GU President Visits UKM, University of Malaya (Malaysia), and Andalas University (Indonesia)
From Monday, September 8 to Monday, September 15, 2025, President YOSHIDA Kazuhiro of Gifu University, along with a delegation from GU, visited the National University of Malaysia (UKM), the University of Malaya (both in Malaysia), and Andalas University in Indonesia.
The first stop was UKM, one of GU's overseas partner institutions in the Joint Degree Program (JDP). President Yoshida and the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Sufian Jusoh, and engaged in discussions with him and faculty deans regarding student exchange, academic collaboration, and the expansion of the JDP. The delegation also toured the university hospital affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine, exploring potential opportunities for interaction among medical students, doctors, and staff from both institutions.
At the University of Malaya, a signing ceremony was held for a Letter of Intent (LoI) to initiate cooperation in education and research. The delegation also met with Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Hasniza Binti Zaman Huri to discuss launching joint research programs and the possibilities for student and faculty exchange.
The delegation then visited the Embassy of Japan in Malaysia, where they met with H.E. SHIKATA Noriyuki, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Malaysia. They also met with Counselor KITAOKA Tatsuya, who contributed to drafting the JDP guidelines at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and supported the establishment of the JDP at Gifu University, as well as Third Secretary YASUE Shunji, currently seconded from the Gifu Prefectural Government. The meeting focused on the development of university initiatives in Malaysia.
Following the visit to Malaysia, the GU delegation traveled to Andalas University in Indonesia, GU's longest-standing partner in academic exchange. President Yoshida and the delegation paid a courtesy visit to Rector Dr. Efa Yonnedi and Vice Rector Dr. Syukri Arief. On the following day, President Yoshida delivered a keynote address at Andalas University's 69th Anniversary Ceremony, highlighting his contributions and achievements in the field of medicine, future prospects in medicine, and the distinctive features of GU and the Tokai National Higher Education and Research System.
Their visit concluded with an informal gathering with approximately 30 members of the Gifu University Indonesia Alumni Association. Participants shared fond memories of their time at GU and discussed possibilities for future collaboration.
The latest visit by the GU delegation to Malysia and Indonesia is expected to further strengthen educational and research ties among Japan and the two nations in the years ahead.
