Consul-General Attends the Opening Ceremony of the “Global Project-Based Learning Summer Camp 2026” by Toyohashi University of Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis and Shinshu University
2026/9/6
On September 6th, Mr. Shinya Machida, Consul-General of Japan in Penang, attended the opening ceremony of the “Global Project-Based Learning Summer Camp 2026” held on Pulau Tuba, Langkawi. Students and faculty members from Toyohashi University of Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis and Shinshu University participated in the programme, with support from Malaysian government officials and local stakeholders. Project-Based Learning (PBL) is a practical form of learning in which students work in teams on real-world issues and explore possible solutions. This time, Pulau Tuba, an island near the main island of Langkawi with a population of several thousand, served as the setting for the programme. The programme also represents the third step in Toyohashi University of Technology’s international education initiatives.
At the opening ceremony, Mr. Machida stated that the programme is significant because it is not about doing something for the local community, but about discussing, thinking and addressing challenges together with local people. He expressed his hope that the three universities would make use of their respective strengths and further expand initiatives linking education and research with local communities. He also noted that 2027 will mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Malaysia and the 50th anniversary of the decision to establish the Consulate-General of Japan in Penang. He stressed the importance of further deepening cooperation between Japan and Malaysia and expanding exchanges among universities, local communities and younger generations in a rapidly changing world.
Following the opening ceremony, Mr. Machida also observed the students’ PBL activities. Working in teams, the students considered concrete proposals on issues reflecting local needs, including access to the jetty, aquaculture, and the development of local repair and technical skills. The Consulate-General of Japan in Penang hopes to support such initiatives in various ways so that they will contribute to the further development of exchanges between Japan and northern Malaysia.
At the opening ceremony, Mr. Machida stated that the programme is significant because it is not about doing something for the local community, but about discussing, thinking and addressing challenges together with local people. He expressed his hope that the three universities would make use of their respective strengths and further expand initiatives linking education and research with local communities. He also noted that 2027 will mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Malaysia and the 50th anniversary of the decision to establish the Consulate-General of Japan in Penang. He stressed the importance of further deepening cooperation between Japan and Malaysia and expanding exchanges among universities, local communities and younger generations in a rapidly changing world.
Following the opening ceremony, Mr. Machida also observed the students’ PBL activities. Working in teams, the students considered concrete proposals on issues reflecting local needs, including access to the jetty, aquaculture, and the development of local repair and technical skills. The Consulate-General of Japan in Penang hopes to support such initiatives in various ways so that they will contribute to the further development of exchanges between Japan and northern Malaysia.
