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Year: 2025

A Perfect Storm?

Posted on by Sarah Todd

Much attention has been paid in international education circles in recent years to the impact of significant shifts in migration policy Student visa settings specifically, as well as the implementation of “caps” or attempts by governments to manage downwards the number of international students in countries and individual institutions has dominated thinking.

Analysis of application data, visa lodgement numbers and surveys of prospective students and recruitment agents have all evidenced the dampening of demand that even the discussion of possible changes to post-study work rights, increased visa fees and caps can have. Furthermore, a decline in preferences for a particular destination can continue regardless of the posited change being implemented or deferred.

Many of these changes have been driven by a broader debate in relation to the level of migration in the host country which, in turn, has arisen from concerns about the increased cost of living and lack of affordable housing. In Australia, for example, the lead up to the recent federal election saw both main political parties focused on international students and their apparent role in contributing to the national housing crisis. This is despite studies showing the relatively small percentage of private rental accommodation being lived in by those same students.

At the same time as we are seeing rising geopolitical tensions and protectionist measures being put in place at the national level, and reduced public funding being invested in higher education, we have seen the traditional “Big 4” study destinations – Australia, the UK, US and Canada – tightening requirements for student visas, changing processing priorities (and even revoking or stopping the processing of student visas) and reinforcing their power to limit the number of international students admitted by education providers.

All of this has come at a time when there has also been shifting patterns of international student demand post-COVID 19, with a growing trend for intra-regional study in Asia that has seen increased numbers of mainland Chinese, for example, studying closer to home.

An increased focus on accessible and affordable education has also resulted in mobile students willing to trade off a study experience in one of the Big 4 for cheaper tuition fees and a lower cost of living, better post-study migration opportunities and perceptions of a generally more welcoming environment.

In and by itself, these factors makes for very challenging and volatile international recruitment conditions. This is especially true for those Big 4 providers that have become accustomed to hosting large numbers of international students, that are now increasingly having to react and respond at short notice to domestic policy changes as well as develop new recruitment strategies and channels abroad.

However, there is another variable in the mix that has received relatively little attention, yet is arguably equally significant in determining demand for education: the rapid improvement in the quality and performance of higher education systems in the countries that were once the source of international students.

While institutions in Canada, Australia, the UK and the US continue to improve their global ranking in this year’s release of the QS World University Rankings, there has been a significant increase in the position of universities from ‘alternative study destinations’. Ireland, Germany and New Zealand, for example, feature among the 26 countries and territories that have seen at least 50 percent of their universities improve their ranking. At the same time, new or ‘emerging’ study destinations including the UAE and Korea have also risen, with a Korean institution entering the top 50 for the first time.

Academic reputation, a key variable in determining a university’s ranking and student demand, together with citations per faculty, has continued to decline for universities in the US. Should that trend continue, there is the potential for 24 American institutions dropping out of the top 100.

Despite the increased emphasis on employability and focus on the role of universities in preparing graduates for careers of the future, as well as being the top driver for international student choice in global research released earlier this year, Australian has joined Canada and the UK with declines in employer reputation. Faculty student ratios have also declined across the Big 4 institutions, and that is likely to be exacerbated in future iterations of the QS WUR, with the level of institutional restructuring and academic redundancies taking place, particularly in UK and Australian universities.

While the QS WUR reports on what has already happened in institutions, and this year’s release does not reflect the full extent of domestic policy changes and restructuring seen in the last year, the shift in demand for the Big 4 as an international study option is already evident. While Australian and UK campuses have long been among the most international globally, Australia is the only one of the four destinations to see an increase in its international student ratio. Importantly, this increase is largely attributed to pent-up demand due to prolonged border closures during COVID-19 and delays in visa processing immediately post-pandemic which saw an influx of international students at the time data for the QS WUR were being collected.

