Activity Report

I went to Indonesia for my overseas training in 2024. We visited mainly laboratories in the field of architecture, and were able to gain new discoveries and connections with our own specialized fields. On the last day of the program, we summarized our opinions on how to deal with social issues by utilizing the information we gained from the training and our own knowledge, and made a presentation. I would like to apply the experience I gained from the overseas training to my future activities.

On the first day of training, We visited a dam called Bendungan Pamukkulu and a mosque called Masjid Kubah 99 Asmaul Husna in Indonesia．
At Bendungan Pamukkulu, We had the opportunity to listen to talks about how dams are constructed, which gave me a valuable chance to learn about architecture, a field We usually don’t get many opportunities to explore. Additionally, through the discussions, We was able to understand how my area of expertise can contribute to the field of architecture. We also toured various parts of the dam and observed how things are actually structured.
At Masjid Kubah 99 Asmaul Husna, We was not only able to view the building’s exterior but also go inside for a tour. During the visit, We had the chance to observe a prayer session taking place. Since daily prayers like this are not a common part of Japanese culture, this experience allowed me to directly sense the differences between Indonesian and Japanese culture.

On the second day of training, We visited Hasanuddin University and had the opportunity to hear talks on various fields! While I found it somewhat challenging since the explanations were given in English, it was very intriguing to hear perspectives that differed from those in Japan across various fields. Learning about areas outside my own specialization gave me a chance to think about how I could apply my expertise in those fields.

On the third day of training, We got a tour of the Electrical and Information Engineering labs at Hasanuddin University. They're working on some pretty cool stuff, like robots that automate crop harvesting and the servers that support their communication networks. Got a sneak peek at asome of their research acievements!
After that, we teamed up with local university students and shared our research projects with each other, asking questions along the way. The students at Hasanuddin University were super enthusiastic and listend intently to our presentations, which made it a really enjoyable experience for us too.

On the fourth day, we had a discussion with local university students about "social issues in Japan and Indonesia." Using a whiteboard, we listed problems from each country and proposed solutions from our respective perspectives. It was a long session lasting over three hours, which was challenging at times, but it was an excellent experience to gain a deeper understanding of each other's countries.
On the fifth day, we presented the results of our discussions to the professors of Hasanuddin University. We were able to receive expert advice on solutions to our problems, and it was a very fruitful experience for us.

The Indonesian students were super motivated and full of energy. So many were eager to dive right into a PhD program! It was not only valuable to practice English and experience different cultures but also incredibly inspiring academically, especially regarding attitudes toward pursuing a PhD.

During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the operations of STEPs were significantly constrained, leading to changes in the training venues to domestic universities. Within this context, Alumni, the alumni association of STEPs, was temporarily suspended to prevent the spread of infection. Alumni played a crucial role in expanding the STEPs network by facilitating interactions between past supervising faculty, graduated STEPs members, and current members. Losing the opportunity for STEPs alumni to stay engaged after graduating from university is indeed regrettable.
 

However, as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has gradually diminished from the fiscal year 2023 onwards, activities within STEPs have started to resume, including the resumption of overseas training. As the scope of activities widens, there has been growing momentum for the revival of the Alumni association. Consequently, on August 11th in the 5th year of Reiwa (corresponding to 2023), after a hiatus of four years, Alumni was successfully organized. This year, esteemed faculty members of STEPs, including Dean Kazuhiko Toyoda from the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Associate Professor Khan, Honorary Professor Yukio Hayashida, and Director Takanori Watanabe, along with administrative staff who had been involved in the management of STEPs over the years, and alumni who had graduated from STEPs, participated in the event. The event commenced with greetings from Honorary Professor Hayashida and Dean Toyoda, followed by candid discussions among faculty members, staff, alumni, and current STEPs members regarding recent and past activities of STEPs, as well as updates on the graduates' current situations. After alumni shared their sentiments about their experiences in STEPs activities, Associate Professor Khan, Director Watanabe, and Dean Toyoda delivered their speeches, concluding the event with remarks from Dean Toyoda.
 

We are confident that this Alumni gathering has significantly strengthened the bonds among STEPs affiliates and proved to be highly meaningful. Looking ahead, we aim to further expand the scope of activities, including Alumni, to ensure the continuous development of STEPs. Lastly, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who participated and supported this Alumni event. We sincerely hope for your continued support and cooperation with STEPs.

Warm regards,
 

Shota Yamashita Leader, 13th Term of STEPs

This year's overseas training took us beyond Asia for the first time since the establishment of STEPs, as we visited Australia from August 25th to August 31st, 2023. Australia, distinct from countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, is known for its unique English pronunciation. Despite initial confusion, living in Australia allowed us to immerse ourselves in the culture and interact with its people, making this training exceptionally meaningful.
 

