Empowering through education: (From left) UM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman, Kazuhiko, Zambry and Kyosuke posing for a photo during the ceremony at the Universiti of Malaya research and development (R&D) Complex. — Photo courtesy of Higher Education Ministry
KUALA LUMPUR: The University of Tsukuba Malaysia’s (UTMy) branch campus here comes with innovative teaching methodologies and a practical approach, says the Higher Education Ministry.
The Japanese university, set up in partnership with Universiti Malaya (UM), will expose students to the best of both Japanese and Malaysian educational practices, ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zaini Ujang said in his speech during the entrance ceremony of the University of Tsukuba yesterday.
“The courses offered at this campus are designed to address our community and global issues that emphasise innovative teaching methodologies and a practical approach,” he said in his speech read by deputy secretary-general (policy) Datuk Dr Megat Sany Megat Ahmad Supian.
“Students will have the opportunity to engage in programmes that emphasise innovation, critical thinking and cross-cultural communications,” he said, adding that they will not only gain academic knowledge but also skills and global perspectives that are essential for today’s interconnected world.
Earlier, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Kadir said the establishment of UTMy will further strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries and integrate the innovative teaching methodologies and pedagogical approaches that have long been practised at the University of Tsukuba in Japan.
UTMy established the School of Transdisciplinary Science and Design, which offers Bachelor’s degrees in Arts and Sciences – the first Japanese university to establish an overseas branch granting degrees.
Speaking to reporters, University of Tsukuba president Prof Nagata Kyosuke said UTMy is unique due to its distinctive tutoring system.
He said this system is characterised by a comprehensive tutoring approach, which is also a special feature of the Japanese education system.
“For instance, if a student is interested in human care, they might choose to focus on helping people with disabilities.
“Alternatively, they could opt to develop new types of robotics to assist those with disabilities or work on improving government policies related to human care.
“The university first asks students about their interests and then offers guidance to help them pursue and address these topics,” he said.
Also present during the ceremony was Senior Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology of Japan, Yano Kazuhiko, who said students will now be able to engage in problem-solving-based learning, which is a distinctive feature of the School of Transdisciplinary Science and Design.
The first batch of 13 students – seven Malaysians and six Japanese – will start their academic journey this year at the School of Transdisciplinary Science and Design.
