International Seminar Co-hosted by Soka University's Center for Malaysian Studies and Universiti Malaya's Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies
On July 7 and 8, Soka University hosted the international seminar "Education, Development, and Human Dignity: The Legacy of Ungku Aziz and the Future of Malaysia-Japan Academic Cooperation," co-organized by Soka University's Center for Malaysian Studies (CMS) and the Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies (UAC), Universiti Malaya. The seminar brought together representatives of universities, research institutions, and government agencies, as well as students from Japan and Malaysia.
■Bringing the Intellectual Legacy of Royal Professor Ungku Aziz into the Present
The seminar was held to honor the thought and achievements of Royal Professor Ungku Abdul Aziz, one of Malaysia's most distinguished economists and educators. It explored the contemporary relevance of his intellectual legacy to human development, poverty eradication, education, and socioeconomic development, while seeking to strengthen academic cooperation and research networks between Japan aAt the opening ceremony on the first day, a group of students who had participated in the Faculty of International Liberal Arts' short-term study program in Malaysia welcomed the guests by performing the traditional Malaysian dances “Tarian Inang” and “Joget Gamelan”.
In opening remarks, President Mika Suzuki emphasized the importance of learning from the "intellect in service of the public good" embodied by Royal Professor Ungku Aziz. President Suzuki reaffirmed the mission of university education to foster respect for human dignity and hope in society. President Suzuki also highlighted the significance of advancing educational and academic exchange through which Japan and Malaysia can learn from one another and pass this relationship on to the next generation, building on the history of exchanges between Royal Professor Ungku Aziz and Soka University founder Daisaku Ikeda.
■ Five Keynote Addresses and Four Thematic Sessions
During the two-day seminar, keynote addresses examined the achievements and thought of Royal Professor Ungku Aziz and their contemporary significance from a variety of perspectives. The five keynote speakers were:
・Tan Sri Dr. Sulaiman Mahbob, Executive Director of the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER)
・Professor Zainal Abidin Sanusi, International Islamic University Malaysia
・H.E. Dato' Ahmad Rozian Abd. Ghani, Ambassador of Malaysia to Japan
・Dato' Sri Mustapa Mohamed, Advisor to the Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies (UAC) and former Malaysian Minister of International Trade and Industry
・Professor Emeritus Datuk Osman Bakar, Rector of the International Islamic University Malaysia
The seminar also featured four thematic sessions: "The Activities of the Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies," "Malaysia-Japan Academic Collaboration," "The Struggle against Poverty and Inequality," and "From the Look East Policy to 'Learning from Malaysia." In addition to four faculty members from Soka University's Center for Malaysian Studies, researchers and representatives from Universiti Malaya, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, the International Islamic University Malaysia, and the Malaysian-Japan Academic Association delivered presentations and participated in discussions.
■Student Research Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Exchange
Students from the Faculty of International Liberal Arts who had participated in the short-term study program in Malaysia presented their research outcomes in English. Their presentations addressed reducing the use of plastic associated with “takeaway food”, “promoting social cohesion through community sports events”, and “revitalizing the culture of Kampong Bharu through the use of a mascot character”. The students developed the knowledge gained through their field research into concrete proposals and exchanged views with Malaysian researchers.
During the final session, plans for future educational and research cooperation, including a joint research seminar scheduled for the following academic year, were introduced. Following the seminar, participants visited the Department of Green Technology in Soka University's Faculty of Science and Engineering. They received an overview of its educational and research activities and toured its laboratories. By learning about advanced research contributing to the creation of a circular society, the participants deepened their understanding of the potential for future interdisciplinary research collaboration across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering.
■Carrying Forward the History of Friendship through a Special Exhibition
In conjunction with the seminar, an opening ceremony was held in the lobby of Building C of Soka University's Central Education Building for the special exhibition "The Legacy of Royal Professor Ungku Aziz." Through scholarly publications, archival photographs, and historical materials, the exhibition introduced the life and achievements of Royal Professor Ungku Aziz, the history of Universiti Malaya, and the development of exchanges between Japan and Malaysia. At the ceremony, Ambassador Ahmad Rozian conducted the ribbon-cutting, and Chairman Yoshihide Akiya delivered remarks. The Ambassador subsequently visited the Center for Malaysian Studies, where he viewed materials including Malay-language editions of works by Soka University founder Daisaku Ikeda.
During the seminar, a meeting was also held among Chairman Akiya; Professor Ichiro Sugimoto, Dean of the Faculty of International Liberal Arts and Director of CMS; Professor Suhaiza Hanim, Director of UAC; and other participants. Chairman Akiya expressed his admiration for the Malaysian researchers who continue to contribute to society while carrying forward the aspirations of Royal Professor Ungku Aziz. Professor Suhaiza introduced UAC's initiatives to address poverty and other social challenges and expressed her hope that the partnership and cooperation between UAC and CMS would be further strengthened.
Building on this seminar, Soka University will continue to advance educational and research exchanges with UAC and other Malaysian universities and research institutions, promoting academic cooperation that contributes to the realization of human dignity and a sustainable society.