UTAR welcomed delegates from Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Japan (NAIST) on 23 August 2023 at UTAR Kampar Campus.

The delegates from NAIST included NAIST Division of Biological Science Distinguished Professor (International Exchange Liaison Center) Prof Emeritus Dr Hisaji Maki, Division of Biological Science Assistant Professor Dr Adrian Chek Min Fey, and Division of Materials Science Assistant Professor Dr Nalinthip Chanthaset.

They were welcomed by UTAR Faculty of Science (FSc) Dean Assoc Prof Dr Lim Tuck Meng, FSc Deputy Dean for Research and Development and Postgraduate Programmes Dr Phoon Lee Quen, FSc Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Assoc Prof Dr Sit Nam Weng, FSc academic Prof Dr Wong Hann Ling, FSc academic Dr Loh Pek Chin, FSc academic Dr Mohammod Aminuzzaman, and Division of Community and International Networking (DCInterNet) Deputy Director Dr Chen, I-Chi.

The aim of the visit was to discuss the potential collaboration regarding joint postgraduate classes, joint supervision programmes, research attachments, and upcoming activities.

As both universities maintained a sustainable partnership since 2013, Prof Maki said, “UTAR is a good partner to NAIST, as our relationship has been sustainable and fruitful. We would like to invite more UTAR students to visit NAIST and also collaborate on more events like online symposiums, summer camps and seminars.”

During the visit, NAIST delegates gave two talks to UTAR students. As the first speaker, Assistant Professor of NAIST Division of Biological Science Dr Adrian Chek shared his research study into the complex structure of polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase (PhaC), a key enzyme responsible for the synthesis of a type of biodegradable plastic, PHA. Dr Adrian Chek said that the catalytic activity of PhaC was difficult to improve due to the lack of structural information. Aiming to improve the structure of biodegradable plastic, Dr Adrian Chek used the crystallisation method and X-ray diffraction to examine and record the data. From the results, he found that the catalytic activity of PhaC could be further improved with various modifications. Though the results were not able to solve more mysteries of PhaC, he enthused that he would further explore the topic in various aspects.

The second speaker was the Assistant Professor of NAIST Division of Materials Science, Dr Nalinthip. Her research sharing dived into her studies of polylactides (PLA) and polybutylene succinate (PBS) modification. Dr Nalinthip shared that PLA and PBS are used to engineer biodegradable materials in various fields, including plastic and medical implants. In her research to enhance the pH responsiveness of PLA particles, Dr Nalinthip discovered that hybridisation with TiO2 causes increased acceleration and aggregation rate in PLLA-V6-OEG3. Meanwhile, her research to enhance the strength of PBS investigated structures, thermal properties, and hydrolytic degradation rate of sulfobetaine-functionalised PBS. Her hypothesis rang true as sulfobetaine improved the strength of PBS while reaching a lower degree of crystallinity.

Prof Maki also gave a talk to familiarise the students with the history, structure, geographic information, programmes, research projects, exchange students, and upcoming events of NAIST. Moreover, he explained the financial aid and scholarships available to the students should any students be interested in joining NAIST as an exchange student or postgraduate student.

The talks concluded with an insightful Q&A session and a group photography session.

UTAR and NAIST entered into a partnership after the two universities signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in 2013 to promote academic exchanges, including collaborative research, joint symposia, lectures and exchange of scholars, researchers and administrative staff; exchange of information and also exchange of graduate students. The MoU was renewed in 2018, signifying the fruitful and amiable partnership built over the years.