Announcement

From August 18 to 20, NIED welcomed delegations from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and National Hydraulic Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM).

On August 18, the group participated in the Joint Seminar on Geotechnical Engineering and Adaptive Solutions. The seminar brought together researchers of various expertise from Malaysia and Japan to conduct in-depth technical exchange on issues pertaining to geotechnical engineering. The event focused on a range of topics, including new ways of utilizing remote sensing technologies for data acquisition and modeling, innovative methods for hazard risk assessment, and engineering solutions for geohazard-related disaster mitigation.

Through sharing of recent research findings and case-based approaches, participants deepened their understanding of current practices and challenges in both countries. The seminar also served as a valuable platform for fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing between the Malaysian and Japanese geotechnical communities. 

 On August 19, they participated in the Co-creation Research Forum on Exploring Industry-Academia-Government Collaboration for Strengthening Disaster Resilience in ASEAN and Japan, which was organized by NIED.

This seminar addressed the urgent need for strengthened cross-sectoral cooperation among government, academia, and industry in Japan and ASEAN, due to the intensifying and increasing frequency of natural hazard-induced disasters. Given the two regions’ location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, building resilience through shared knowledge and collaboration has become a mutual priority. 

The seminar also emphasized the important role of Japanese private companies in building regional resilience. As the regional relationship is shifting toward a co-learning partnership, engaging a broader range of stakeholders to foster innovation and sustainable DRR initiatives across ASEAN has become even more important. 

On August 20, the delegation, guided by NIED, visited the International Centre for Water Hazard and Risk Management (ICHARM) of the Public Works Research Institute (PWRI) and participated in a series of lectures that covered meteorological research on flood forecasting and climate change, hydrological prediction models for water-related disaster risks, and virtual flood experience systems. 

 Several follow-up activities have already been planned between NIED and these institutes to ensure continuous collaboration.