In deep discussion: Ahmad Zahid (left) during a meeting with Masahito, as well as a TVET briefing session by MEXT. Also present is Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir. — Bernama
TOKYO: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi says his working visit here has been highly beneficial for Malaysia, mainly in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector.
He said Malaysia also benefited in the field of digitalisation with a meeting convened with two world-leading companies.
“The final day of the visit in Tokyo yielded numerous positive outcomes not only in the TVET sector but also in various other aspects, especially with two globally renowned companies in the field of digitalisation giving their input on how (big data can help) when climate change and global warming occur,” he told Malaysian journalists after meeting Japanese Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Minister Masahito Moriyama here yesterday.
Ahmad Zahid, who arrived here on Feb 17, earlier visited the National Institute of Technology, Tokyo College (Tokyo Kosen), to learn about the Kosen Model which emphasises a more comprehensive and integrated approach to TVET by providing a five-year learning pathway for those inclined to this field as early as the age of 15.
He was conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Engineering by the Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT) in recognition of his contribution to strengthening the Malaysia-Japan technical education cooperation.
The award follows the efforts of Ahmad Zahid, who chairs the National TVET Council Committee, in ensuring that TVET continues to serve as a platform for improving students’ skills, as well as strengthening industrial cooperation between Malaysia and Japan.
Ahmad Zahid also witnessed the signing of the Collaboration Agreement on Innovation Partnership between MyDIGITAL Corp and Toshiba Digital Solutions Corp in the application of big data technology and visited the NEC Super Tower.
The DPM, who is also the National Disaster Management Committee chairman, said the Malaysian delegation also had the opportunity to learn how Japan dealt with the aftermath of natural disasters.
“We want MetMalaysia and Nadma, as well as flood committees at the state and district levels, to benefit from the latest technologies and advanced systems used in Japan,” he said, adding that the government was exploring the possibility of using satellites to reduce the occurrence of the haze like in Japan.
On his meeting with Masahito, Ahmad Zahid said discussions included the likelihood of a branch campus of the University of Tsukuba opening in Malaysia later this year.
Established in 1872, the university is among the top 10 universities in Japan.
Today, Ahmad Zahid is scheduled to attend an engagement session with the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) and a Roundtable Session: Connecting the Halal Ecosystem between Malaysia and Japan to Enhance Trade, Investment and Quality Jobs.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also chairman of the Malaysian Halal Council, will also visit Sanda Shokuniku Kosha Co Ltd to observe the operations of the Japanese slaughterhouse in the production and supply of halal beef.
