Sakura Science Exchange Program Strengthens UKM–RIKEN Collaboration in Scientific Computing

In a significant step toward strengthening international collaboration and advancing expertise in scientific computing and quantum science, the Sakura Science Exchange Program was held successfully from 15 to 23 February 2026 at the RIKEN Nishina Center in Japan. The program brought together a delegation of students and staff from the Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

The program was led by Dr. Wan Nurfadhilah and Dr. Wan Nur Aini, in collaboration with Dr. Isao Watanabe from RIKEN. The delegation comprised Dr. Syamimi, Dr. Reeki, Balqis, Ahmad Shakir, Fatin Zulaikha, Nurul Izzah, Dinie Khalis, and Aidiel Afiqi.

One of the highlights of the program was comprehensive exposure to High-Performance Computing (HPC) infrastructure, ranging from self-developed researcher-level computing clusters to large-scale supercomputing systems that support advanced scientific simulations.

Throughout the program, the delegation also expanded their academic network through interactions and discussions at several leading research institutes and universities in Japan, including RIKEN Nishina Center, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), Tokyo Institute of Technology, Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT), and The University of Tokyo.

Exploration of computing facilities and bilateral discussions with Japanese researchers created opportunities to strengthen strategic collaboration in scientific computing and quantum science, while further expanding UKM’s research network at the international level.

The program is expected to serve as a catalyst for long-term research collaboration between UKM and institutions in Japan, encompassing knowledge exchange, researcher mobility, and the development of joint projects in related fields.