Since then, declining commencements are already in evidence in several Australian universities, along with reduced pipeline numbers in language centres and pathway colleges. The impact of Canada’s caps is visible in this year’s rankings release, with a significant decline in the number of Canadian universities in the top 100 for this metric. There is a similar decline in UK institutions which aligns with debate at the time regarding the anticipated removal of post-study work rights and changes to regulations allowing dependents to travel to the UK which had a marked impact on demand from large volume markets such as Nigeria.

Read the full article at QS Insights Magazine.

PolyU research reveals rising soil nitrous acid emissions driven by climate change and fertilisation accelerate global ozone pollution

Posted on by Editorial Team

Ozone pollution is a global environmental concern that not only threatens human health and crop production, but also worsens global warming. While the formation of ozone is often attributed to anthropogenic pollutants, soil emissions are revealed to be another important source. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) researchers have examined global soil nitrous acid (HONO) emissions data from 1980 to 2016 and incorporated them in a chemistry-climate model to unveil the pivotal role soil HONO emissions play in the increase of the ozone mixing ratio in air and its negative impact on vegetation.

Soil microbial activities and agricultural practices, notably fertiliser application, release various gases from soil into the atmosphere. Previous studies found that soil HONO emissions contribute up to 80% of the atmospheric HONO mixing ratio. The interaction of HONO with other pollutants in the atmosphere is crucial to the chemical production of ozone. HONO also promotes ozone formation by elevating concentrations of its precursors nitrogen oxide (NOₓ).

Prof. Tao WANG, Chair Professor of Atmospheric Environment of the PolyU Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, along with his research team, has compiled a dataset of soil HONO emission measurements from diverse ecosystems worldwide and pioneered a quantitative parameterisation scheme to quantify the impact brought by the emissions. The research made possible the comprehensive dataset measurements by integrating multiple variables, including climate factors like soil temperature and soil water content, and fertiliser type and application rates into the scheme. For unquantifiable factors such as microbial activities, land use and soil texture, the team applied diverse parameterisations based on latitude, longitude and land use data of the corresponding soil samples. The findings have been published in Nature Communications, with Dr Yanan WANG, PolyU Postdoctoral Fellow, and Dr Qinyi LI, Professor at Shandong University, being the co-first authors.

Global soil HONO emissions continue to increase

The researchers found that soil HONO emissions have increased from 9.4 Tg N in 1980 to 11.5 Tg N in 2016. Using the chemistry-climate model to simulate the impact of these emissions on atmospheric composition, they discovered an average 2.5% rise annually in the global surface ozone mixing ratio, with localised increases reaching up to 29%. Such increases may lead to the overexposure of vegetation to ozone, adversely affecting ecosystem balance and the production of food crops. In addition, ozone damage will reduce the capacity of vegetation to absorb carbon dioxide, thereby further aggravating the greenhouse effect.

The team pointed out that soil HONO emissions are influenced by the combined effects of nitrogen fertiliser usage and climate factors like soil temperature and soil water content, resulting in seasonal and geographic variations. Global soil HONO emissions peak in the summer when soil temperature is higher and crops are in their growing season. The northern hemisphere was found to contribute to two-thirds of global emissions, with Asia being the largest emitter, accounting for 37.2% of the total. Emissions hotspots mainly clustered in agricultural areas in India, eastern China, central North America, Europe, African savannahs and South America.

Regions with lower pollution levels are more affected

Notably, the influence of soil HONO emissions on the increase of the ozone mixing ratio is more significant in low anthropogenic emission regions. This is because ozone formation is closely related to the concentrations of its precursors NOₓ and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in air. Typically, NOₓ concentrations are lower while VOC concentrations are higher in areas with low anthropogenic emissions, placing these areas predominantly in a NOₓ-limited regime where ozone is more sensitive to NOₓ. An increase in NOₓ concentration will thus lead to a greater rise in ozone levels.

With the global trend in recent years of decreasing anthropogenic emissions, more regions are likely to shift towards a NOₓ-limited regime, driving up the impact of soil HONO emissions on ozone levels. Prof. Wang said, “Climate change and the increasing use of fertiliser will lead to continued rise in soil HONO emissions, which may offset some of the benefits expected from reduced anthropogenic emissions. It is crucial to understand and manage soil emissions to foster sustainable development. We therefore recommend considering soil HONO emissions in strategies for mitigating global air pollution.”

