UBD, Kagawa University Celebrate 20 Years of Collaboration in Japan

Press Release: [here]

Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and Kagawa University marked a significant milestone on 10^th December 2024 as they celebrated two decades of productive academic collaboration. The 20^th anniversary celebration, held in Kagawa University, Japan, was attended by key university representatives and students from both institutions. Since their partnership began in 2005, UBD and Kagawa University have fostered a dynamic and mutually beneficial relationship, resulting in numerous research initiatives and student exchange programs. The celebration reflected the enduring impact of this collaboration in promoting cross-cultural exchange, shared knowledge, and academic excellence between Brunei and Japan.

Academics from both universities have been collaborating on research projects, focusing on shared interests in public health, particularly diabetes, childhood obesity, and nutrition education. Notably, both institutions are investigating the potential of rare sugars as a dietary supplement for individuals with diabetes or obesity. Kagawa University is at the forefront of global research in rare sugar production technology, with Kagawa prefecture emerging as a major producer of rare sugars. Their collaboration also includes initiatives such as conducting workshops in primary schools in Brunei to promote healthy nutrition among the younger population.

In his speech at the celebration, Pg Amir Johan Pg Hj Ismail, the Charge d' affaires at the Embassy of Brunei Darussalam in Tokyo said, “Aptly, the Commemorative Ceremony is taking place in the same year when Brunei Darussalam and Japan celebrate the 40" anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in which both countries will continue working closely to elevate and strengthen their strategic partnership. long-standing ties and friendship”

Professor Natsuo Ueda, President of Kagawa University, expressed his pride in the ongoing partnership between the two universities. “Looking ahead, it is vital to continue nurturing this relationship, creating new opportunities for both institutions in education, research, and beyond. Let's work together to ensure that our future collaboration has an even greater impact by working hand-in-hand, we can build a deeper and more meaningful partnership in the years to come.”

UBD Vice-Chancellor Dr Hazri Haji Kifle said, “The collaboration between our institutions has not only enriched the educational experiences of our students but has also strengthened the ties between our academic communities. We cherish this long-term friendship and are eager to explore further opportunities for research and academic collaboration with Kagawa University.”

Professor Natsuo Ueda, the President of Kagawa University, delivered a congratulatory speech during the 20^th Anniversary celebration of the partnership between UBD and Kagawa University.

Professor Kenneth Yuh Yen Kok, the Dean of Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences (PAPRSB IHS) at UBD, echoed similar sentiments. "This partnership has not only enhanced the academic and professional growth of our students and faculty but has also fostered mutual understanding and respect and enabled us to address global challenges more effectively."

Professor Kenneth Yuh Yen Kok, the Dean of PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences and in representing UBD delivered a speech to congratulate both universities for their achievements during the two decades of partnership.

Professor Akira Nishiyama, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Kagawa University highlighted the beneficial outcome of the decades of collaboration and exchange, drawing examples of Bruneian alumni who successfully completed their studies at Kagawa university and the mutual contributions of Kagawa University and UBD by the sharing of knowledge, research, and expertise.

Professor Akira Nishiyama, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Kagawa University emphasized on the commitment of universities in fostering partnership through academic and professional exchanges.

The ceremony highlighted past significant milestones that the two universities have achieved in the last two decades and saw a sharing session by current UBD and Kagawa University exchange students. Through their annual student exchange programmes, medical students from the Faculty of Medicine at Kagawa University and PAPRSB IHS have enriched their education by gaining exposure to diverse educational and research methodologies, as well as different cultures and languages. This month, six medical students from PAPRSB IHS are attending the International Winter Medical School exchange programme at Kagawa University, a testament to the commitment between the two universities to continuous efforts to foster the partnership.

Academic members of PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences in a commemorative photo together with six second-year students of Cohort 19 of BHSc Medicine who are attending the International Winter Medical School exchange programme 2024 at the Faculty of Medicine of Kagawa University: Mohammad Ermyn Raikimi bin Mohammad Erwandee, Nur ‘Aqilah binti Hj Mohammad Norazmi, Mohamad Amirul Asyraf bin Awang Haji Mohamad Manan, Alyaa’ Elisya binti Abidin, Ak Muhd Arif Asnawi bin Pg Junaidi & Muhammad Afif ‘Hafiyuddien @Izzul Firdaus Bin Hj Zulkiflee.

UBD, Kagawa University Celebrate 20 Years of Collaboration in Japan

Academic members and students from Kagawa University and UBD who took part in the 20^th Anniversary Celebration captured in a group photo.

Professor Natsuo Ueda, the President of Kagawa University, delivered a congratulatory speech during the 20^th Anniversary celebration of the partnership between UBD and Kagawa University.

(Left) Prof Natsuo Ueda, the President of Kagawa University, receiving a token of appreciation from Professor Kenneth Yuh Yen Kok, the Dean of PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences, during a courtesy meeting.

(Right) Professor Kenneth Yuh Yen Kok, the Dean of PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences, presented a token of appreciation to Professor Kenji Wada, the Vice President of Kagawa University, during a courtesy meeting.

Professor Kenneth Yuh Yen Kok, the Dean of PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences and in representing UBD delivered a speech to congratulate both universities for their achievements during the two decades of partnership.

Professor Akira Nishiyama, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Kagawa University emphasized on the commitment of universities in fostering partnership through academic and professional exchanges.

Academic members and students from Kagawa University and UBD who took part in the 20th Anniversary Celebration captured in a group photo.

Professor Natsuo Ueda, the President of Kagawa University, delivered a congratulatory speech during the 20th Anniversary celebration of the partnership between UBD and Kagawa University.

(Left) Prof Natsuo Ueda, the President of Kagawa University, receiving a token of appreciation from Professor Kenneth Yuh Yen Kok, the Dean of PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences, during a courtesy meeting.

(Right) Professor Kenneth Yuh Yen Kok, the Dean of PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences, presented a token of appreciation to Professor Kenji Wada, the Vice President of Kagawa University, during a courtesy meeting.

Professor Kenneth Yuh Yen Kok, the Dean of PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences and in representing UBD delivered a speech to congratulate both universities for their achievements during the two decades of partnership.

Professor Akira Nishiyama, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Kagawa University emphasized on the commitment of universities in fostering partnership through academic and professional exchanges.

Academic members and students from Kagawa University and UBD who took part in the 20^th Anniversary Celebration captured in a group photo.

Professor Natsuo Ueda, the President of Kagawa University, delivered a congratulatory speech during the 20^th Anniversary celebration of the partnership between UBD and Kagawa University.