President Shigeru Saito Visits India and Thailand
Overview
From November 12 to 18, a delegation from the University of Toyama (UT) embarked on an official visit to leading educational and research institutions in India and Thailand. The purpose of this visit was multifaceted:
To conclude academic exchange agreements and memoranda on student exchange
To foster researcher and student mobility
To strengthen international collaborative research
To participate in a major international symposium
Visited Institutions:
SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRM University) – November 13
Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) – November 14
King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB) – November 17
Kasetsart University (KU) – November 17
Key Contributors
The visits to SRM University and Kasetsart University (KU) were made possible thanks to the dedicated efforts of Distinguished Research Prof. Ishwar Singh Parhar at the Center Initiative for Training International Researchers (CITIR). He worked closely with the host institutions, using a clear understanding of UT’s strengths and its globalization strategy.
Likewise, the visits to IIT Madras and King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB) were successfully arranged through the coordination of Prof. Tohru Sasaki, School of Engineering. He has played a key role in promoting collaboration in UT’s main research areas—such as lightweight metallic materials (aluminum and titanium)—and in connecting these fields with medical sciences through advanced medical engineering technologies.
Delegation Members
Prof. Shigeru Saito, President
Prof. Kuniaki Doda, Special Advisor to the President, Northwestern University, USA
Distinguished Research Prof. Ishwar Singh Parhar, CITIR
Prof. Noriyasu Oguma, Dean, School of Engineering
Prof. Yoshiharu Kawaguchi, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, School of Medicine
Prof. Takuya Ishimoto, Aluminum Research Center
Prof. Tohru Sasaki, School of Engineering
Assistant Prof. Tatsuya Funatsuka, School of Engineering
Specially Appointed Assistant Prof. Sukunthakan Ngernbamrung, School of Engineering
Ms. Kaori Odake, Deputy Manager, International Affairs Division
Mr. Akira Yamada, Section Chief, International Affairs Division
SRM University Visit (November 13)
The UT delegation started its trip with a courtesy visit to SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRM University). Founded in 1985, SRM University is a private comprehensive university near Chennai, India. Notably, in September, 14 SRM students joined UT’s first summer school program, “TOMIDAI GLOBAL SCI FRONTIERS.”
After warm greetings between President C. Muthamizhchelvan (SRM) and President Shigeru Saito (UT), Mr. Kaoru Shiraishi, Director of the JETRO Chennai Office, gave a speech. JETRO works with universities to train skilled professionals and support local companies.
SRM University then introduced its institution, followed by Distinguished Research Prof. Ishwar Singh Parhar, who presented UT using slides and a video. The session ended with a lively Q&A on studying at UT and researcher exchange.
The signing ceremony for the Academic Exchange Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding on Student Exchange took place in a friendly atmosphere. To mark the occasion, President Saito presented a commemorative plaque from UT.
After the ceremony, the delegation toured SRM’s research facilities. At the Center of Excellence in Materials and Advanced Technologies, doctoral students explained their research projects, showing the depth and diversity of ongoing studies.
IIT Madras Visit (November 14)
On November 14, the UT delegation visited IIT Madras, a top national university founded in 1959 in Chennai. IIT Madras is one of the leading institutions among the 23 Indian Institutes of Technology.
The visit began with the signing of an Academic Exchange Agreement in a friendly atmosphere. After the signing, President Shigeru Saito presented a commemorative plaque from UT.
Following greetings between President Saito and Prof. Veezhinathan Kamakoti, President of IIT Madras, discussions focused on academic collaboration, especially partnerships with countries in the Global South.
To strengthen ties, President Saito presented a Letter of Appointment as UT Liaison Professor to Prof. Sathian Subbiah, Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Madras. He will serve as a key link between the two universities.
UT representatives then gave presentations:
Prof. Tohru Sasaki, School of Engineering – Introduction to UT
Prof. Yoshiharu Kawaguchi, School of Medicine – Medical-engineering collaboration
Prof. Takuya Ishimoto, Advanced Aluminum International Research Center – Research on aluminum and titanium
IIT Madras also introduced its research activities. Both sides actively exchanged ideas on future collaboration, including joint research in medical-engineering fields and student and researcher exchange.
KMUTNB Symposium (November 17, Morning)
On the morning of November 17, the UT delegation joined the 3rd International Symposium on Light Materials Technology (ISLMT) at King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB). This symposium was co-hosted by UT and KMUTNB and is now in its third year.
Since signing an Academic Exchange Agreement in 2024, UT and KMUTNB have worked closely through researcher exchange, joint research, and co-hosting events.
This year’s symposium focused on transforming the aluminum industry to meet the needs of eco-friendly, efficient, and high-value markets. It also discussed building sustainable and reliable supply chains, attracting participants from industry, academia, and government.
In his opening remarks, President Shigeru Saito highlighted the progress of aluminum research in Asia and reaffirmed UT’s commitment to supporting the aluminum industry. He also expressed hopes to build new technological and economic cooperation among Japan, Thailand, and India, with IIT Madras joining as a new partner.
Kasetsart University Visit (November 17, Afternoon)
In the afternoon, the UT delegation visited Kasetsart University (KU). Founded in 1943, KU is Thailand’s oldest agricultural university and now a comprehensive national institution with strong research in agriculture and many other fields.
The meeting began with greetings between Assoc. Prof. Somwang Khantayanuwong, Vice President for Health Sciences Development and Suphan Buri Areas, and President Shigeru Saito. Then, Distinguished Research Prof. Ishwar Singh Parhar introduced UT.
The signing ceremony for the Academic Exchange Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding on Student Exchange took place in a warm atmosphere. After the signing, President Saito presented a commemorative plaque from UT.
Afterward, both sides discussed future collaboration. KU participants included faculty from Medicine, Pharmacy, and Nursing, and staff from the International Affairs Office. Topics included student exchange, researcher exchange, and joint research projects.
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Under President Saito’s leadership, UT is actively promoting globalization. This visit to India and Thailand led to productive talks on expanding partnerships, student mobility, and joint research.
This effort is expected to strengthen UT’s ties with the Global South, especially India and Thailand, and enhance its role in international academic networks.