Advanced modelling techniques and diverse datasets

In the development of the robust parameterisation scheme, the research team integrated advanced modelling techniques and diverse datasets, including global soil HONO emissions measurement data from 110 previous laboratory experiments and data derived from the Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications Version 2 (MERRA2) reanalysis. The research team also leveraged the Community Atmosphere Model with Chemistry (CAM-Chem) climate-chemistry model developed by the National Center for Atmospheric Research of the United States for simulating the impacts of soil HONO emissions on atmospheric chemistry and vegetation exposure risk.

Prof. Wang said, “Our future research will focus on expanding the global observational network for soil HONO emissions, as well as on offering a deeper understanding of microbial roles in HONO emissions by soil. These two approaches can facilitate a more accurate assessment of ozone and other secondary air pollutants production caused by soil HONO emissions and their impact on vegetation. Further studies should also explore mitigation strategies to optimise fertiliser use, such as deep fertiliser placement and the use of nitrification inhibitors, with the aim of reducing soil HONO emissions while maintaining agricultural productivity.”

HKAPA appoints Prof Andrew Laine as Dean of TEA

Posted on by Communications Office

The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) is pleased to announce that Professor Andrew Laine has been appointed as Dean of the School of Theatre and Entertainment Arts, effective 2 July 2025.

 

Professor Laine is a seasoned educator with over 25 years of professional experience in technical direction, theatre and scenic design, and stage production. He holds a Master of Fine Arts from The University of Texas at Austin and has received professional theatre training across the United States. Previously, he served as a Professor at Temple University in Philadelphia, where he combined his technical expertise and artistic innovation to shape the future of theatrical production while nurturing new generations of technical directors, production artists, and stage managers.

 

Meanwhile, Professor Laine actively participates in regional theatre conferences and industry partnerships, fostering the integration of traditional stagecraft with emerging technologies that enhance student learning and artistic creation. His leadership roles in academic quality assurance and curriculum design, along with his experience in managing both undergraduate and graduate programmes, underscore his commitment to excellence in higher education. He is also an active member of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT).

Professor Anna CY Chan, Academy Director, said, “I look forward to working with Professor Laine and firmly believe that his experience, expertise, and international connections will greatly contribute to the future advancement of the Academy, as well as to the development of theatre design and technical direction in Hong Kong and the wider region.”

Women in STEM

Posted on by National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute»

Kseniia Minakova, a promoter of STEM education in Ukraine and a professor at the Department of Micro- and Nanoelectronics at NTU «KhPI», took part in the all-Ukrainian Conference «Women in STEM: from dream to action». She made a presentation on the motivation of women in science. The scientist from Kharkiv Polytechnic spoke about her own experience of overcoming challenges, including during russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, and shared her secrets of moving towards a dream. Other topics discussed at the event included the connection between science and creativity, the importance of adaptability in modern science, effective career development strategies in STEM, emotion management, overcoming obstacles, etc. The conference brought together more than fifty representatives from different regions of Ukraine: students, young scientists, participants of the mentoring program «STEM Girls», leading experts and leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Kseniia Minakova, Professor of Micro- and Nanoelectronics department at NTU «KhPI», made a presentation at the All-Ukrainian conference «Women in STEM: From Dream to Action». She spoke about her own path in science, her motivations in pursuit of her dream. The scientist emphasized the importance of understanding that there are no boundaries for women who want to act, either in life or in science, because the main thing is to have motivation and passion for the work. It is they who help to overcome all challenges and difficulties and confidently achieve their goals. As the head of the Interdepartmental Laboratory of Optics and Photonics of NTU «KhPI», Professor Kseniia Minakova told the forum participants about the restoration and development of this department of Kharkiv Polytechnic.

