On September 17, 2026, a delegation from the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT) at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) visited the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS). The delegation, which included Associate Professor Nurulakmar Abu Husain, Dean of MJIIT, and Dr. Pramila Tamunaidu, Manager of the Malaysia-Japan Linkage Office (MJL), was accompanied by Mr. SHIMAZU Hideki, Chief Advisor to the JICA MJIIT Project, and Ms. HAMADA Emiko, JICA Project Coordinator. Representing JIRCAS were Dr. OMORI Keisuke, Program Director for Information and Strategy; Dr. MARUI Junichiro, Head of the Public Relations Partnership Unit; and Dr. MURANAKA Satoru, Senior Researcher in the Biological Resources and Post-Harvest Division.
This visit was realized following an exchange between JIRCAS and UTM researchers at MAHA, Malaysia's agriculture, horticulture, and agrotourism exhibition held in August 2026. During the exhibition, UTM researchers visited the JIRCAS booth and discussed their respective research activities and opportunities for international collaboration.
During the visit, JIRCAS introduced its research activities, human resource development initiatives, and international partnerships. Dr. Muranaka also presented the “Next-Generation Biomass Upcycling Project” using exhibits displayed at JIRCAS. From the MJIIT side, the delegation introduced the institute's educational and research activities, as well as the Malaysia-Japan Advanced Research Centre (MJARC), which focuses on waste and biomass valorization, and the Halal Laboratory, which conducts research and analysis related to halal food.
During the discussion session, participants explored possibilities for collaboration by leveraging the research activities and international networks of both institutions. In particular, the parties noted common areas of interest between MJARC's work on the utilization of underused biomass and organic waste resources and JIRCAS's Next-Generation Biomass Upcycling Project, and exchanged views on future collaborative opportunities. The delegation also introduced MJIIT's research on halal food, leading to discussions on the potential application of related research and technologies in Japan's food industry. Both institutions agreed to continue exchanging information on potential cooperation in areas including effective biomass utilization and human resource development.
JIRCAS will continue to strengthen relationships with overseas research institutions through such exchanges and promote international research collaboration.
