Training at Universiti Teknologi MARA in Malaysia and Overseas Internship at Nitto Denko

1st-year student majoring in Materials Engineering　IKEDA Koki
Study Abroad Period: August 20, 2024 – September 24, 2024

I recently conducted four weeks of research at Universiti Teknologi MARA in Malaysia, followed by a one-week internship at Nitto Denko. Having never traveled abroad before, I had long hoped to study abroad during my time at technical college, so I decided to take this opportunity to participate.

During my research at Universiti Teknologi MARA, I prepared xerogels mixed with biochar derived from palm kernels and analyzed their adsorption performance for harmful substances in contaminated water. I worked diligently in the laboratory every day from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. To collaborate with local students, I actively engaged in communication despite language differences, which helped me develop a proactive attitude toward conversation.

Since the research topic was completely different from the one I am working on at my technical college, I needed to acquire new knowledge and skills within a short period. The learning I gained in terms of both quantity and quality was very substantial. Although some analyses were not completed by the final day, and I did not obtain fully satisfactory results, the experience was extremely valuable.

Experimental Work in the Laboratory (Xerogel Synthesis)

During my internship at Nitto Denko, on the first day, I received an overview of the company and safety training, followed by a factory tour. From the second day onward, I engaged in hands-on work experience. The Malaysian factory primarily manufactures tape products, and I gained experience in many related tasks. One particularly challenging and memorable task was hand-coating adhesive on performance test tapes, which involves applying a thin and even layer of adhesive to one side of the tape paper. It took me more than ten attempts to become proficient at this.

On the fifth and final day of the internship, I presented my understanding of the tasks I performed and the results in English to the company staff. The presentation atmosphere inside the company was unique and tense, unlike any other presentation I had experienced before. Having previously interned at a Japanese company, this also provided a valuable opportunity to compare working environments.

Though the five days were physically and mentally demanding, the internship was an excellent experience that broadened my knowledge not only of the company but also of overseas work environments.

Nitto Denko Materials (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd

While on-site, I interacted with students from Universiti Teknologi MARA and employees of Nitto Denko during meals and breaks between training sessions. We exchanged information about our daily lives and languages, and I learned about differences in clothing, food, and housing adapted to the climate and religious practices, as well as customs related to prayer. These conversations gave me valuable insights into the unique coexistence of diverse religions, cultures, and ethnic groups in the country, deepening my understanding of intercultural differences.

Outside of training hours, I enjoyed Malaysian culture together with students from the same laboratory. After classes, we visited night markets, and on holidays, I went shopping and sightseeing in Kuala Lumpur. I also participated in an event called Kereta Pisarong. Thanks to the guidance of local students, I was able to spend my days off abroad in a very fulfilling way.

Scenes from the Kereta Pisarong Event

The anxieties I felt before departure gradually disappeared after just a few days, allowing me to spend a fulfilling five weeks. Through this study abroad experience, I gained a great deal and strongly felt my personal growth. In particular, being placed in a different environment and acquiring new knowledge broadened my perspective on how I think about things. I want to make the most of this experience as I reflect more deeply on my future life, studies, and career.

Members of the Research Laboratory

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