Leading scientists, heads of technology companies, teachers, and researchers shared their success stories. They discussed the connection between science and creativity; the importance of adaptability in modern science and decision-making under uncertainty; effective strategies for career development in STEM, emotional management, and overcoming challenges, etc. The conference brought together more than fifty representatives from different regions of Ukraine: students, young scientists, participants of the «Girls STEM» mentoring program, leading experts and leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The forum has become a platform for sharing experiences, inspiration, and new acquaintances that contribute to the career and personal development of women in STEM.

As the conference participants noted, women today play a key role in the development of science and technology in Ukraine. Such events contribute to the formation of a strong community where young professionals can receive support, valuable advice and inspiration for further professional development.

Kseniia Minakova, professor at NTU «KhPI», expresses her gratitude to the forum organizers for the opportunity to be part of a wonderful community of STEM girls and share her experience, as the support and energy of each participant inspires her to move towards her dream. «I was glad to meet my like-minded people here who understand that true leadership is not only action, but also love for what you do!» the scientist said.

Note:

The All-Ukrainian Conference «Women in STEM: From Dream to Action» was held on 27March, 2025 in Kyiv. The forum was organized by the Center for CSR Development within the framework of the «Girls STEM» initiative with the support of the general partner company SAP.

«Girls STEM» is an initiative founded by the Center for CSR Development in 2016. It is aimed at overcoming gender stereotypes in choosing a profession and increasing girls’ belief in their own abilities and the opportunity to build a STEM career in Ukraine. The project brings together girls and women from all over Ukraine who are passionate about STEM: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

 

The STEM acronym means «Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics». These areas are at the heart of this educational methodology. At the same time, these disciplines are not studied separately, as usual, but in a complex. The practical application of the knowledge gained is of great importance. The child not only learns about new directions in the development of exact sciences and engineering, but also learns to put what he or she has learned into practice.

 

ITS’ Professor Awarded Prestigious UK Grant

Posted on by ITS Global Engagement

A groundbreaking achievement from the Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) has once again placed Indonesia on the international research map. Professor Dr. rer. pol. Heri Kuswanto, a leading expert from the Department of Statistics at ITS, has been awarded a prestigious research grant from the UK’s Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA).

Out of around 120 global submissions, only 21 research proposals were selected by ARIA, and ITS stands proudly as the only institution from Indonesia to receive this honor. With a grant totaling £345,000, Prof. Heri now joins the ranks of researchers from world-renowned institutions such as the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London.

His research project, titled “Towards Robust and Unbiased Validation of SAI Simulations (TRUSS): Advancing Ensemble Calibration for Reliable Geoengineering Impact Analysis”, aims to tackle a major challenge in climate science, ensuring that simulations used in geoengineering, specifically Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI), are reliable and free from bias. SAI is a form of Solar Radiation Management (SRM), an increasingly discussed technology that involves dispersing particles in the stratosphere to reflect sunlight and reduce global temperatures.

“Current climate models often rely on averaging data across multiple simulations, overlooking the significant variability between models. This leads to biased results and can jeopardize climate policy decisions,” Prof. Heri explained. To address this, the TRUSS project proposes an innovative approach by integrating Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) with machine learning algorithms such as XGBoost. The goal: a more robust and scientifically valid framework for evaluating the impact of SRM. “This isn’t just a technical breakthrough; it will provide crucial scientific evidence to guide future global climate strategies,” he emphasized. The research will focus on Indonesia and Southeast Asia, analyzing how SRM might influence extreme droughts, rainfall patterns, and other regional climate indicators. Model validation will be performed by comparing simulations with historical climate data.

Prof. Heri, who recently participated in the Degrees Global Forum (DGF) 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa, is collaborating with international experts, including Dr. Daniela Visioni from Cornell University (USA) and Dr. Matthew Henry from the UK. The three-year project will also engage two fellow ITS Statistics lecturers and five students from statistics and informatics programs, ensuring strong local capacity building in data science and climate modeling.

