INTI International University & Colleges signed a strategic academic collaboration with Shinshu University and Toyohashi University of Technology of Japan, strengthening Malaysia–Japan cooperation in education, research and talent development aligned with industry needs.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed at INTI International College Penang and witnessed by Penang Deputy Chief Minister II YB Tuan Jagdeep Singh Deo and the Consul-General of Japan in Penang, His Excellency Mr Shinya Machida. Also present were Professor Dr Akihiro Wakahara, President of Toyohashi University of Technology, and Professor Dr Soichiro Nakamura, President of Shinshu University. The programme included a welcome address by INTI Chief Executive Officer Dr Chong Kok Wai, with INTI International College Penang Chief Executive Hemalatha Murugiah also in attendance.
“This collaboration demonstrates INTI’s focus on building international partnerships that support academic exchange, research collaboration and the development of future-ready talent,” said Dr Chong.
Representatives from INTI International University & Colleges, Toyohashi University of Technology and Shinshu University, with Penang Deputy Chief Minister II YB Tuan Jagdeep Singh Deo and Consul-General of Japan in Penang His Excellency Mr Shinya Machida, following the Malaysia–Japan MoU signing ceremony at INTI International College Penang
The partnership covers academic and student exchanges, joint research initiatives, talent development programmes and cooperation in emerging academic fields. It is expected to broaden international learning opportunities, strengthen research links and support the development of industry-ready graduates.
In his keynote address, YB Tuan Jagdeep Singh Deo said such partnerships were important in supporting Penang’s long-term development, particularly as the state continued to move up the value chain in sectors such as semiconductors, automation, digital technologies and sustainable industries.
“This partnership reflects the kind of international collaboration that supports Penang’s long-term development, bringing together global academic expertise with a local institution deeply embedded in Penang’s talent and innovation ecosystem,” he said.
He added that as Penang’s economy continued to evolve, education and research were increasingly important in developing a skilled workforce. Collaborations of this nature also allow Penang-based students to gain exposure to global research environments while enabling international universities to engage more closely with the state’s technology-driven economy.
(Front row, from left) Professor Dr Akihiro Wakahara, Dr Chong Kok Wai and Professor Dr Soichiro Nakamura display the signed Memorandum of Understanding between INTI International University & Colleges, Shinshu University and Toyohashi University of Technology. Witnessing the signing are (back row, from left) Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin, YB Tuan Jagdeep Singh Deo and Hemalatha Murugiah. Consul-General of Japan in Penang, His Excellency Mr Shinya Machida, is seated at the front row, right.
The collaboration aligns with the Penang2030 vision of building a smart, green and inclusive state, particularly through cooperation in advanced materials, renewable energy, robotics, artificial intelligence and semiconductor engineering. It also adds an education and research dimension to long-standing Malaysia–Japan industrial ties.
Following the signing, a special session titled “Toward Global Talent Development through Academic Collaboration: A Partnership among Toyohashi University of Technology, Shinshu University and INTI” was delivered by Professor Dr Mitsuteru Inoue, Executive Trustee and Vice President of Toyohashi University of Technology, who also serves as Vice President for Special Strategic Initiatives at Shinshu University. The session outlined the long-term direction of the trilateral collaboration and concluded with a question-and-answer segment.