Now, let me introduce the itinerary of the training. On the 25th and 26th, we explored the Brisbane area, experiencing Australian lifestyle through local meals, shopping, and engaging in English conversations with the locals. On the 27th, we were guided around Toowoomba, the location of the University of Southern Queensland (USQ), by students and faculty. We visited the Cobb Museum to learn about the historical culture of the indigenous Aboriginal people and explored the Queens Park Botanic Gardens, experiencing Australian culture and its unique natural environment. On the 28th, we visited USQ, attending lectures on material mechanics alongside USQ students, dining at the student cafeteria, and touring engineering labs such as those for robotics, fluid dynamics, and motor remote control. Additionally, on the 29th, we visited the Future Materials Research Lab, where advanced research on materials like carbon nanotubes was introduced. Later, on the 30th, we moved to Brisbane, where we toured Griffith University's campus and presented research on financial engineering utilizing AI-driven article analysis techniques.
 

This training marked our first visit to an English-speaking country since the establishment of STEPs. The sense of achievement and joy among STEPs members in successfully communicating with native English speakers was immense. Undoubtedly, this experience served as a valuable opportunity to break down the psychological barrier of speaking English and gain confidence.
 

Thirteen STEPs members participated in the training, along with Professor Toyoda, the Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Associate Professor Khan, the advisor, and administrative staff member Koga. I would like to express our gratitude to everyone who supported this training.
 

Shota Yamashita

　　Due to the coronavirus infection, this year's overseas training was cancelled and the Okinawa training was held from 12/12 (Sun) to 12/14 (Tue). On the first day, we visited Shuri Castle and Churaumi Aquarium. On the second day, we visited American Village in the morning, University of the Ryukyus and JICA Okinawa in the afternoon, and on the third day, we visited Naha Self-Defense Force and Himeyuri Tower.

　　Shuri Castle, with its red color scheme, was different from other castles in Japan and had a Chinese-style atmosphere. It was located on top of a mountain and had a beautiful view. The Himeyuri Tower reminded me of the tragedy of the Battle of Okinawa. It made us think about the meaning of our being alive.

　　At the University of the Ryukyus, we were introduced to the Global Development Capability Enhancement Project and had a campus tour. At JICA Okinawa, we heard about the activities of JICA and the experiences of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers. At JICA Okinawa, we heard about the activities of JICA and the experiences of the overseas volunteers, and were able to learn about their activities to solve problems in developing countries. At the Naha Self-Defense Force, the students received an explanation of the Self-Defense Force and saw a fighter jet. The fighter planes were very powerful to see up close.

　　We learned a lot about history and international activities during this training. We would like to utilize what we had learned in this training in our STEPs activities and studies.

　　Finally, we would like to express our gratitude to the people who supported us in this training. We look forward to working with you again in the future.


Akira Miyazaki

Due to the pandemic of the new coronavirus disease, this year we went to Tanegashima as an off-campus training instead of an overseas exchange training.
 
During the off-campus training, we visited the Tanegashima Space Center on the first day and gave a presentation in English about space and Tanegashima. On the second day, we observed the launch of the H2A rocket equipped with a data relay satellite.
 
Through the visit to the Tanegashima Space Center, we were able to learn about the rockets that had been launched and projects that had been carried out so far. Also, we took a look at  models such as rocket engines. We were able to gain knowledge about things outside our field  of ​​expertise, which made us more interested in space than we ever had before.
 
The first day presentation was divided into three groups in which the theme is STEPs Activities and International Forum, Space, and Tanegashima, and each group gave a presentation on each theme. The presentation on Space and Tanegashima was conducted in English, and questions were asked promptly after the presentation. From the presentation, we learnt that it is important to keep in mind about the peripheral knowledge of the field we oversaw before conducting presentation.
 
Next, we were able to observe the launch of the H2A rocket at a distance where the separation of data relay satellites could be noticed. It was a wonderful experience to observe the launch of the rocket, which boasts the world's highest success rate of launch, while reminiscing about the sound of rocket we heard at the Space Center the day before.
 
We also visited Tanegashima. On the first day, the guide furnished us with the information about Tanegashima on the bus. We received a handmade map of Tanegashima, and we were able to feel the attractiveness of Tanegashima more by the detailed and polite explanation by the guide. On the second day, we came into contact with the nature in Tanegashima, such as Chikura Grotto and others.
 
Finally, we would like to thank all the people who supported the off-campus training. We will make use of knowledge and experience gained from this training in future STEPs activities and academics. We look forward to your continued support of STEPs.

 

By LEE JIN YIEN , Hina Fukuda