19/09/2025
USM APP AltProteinTour@Japan 2025
From 6 to 14 September 2025, Universiti Sains Malaysia Alternative Protein Project (USM APP), under the School of Industrial Technology, organized a Student Outbound Program to Osaka, Japan, in collaboration with the Osaka Institute of Technology (OIT) and the Good Food Institute (GFI).
Carrying the theme “Bridging Innovation and Sustainability: Advancing Alternative Proteins through Global Collaboration”, the program brought together 15 undergraduate students from the Bioprocess Engineering Technology programme, accompanied by 3 academics (Dr. Noreen Suliani Mat Nanyan, Dr. Siti Balqis Zulfigar & Dr. Mohamad Hafizi Abu Bakar) from the Bioprocess Technology Division, through a series of academic, industrial, and cultural activities, including:
• A visit to Prof. Dr. Matsusaki Michiya and his industrial-collaborative laboratories at the University of Osaka to learn about cutting-edge research on 3D-bioprinted cultivated meat.
• An outreach program at Josho Gakuen High School, engaging students in crucial discussions on food security and the potential of alternative proteins.
• Industrial visits to ZACROS and KIKKOMAN in Hyogo prefecture, showcasing advancements in bioreactor technology, bioanalytics, and fermentation science.
• A visit to Osaka Expo 2025, where participants explored the Healthcare Pavilion and various international pavilions, gaining insights into innovations in biotechnology, healthcare, and sustainable food solutions, as well as learning about different cultures from all around the world.
• Cross-cultural exchanges with OIT students, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration.
The program concluded with meaningful knowledge-sharing and strengthened ties between Malaysia and Japan in advancing alternative protein research and awareness.
USM APP extends its sincere appreciation to GFI and the International Mobility and Collaboration Centre (IMCC), USM, for their Ecosystem Grant and Mobility Matching Funding (MOMAF 2025) grant, respectively. A special shout-out to Prof. Dr. Muraoka Masahiro and Miss Kitagawa Ayumi from the OIT International Center, and all OIT student buddies, for their kindness and warm hospitality throughout the program. Everyone’s commitment and hard work are very much appreciated in making USM APP AltProteinTour@Japan 2025 a great success.
Prepared by: Muhamad Ikhwan Zulkafli, A 2nd Year Student of Bioprocess Engineering Technology
#常翔学園高校
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