SERDANG, November, 4th- The Institute of Plantation Studies (IKP), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), hosted Prof. Dr. Armando T. Quitain from Kumamoto University, Japan, for an academic visit at the Laboratory of Processing and Product Development. The visit marked a significant milestone in the ongoing academic collaboration between UPM and Kumamoto University, a partnership that has flourished since its inception nearly a decade ago. The academic relationship began in 2015 when Associate Prof. Dr. Mohd Rafein Zakaria of UPM first met Prof. Dr. Quitain at the European Biomass Conference and Exhibition (EUBCE 2015) in Vienna, Austria. Their initial exchange focused on shared research interests in biomass conversion, biorefinery pathways, and sustainable processing technologies—laying the foundation for future research discussions, student mobility, and institutional engagement. Over the years, this collaboration has expanded through several key initiatives. Among them, UPM students have pursued research opportunities at Kumamoto University under the MEXT scholarship, facilitated by the academic ties established by both researchers. Additionally, Prof. Irmawati Ramli from IKP undertook short research visits to Kumamoto University in 2016 and 2021 through the Japan–ASEAN Science, Technology and Innovation Platform (JASTIP) program, further strengthening bilateral academic exchange.

The visit commenced with a formal session at IKP, where representatives presented an overview of the Institute’s strategic vision, research focus, and alignment with national priorities in circular bioeconomy, sustainable agriculture, and advanced plantation technologies. The presentation emphasized IKP’s commitment to translational research and development, bridging fundamental science with industrial application—particularly in biomass utilization, processing innovation, and product development for plantation sectors. Prof. Dr. Quitain then delivered a presentation highlighting Kumamoto University’s current research strengths, laboratory capabilities, and international collaborations. The session provided a valuable opportunity to revisit past engagements and explore new avenues for cooperation, including joint postgraduate supervision, mobility programs, and shared access to specialized analytical facilities. The visit reaffirmed the importance of sustained international partnerships and opened discussions for future collaborative projects that support regional sustainable development goals. Both institutions expressed strong interest in advancing joint research efforts and enhancing academic mobility between Malaysia and Japan.

Date of Input: 11/11/2025 | Updated: 11/11/2025 | ainzubaidah