The 2nd J-PEAKS International Joint Symposium & Malaysian NAIST Alumni Association (MNAA) Kickoff Symposium

On Monday, 15 September 2025, the 2nd J-PEAKS International Joint Symposium & Malaysian NAIST Alumni Association (MNAA) Kickoff Symposium was held at Leave a Nest Malaysia in Cyberjaya. A total of 36 participants attended the event, with an additional five alumni joining online, enabling broader regional engagement.
The symposium was organized as part of the internationalization initiative of Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST) under the Japan Program for Accelerated Internationalization of Research Universities (J-PEAKS). The event also marked the official launch of the Malaysian NAIST Alumni Association (MNAA), which is officially registered under the Registrar of Societies (ROS) Malaysia.
NAIST President Kazuhiro Shiozaki delivered the opening remarks, highlighting NAIST’s selection for J-PEAKS and reaffirming the university’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with academic communities in Southeast Asia. He expressed his expectation that MNAA would further enhance alumni engagement and promote international research cooperation.
MNAA President Prof. Wong Hann Ling expressed his commitment to building a sustainable alumni network that supports NAIST’s strategic objectives in the region. Mr. Tatsuya Kitaoka, Representative from the Embassy of Japan in Malaysia, emphasized the importance of continued academic collaboration and student exchange between Japan and Malaysia.
The academic session featured presentations by Prof. Taku Demura and alumni representatives from NAIST’s three divisions, who shared research updates and reflected on how their experience at NAIST contributed to their professional development. A presentation on the importance of intellectual property (IP) and an introduction to the background of the event were also delivered.
An award ceremony was held to recognize distinguished contributions to NAIST’s international collaboration. Video messages from alumni leaders and supporters further highlighted the strength and solidarity of NAIST’s regional network. The symposium concluded with closing remarks by the MNAA Advisor, Prof. Hisaji Maki.
The organizing committee sincerely acknowledges the financial and institutional support provided by the NAIST Alumni Association (NAA), the NAIST J-PEAKS Program, the Indonesian NAIST Alumni Association, the Thai NAIST Alumni Association, and Leave a Nest Malaysia.