Sakura science exchange program 2025 – AKITA

From 8 to 21 June 2025, six students from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UITM) Shah Alam had the remarkable opportunity to participate in the Sakura Science Exchange Program held in collaboration with Akita Prefectural University, Japan. This international program aimed to foster cross-cultural academic exchange, promote collaborative learning, and explore the integration of civil engineering and architectural practices in Japan and Malaysia. Throughout the two-week program, students engaged in a wide range of enriching academic and cultural activities. These included an Architectural Conference in Sendai, an idea-sharing session with the President of Akita Prefectural University, and lab tours around the university where students experienced an earthquake shaking table demonstration. The group also participated in a cultural exchange with the university's English Club and collaborated with architectural students to build paper bridges, exchanging engineering ideas and concepts. The students took part in educational site visits around Akita City, exploring the Kaneko Old House Family, the Red Brick Building, and the Akita Art Gallery, gaining insight into traditional and modern structural design elements. One of the highlights included a guided tour of Mille Has, led by the Head of Design, where students explored innovative building design in real-world contexts. The group was guided and supported by two dedicated faculty members: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marfiah Ab Wahid and Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Norliyati Mohd Amin.