5-6 FEBRUARY 2026, USM PENANG – Memorandum of Understanding were inked between CDR USM and Institute of Natural Medicine (INM), University of Toyama (UT) Japan at departmental level, and between USM and UT. Student Exchange Agreement was also signed as an effort to leverage facilities and expertise of both institutions, and to enrich students’ learning experience by incorporation of international exposure during their studies. The signing of the agreements was carried out by Universiti Sains Malaysia Deputy Vice Chancellor Research and Innovation, Professor Dr. Habibah A. Wahab representing the Vice Chancellor, and the President of University of Toyama, Professor Dr. Shigeru Saito. The signing was witnessed by the Deputy Chief Minister II of Penang (Human Capital Development, Science, and Technology), YB Jagdeep Singh Deo A/L Karpal Singh, and the Consulate-General of Japan in Penang, Mr. Machida Shinya who were both present at the event.

The event also formalised the establishment of USM-UT Joint Technology and Innovation Centre, currently situated within CDR USM. The centre will function as a hub to coordinate collaborative research and educational activities between the two institutions. To signify the commitment towards the success of this venture, UT has pledged RM 25,000 for the newly established centre to kickstart collaborative initiatives.

To coordinate this effort, Dr. Siti Rafidah Yusof of CDR was appointed as University of Toyama Liaison Professor for a duration of five years effective 5^th February 2026. To return the gesture, USM extended its invitation to host a staff of UT for a nine-month administrative attachment under Japan Long-term Educational Program for International Exchange (LEAP) Framework.

During the USM-UT Joint Symposium, CDR Director, Professor Dr. Vikneswaran Murugaiyah gave a Keynote Talk highlighting CDR research on ketum. Other CDR academics i.e. Professor Dr. Zurina Hassan, Associate Professor Dr. Darshan Singh, Dr. Siti Rafidah Yusof, Dr. Farah Wahida Suhaimi, Dr. Norsyifa Harun, Dr. Juzaili Azizi, ChM. Dr. Thiruventhan Karunakaran, and ChM. Dr. Nelson Chear Jeng Yeou also gave talks on their respective research projects. From INM UT, talks were firstly given by the Director of INM, Professor Dr. Chihiro Tohda, followed by Professor Dr. Suresh Awale, Professor Dr. Kazutaka Akagi, Professor Dr. Yoshimi Nakagawa, and Professor Dr. Tsubasa Shoji.

The following day, a total of 23 postgraduate students of CDR USM and UT gave presentations on their research projects in a 3-MT style during Gaku Talk, organised by CDR USM and the Center Initiative of Training International Researchers (CITIR) UT. The Gaku Talk which aimed to provide a platform for the students to hone their presentation skills and to receive constructive feedback was held in a hybrid format, where online participations involved CITIR collaborating institutes. The Gaku Talk was then followed by CDR laboratory visits. The two-day event was held successfully and partly supported by Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB).

#SDG3 #SDG17

Prepared by Dr Siti Rafidah Yusof