Originally from Gresik, Prof. Heri views this grant not only as a personal achievement but also as a testament to Indonesia’s scientific capability on the world stage. “This recognition affirms ITS’ position as a global player in cutting-edge, fundamental research,” he said. The TRUSS project directly contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—most notably Goal 13: Climate Action, Goal 4: Quality Education, and Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals. It strengthens the role of higher education in fostering innovation and global collaboration to safeguard the future of our planet. This achievement also reflects ITS’ growing impact as a world-class research university—a hub where local brilliance meets global challenges.

 

AU Supports Inclusive Gaming Start-Up

Posted on by Ajman University

Ajman University continues to advance its mission of fostering inclusive innovation with the official licensing of Echo Sphere, a start-up dedicated to developing e-gaming solutions for People of Determination. The venture was founded by Emirati entrepreneur Mohamed Al Marzouqi, who drew on his personal experience with visual impairment to create accessible digital environments that prioritise inclusion.

The idea was first presented during the UAE Hackathon 2024, where it captured attention for its potential to serve a traditionally underrepresented user base in the digital space. Recognising its promise, the Ajman University Innovation Center (AUIC) provided incubation support that proved essential to the project’s development. Through AUIC’s resources—ranging from technical mentorship and workspace to strategic planning and legal facilitation—Echo Sphere progressed from a prototype to a fully licensed start-up, now positioned to enter the market.

The initiative reflects Ajman University’s wider commitment to equipping young entrepreneurs with the tools to address real-world challenges through technology and innovation. It also aligns with the UAE’s national focus on supporting People of Determination and enhancing accessibility across sectors.

Ajman University’s Innovation Center continues to serve as a key platform for nurturing purpose-driven ventures, particularly those with potential to generate long-term societal value. By investing in start-ups like Echo Sphere, the Center reinforces its role in building a more inclusive, entrepreneurial, and impact-oriented knowledge economy.

KPI student conducts research at CERN

Posted on by Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute

Viktoriia Tarasenko, a student of the Department of Electronic Devices and Systems at the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, was selected to participate in a prestigious research programme at CERN – the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, based in Geneva, Switzerland.

From 3 February to 18 May 2025, Viktoriia Tarasenko has been involved in the project under the University of Michigan (USA) programme, taking a rare opportunity to pursue research at one of the world-famous laboratories. Specifically, the University of Michigan – CERN Research Experience for Undergraduates Programme (UM-CERN REU) provides undergraduate students an opportunity to conduct research with some of the world’s leading physicists at CERN in different research fields.

Not only does this remarkable research experience attest to the high calibre of instruction provided at Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, but such collaborations give students new horizons of scientific pursuits.

Hungarian Embassy collaborates with UNAIR

Posted on by Universitas Airlangga News

Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) welcomed a visit from the Hungarian Embassy on Wednesday (June 4, 2025), highlighting promising prospects for academic collaboration between Hungarian educational institutions and UNAIR. The visit included a formal meeting held at the Rectorate Room, 4th Floor, UNAIR Management Office, Campus MERR-C.

UNAIR was represented by Vice Rector for Academic, Student, and Alumni Affairs, Prof. Dr. Bambang Sektiari Lukiswanto DEA, Drh; Vice Rector for Internationalization, Digitalization, and Information Prof. Dr. Muhammad Miftahussurur, Dr., M.Kes., Sp.PD-KGEH, Ph.D.; Deputy Director of Airlangga Global Engagement (AGE) Dina Septiani, Ph.D.; and AGE International Corners Coordinator Ahmad Safril Mubah, Ph.D. Representing Hungarian Embassy were H.E. Lilla Karsay, Ambassador of Hungary in Jakarta and Cultural and Education Attaché Patricia Nora Pankovics.

Prof. Lukiswanto highlighted that UNAIR has established academic partnerships with 24 of the 27 European Union member states. “Our international collaborations were primarily facilitated through the International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) program, which enabled approximately 128 students to study in Europe. Unfortunately, the IISMA program could not be continued due to recent policy changes by the Indonesian government,” he explained.

