SERDANG, 11th February 2026 – Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), through its School of Graduate Studies (SGS), welcomed a delegation from the University of Yamanashi (UoY), Japan, for a benchmarking visit aimed at strengthening academic collaboration between the two institutions. The visit served as a strategic platform to exchange best practices in postgraduate education management, research supervision, and international programme development. Central to the discussion was the proposed establishment of a Dual Degree for postgraduate research-based programmes, particularly in the fields of Engineering and Biotechnology. The initiative is expected to enhance academic mobility, research quality, and global recognition for graduates from both universities.

During the session, representatives from UPM and UoY presented comprehensive overviews of their respective academic frameworks and strategic initiatives. UPM highlighted the structure and achievements of its International Collaborative Programme (ICP), which promotes cross-border academic partnerships and joint supervision opportunities. Meanwhile, UoY introduced its J-PEAKS – Programme for Forming Japan’s Peak Research Universities, an initiative designed to strengthen Japan’s global research competitiveness through high-impact innovation and international cooperation. These presentations provided valuable insight into each institution’s strengths, priorities, and potential areas of synergy.

In addition to the Dual Degree initiative, UoY expressed keen interest in expanding collaboration through joint research projects, joint conferences, and student and staff exchange programmes. Such initiatives are expected to foster deeper academic engagement, encourage interdisciplinary innovation, and provide broader opportunities for knowledge sharing between scholars and researchers. The session, which was also attended by academic representatives from UPM’s Faculty of Engineering, concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to formalising the collaboration. This visit marks a significant step forward in strengthening international academic ties and advancing mutually beneficial partnerships in higher education.

Date of Input: 11/02/2026 | Updated: 25/02/2026 | aslamiah