source: UTM NewsHub