【summary】
Saga University President Koichi Node participated as a panelist in the “UTM University Presidents Forum 2025,” hosted by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) on October 7, 2025. On the following day, President Node held a meeting with UTM Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mohd Shafry Bin Mohd Rahim to discuss further strengthening academic collaboration between the two institutions. The meeting was also attended by Saga University Vice President for International Affairs Prof. Maiko Sakamoto and Director of the Institute of Ocean Energy Prof. Yasuyuki Ikegami.

Saga University and UTM have already established a collaborative relationship through the international joint research program “SATREPS (Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development),” supported by JST(Japan Science and Technology Agency) and JICA(Japan International Cooperation Agency). As part of this initiative, a joint research center named “H-OTEC (Hybrid Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion)” has been established on the campus of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), promoting advanced research in ocean energy.

During the meeting, both universities agreed to advance discussions toward the signing of a formal academic exchange agreement. In addition to enhancing existing research collaboration, the parties explored opportunities for university-wide student exchange programs, including summer programs. They also discussed the potential for interdisciplinary cooperation, leveraging the strengths of Saga University in medical sciences and UTM in engineering to foster innovative joint initiatives. Saga University remains committed to addressing regional and global challenges through strategic partnerships with domestic and international institutions. By promoting the circulation of knowledge from local communities to the global stage, the university aims to contribute to the creation of a sustainable and inclusive society.

Meeting with Vice-Chancellor Mohd Shafry Bin Mohd Rahim

Presentation of a commemorative gift to Vice-Chancellor Mohd Shafry Bin Mohd Rahim

Group photo with representatives from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

【contact】
Office for International Planning
　TEL: 0952-28-8166
mail: kokusai@mail.admin.saga-u.ac.jp