【FILA】Soka University Center for Malaysian Studies (CMS) International Workshop Held — Advancing Malaysia–Japan Academic Collaboration
The Center for Malaysian Studies (CMS) of the Faculty of International Liberal Arts (FILA), Soka University, held an international workshop in collaboration with the University of Malaya (UM) and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) on October 10–11, 2025, at the Global Square (Room 8), Soka University.
The workshop aimed to review the achievements of CMS since its establishment in April 2023 and to explore future directions for research collaboration and educational exchange with Malaysia’s leading universities.
From Malaysia, Professor Danny Wong, Dr. Nurliana Kamaruddin, and Dr. Ho Kee Chai from the University of Malaya, and Professor Sivamurugam Pandian from Universiti Sains Malaysia participated in the two-day program. In addition, Dr. Amy Poh Ai Ling (University of Tokyo), Mr. Muhammad Firdaus Ali (Waseda University), Dr. Farha Naomi and Dr. Nurhaizal Azam (Hiroshima City University, online), and Dr. Lioe Dokshin (Shizuoka University, online) also took part in the event, contributing to lively academic exchanges.
The first day featured a session titled “CMS Review and Future Prospects,” during which Professor Sugimoto presented the Center’s major initiatives. Since its founding, CMS has promoted Malaysian studies from the perspectives of the humanities and social sciences through five main pillars: acquisition of competitive research grants, promotion of joint research, organization of international conferences, hosting of research seminars, and implementation of overseas fieldwork. Notably, the International Fieldwork Program, which includes a “buddy system” with UM students and 15 pre-departure study sessions, was introduced as an innovative educational model encouraging student-driven learning.
Professor Danny Wong, Dr. Nurliana Kamaruddin, and Dr. Ho Kee Chye and from UM shared the evolution of area studies and the development of “post–Eurocentric” theoretical frameworks at their institution, while Professor Sivamurugam from USM proposed a publication and outreach roadmap to position CMS as Japan’s leading hub for Malaysian studies.
On the second day, participants discussed potential applications for the JSPS Bilateral Research Program. They also explored the “Four University Exchange Model” linking Soka University, UM, USM and UKM, combining short-term exchanges and corporate internships.
Furthermore, CMS officially confirmed its participation as a partner institution in the upcoming Malaysia–Japan Visionary Conference (MJVC2026), to be held at Hiroshima City University in 2026. Messages from Professor Emeritus Omar Farouk (Hiroshima City University, former UM Professor) were conveyed by Dr. Farha Naomi, with additional remarks from Dr. Lioe (Shizuoka University). CMS expressed full commitment to supporting the conference under the theme “Talent Bridge: Connecting Research, Industry, and Society.”
During their visit, the Malaysian delegation also attended Soka University’s Soka Festival, where they met with Chairman Akiya, President Suzuki, Vice President Nishiura, and Vice President Ida to discuss future collaboration in academic and research exchange. The discussions and cultural interactions further deepened the bonds of friendship between Malaysia and Japan.
Through this workshop, both institutions reaffirmed their shared commitment to building a new stage of Malaysia–Japan academic exchange that unites peace, education, and research.
The event marked an important milestone toward expanding international collaboration and student exchange under Soka University’s mission of value-creating global education.
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