The international conference titled "Japan, Power, Progress & Potential," commemorating the 50th anniversary of ASEAN friendly cooperation, the 25th anniversary of the Malaysia-Japan Research Association, and the 30th anniversary of the Japanese Studies Program at the University of Malaya, was held on November 3rd and 4th at the University of Malaya. Researchers from Southeast Asian countries, Japan, and the United States participated in the conference, which was sponsored by the Japan Foundation and Sinki International CO.,LTD. At the conference, Professor Ichiro Sugimoto from the School of International Liberal Studies presented on the establishment of the Center for Malaysian Studies: Prospects and Challenges, outlining the initiatives of the center.

In conjunction with this conference, a reunion for the alumni of the Japanese Studies Program was held. Among the participants were University of Malaya graduates who had once studied at Soka University as exchange students and are now playing active roles as General Manager of Japanese corporations in Singapore and as Managing Director of global logistics company. This event served as an excellent opportunity to showcase the deep connections between Soka University and the University of Malaya.

Professor Sugimoto expressed his sentiments, saying, "This year marks the 35th anniversary of the academic agreement between the University of Malaya and Soka University, established by founder, Dr. Daisaku Ikeda. I am grateful for the significant exchange of students and faculty that has become a major trend. I hope that the Center for Malaysian Studies will continue to contribute to further deepening these exchanges."