Strategic initiatives and flagship programs

Prof. Miftahussurur shared UNAIR’s efforts to enhance educational quality, particularly through digitalization. One of the university’s major strides in this area is the implementation of e-learning platforms. He emphasized that digital transformation is essential both as a system integrator and as a foundation for developing flagship programs.

“UNAIR’s e-learning program was launched in response to the inevitable shift in learning methods during the pandemic, marking a significant step toward adaptable, modern education,” said Prof. Miftahussurur.

UNAIR also introduced programs designed to attract international students. Dr. Mubah, speaking as the Coordinator of International Corners at AGE, presented the AMERTA program (Academic Mobility Exchange for Undergraduate and Master at Airlangga). AMERTA allows international students to study at UNAIR for one semester, offering courses that reflect Indonesia’s distinctive academic and cultural perspectives.

“This program welcomes international students interested in courses offering unique Indonesian perspectives, particularly in the fields of social and cultural studies, economics, natural sciences, and health or life sciences,” he explained.

Opportunities for bilateral cooperation

Ambassador Karsay affirmed Hungary’s commitment to advancing educational collaboration. She mentioned various academic offerings including double-degree, triple-degree, and Ph.D. programs, alongside scholarship opportunities for international students.

“We are open to broad collaborations, particularly involving UNAIR’s many faculties. We also hope to facilitate guest lectures by UNAIR professors at universities in Hungary,” said Ambassador Karsay.

She also pointed to existing partnerships between Hungarian and Indonesian institutions, particularly in research and development. “These include partnerships in education and nuclear science. We also have an MoU with Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) focusing on nuclear cooperation,” she added.

SMA Diagnosis and Monitoring

Posted on by Asfendiyarov National Medical University

The Department of Nervous Diseases at S.D. Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University continues its series of educational events dedicated to the university’s 95th anniversary and the 90th anniversary of the memory of Professor S.K. Kaishibayev. On June 17, 2025, a master class was held in the city of Aktau as part of the cascade training method for practical healthcare professionals. The event was implemented in accordance with the Roadmap for Improving Neurological Care for the Adult Population of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2025–2027 (No. 03324 dated January 23, 2025). The session was supported by the “Association of Neurologists” of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Health Department of the Mangystau Region, and the Mangystau Regional Multidisciplinary Hospital.

The master class was conducted by Professor G.A. Mukhambetova and Associate Professor R.B. Nurzhanova from the Department of Nervous Diseases at KazNMU. During the event, participants were introduced to the key diagnostic criteria for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), as well as the possibilities for comprehensive treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term monitoring of adult patients with SMA using international clinical assessment tools, including the Revised Upper Limb Module (RULM), Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded (HFMSE), and the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). The educational program aimed to enhance the qualifications of physicians working with patients suffering from rare neurological diseases. Particular focus was given to modern approaches in evaluating motor function, planning therapy, and monitoring treatment effectiveness.

The management of adult patients with SMA is gaining increasing importance in today’s neurological and multidisciplinary practice. This growing relevance is driven by several factors. Advances in early diagnosis and the introduction of effective disease-modifying therapies—such as nusinersen, risdiplam, and onasemnogene abeparvovec—have significantly improved life expectancy, particularly for individuals with SMA types I and II. As a result, more patients are living into adulthood, necessitating a transition in care from pediatric to adult services.

However, adult healthcare systems have not always been fully prepared for this shift. Historically seen as a pediatric disorder, SMA often leaves adult patients “in the gap” following adolescence, without structured continuity of care between pediatric and adult neurologists. This can lead to disruptions in medical supervision, deterioration in clinical condition, and the loss of previously achieved functional progress.

