A yet another remarkable moment, whereby School of Aerospace Engineering hosted Japanese delegation from Nagaoka University of Technology (NUT). The aim of the visit, which took place on 17 January 2023, was to resume the student internship and collaborative research program between Nagaoka University of Technology and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) under the ongoing MOU period between both parties.

The visit was organized by the Deputy Dean (Research and Innovation) of School of Aerospace Engineering; Associate Professor Dr. Elmi Bin Abu Bakar and was facilitated by Dr. Rohani Abdul Majid, who is the coordinator between NUT and USM and is currently stationed at NUT office setup at USM, Sungai Dua, Penang. The Japanese delegation from NUT was headed by Professor Dr. Toshiyuki KATSUMI and followed by Associate Professor Dr. Toru SASAKI, Associate Professor Dr. Noufumi KAMIMURA, Associate Professor Dr. Takahiro WATARI and Associate Professor Dr. Takaomi KOBAYASHI. On the other hand, School of Aerospace Engineering, USM’s representation was headed by Professor Dr. Farzad Ismail, the Dean of School of Aerospace Engineering, followed by the executive committee of the School of Aerospace Engineering and its academic staff along with representatives from School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and School of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia.

USM representatives in discussion mode

NUT delegates presentation

The timeline of the 1 day visit by NUT at School of Aerospace Engineering, USM started off with a morning presentation by the Dean of the School of Aerospace Engineering, highlighting on the mission and vision of the School followed by the presentation from NUT delegates which highlighted on their multidisciplinary impactful research fronts emphasizing on propulsion and materials research. The presentation was followed by mutual discussion between USM representatives and NUT delegates highlighting on the internship guidelines and procedure for UG and PG students in NUT campus and their possible deployments in Japanese industry during their internship period. Nonetheless, collaboration in terms of impactful research was also discussed between both parties. Post joint lunch session and a group photograph, an industrial visit to one of the pioneering computer vision based company; ViTrox Technologies Sdn. Bhd. located in Bandar Cassia (Approx. 22 KM from USM Nibong tebal) , Penang was scheduled for both parties (NUT and USM) and was thereby coordinated by the industrial liaison officer of School of Aerospace Engineering; Mr. Lim Say Khiam.

Group Photo @ School of Aerospace Engineering, USM Nibong tebal

In this visit, the NUT delegates and ViTrox representatives shared their mission and vision and NUT delegates explored the possibility of embarking ViTrox employees on their (NUT) internship program. It was interesting to observe a dedicated inclination of ViTrox towards I.R 4.0 automation in agricultural sector. Post presentation and discussion session, a plant tour was organized by ViTrox representatives for NUT and USM representatives. The visit ended on a high note with an enthusiastic group photo comprising of NUT, USM, and ViTrox representatives and who knew that the CEO of ViTrox; Mr. Chu Jenn Weng (front-center) would be able to make it to the frame!!!

                                                                      Group Photo @ ViTrox Technologies, Bandar Cassia

Text and image : Dr. Chang Wei Shyang