In adults, the clinical course of SMA tends to differ from that in children. Disease progression is slower but still marked by a steady decline in function, along with orthopedic complications, respiratory impairments, and decreased endurance. There is often a psychological and emotional burden due to social isolation and reduced quality of life. These unique challenges call for a systematic and holistic monitoring approach, including the use of validated international functional scales, regular assessment of respiratory function, digestive health, nutritional status, pain levels, and psychosocial adaptation. Effective care requires the involvement of a multidisciplinary team including neurologists, pulmonologists, orthopedists, nutritionists, psychologists, and other specialists.

Access to treatment remains a critical issue, with many adult patients still facing barriers due to age, disease stage, or insufficient physician awareness. Nonetheless, adults have the same right to full-scale care and therapy as pediatric patients. Social and vocational rehabilitation is also vital. Given the chronic nature of SMA, support must go beyond medical treatment to include assistance with education, employment, accessible environments, personal development, and mental well-being.

Participants in the master class emphasized that the training marked a significant step forward in strengthening expert care for adults with SMA in Kazakhstan. “We not only mastered international assessment tools,” one attendee shared, “but also discussed how to apply them in real-world clinical settings. This will allow us to more accurately track disease progression and tailor treatment strategies to each patient.” The knowledge gained from the session is expected to be incorporated into the practice of specialized medical centers and form the basis for a multidisciplinary approach to adult SMA care across the country.

Global Classrooms in Action

Posted on by Marfiah Ab Wahid

In a shining example of international academic collaboration, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia, and Akita Prefectural University (AKITA-PU), Japan, recently concluded a two-week short-term exchange program that blended architectural and structural exploration, experiential learning, and cultural immersion. Held from June 8 to 21, 2025, the initiative exemplifies how global engagement can foster innovation and mutual understanding across borders.

The program brought six (6) UiTM students to Akita PU for a multidisciplinary experience centered on architecture and sustainability. The delegation was accompanied by UiTM student advisors Assoc. Professor Dr. Marfiah Ab. Wahid and Assoc. Professor Ir. Dr. Norliyati Mohd Amin, whose guidance and coordination played a vital role throughout the program. Under the mentorship of Professor Hideto Kanno and Dr. Akiko Ohtsuka, participants engaged in research exchange, visited notable buildings, and participated in model-making workshops that emphasized structural design, materials, and environmental context.

The experience was enriched by a campus tour, a high-level meet and greet with Akita PU’s president, Professor Fukuda Hiroo, and an academic exchange session with Professor Miyata’s laboratory. Students also explored sustainable agriculture practices at the Akita City campus farm, bridging engineering education with real-world environmental applications.

Technical learning was complemented by immersive cultural activities. Students explored Akita’s architectural landmarks, attended the World Café session—a structured global dialogue forum on environmental building design—and participated in English Club meetings that facilitated cross-cultural communication with Japanese and Hungarian students. The communication between students was facilitated by Assoc. Professor Dr. Ken’ichi Yamazaki and Dr. Maria Carlotta Avanzi. The experience culminated in a technical tour of the magnificent Akita Arts Theater, Milhas Building, where students interacted with its original designer and explored themes of sustainability, design, and materials science.

Cultural enrichment continued through hands-on experiences such as a traditional Chinese tea workshop and collaborative presentations between students from diverse backgrounds. These activities provided invaluable soft skills training, intercultural awareness, and international networking.

The program concluded in Sendai, where students attended the prestigious Tohoku Chapter Meeting of the Architectural Institute of Japan. There, the students had the opportunity to engage with leading professionals, further expanding their global perspectives and academic ambitions.

A key highlight of this exchange was the formalization of an institutional partnership. The collaboration between Akita PU and UiTM was officially sealed with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reinforcing their mutual commitment to student and research exchange. This agreement lays the foundation for sustained collaboration in academics, mobility programs, and joint research initiatives.

This initiative reflects a growing movement within global higher education—where experiential, intercultural, and research-integrated programs prepare students not only for academic success but also for leadership in an increasingly interconnected world.

As both institutions look forward to the next chapter of this partnership, the bridges built during this exchange—both literal and symbolic—will continue to support the development of globally competent graduates equipped to meet complex global challenges.