The 2025 AFIMA Leaders Program Opening Ceremony was held on Friday, April 4, 2025, weather permitting. A total of 15 international students will participate in the program: six from Pukyong National University (PKNU), six from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), and three from Ocean University of China (OUC). This year’s event had a record number of participants. Six current students from Nagasaki University also supported the international students. We will study together for about three months, from April to June.

 

 

At the opening ceremony, Professor Kazuaki Kawamoto, Dean of the Graduate School, gave a greeting.　「We will learn together from now until June. I would like the students to interact with each other, try various things, and experience Nagasaki’s culture. It is a short program, but good luck!」

 

 

 

Professor Hideki Nakayama, Vice-dean of the Graduate School, explained the program and the precautions to be taken in life in Nagasaki.

 

 

 

 

 

【Participating International Students】

 

Pukyong National University(PKNU)

 

●LEE MINSEUNG　 (Pukyong National University)

 

 

●JIN SUNGHOON　 (Pukyong National University)

 

 

●HWANG GYURI　 (Pukyong National University)

 

 

●KIM BEEN　 (Pukyong National University)

 

●KIM SEUNGHYEON　 (Pukyong National University)

 

●KIM SOO YEON　 (Pukyong National University)

 

 

 

Ocean University of China (OUC)

 

●JIANG MINGCAN　 (Ocean University of China)

 

 

●LIU CHENJIE　 (Ocean University of China)

 

 

●CHEN BINGQING　(Ocean University of China)

 

 

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu(UMT)

 

●AIMAN NAJIAN BIN EDWARD 　(Universiti Malaysia Terengganu)

 

 

●AHMAD DZULQHARNAIN BIN AHMAD AZIAN  (Universiti Malaysia Terengganu)

 

 

●IFFAH SYAFIAH BINTI SUHAIMI  (Universiti Malaysia Terengganu)

 

 

●PUVITTHRA MARIMUTHU 　(Universiti Malaysia Terengganu)

 

 

●NADRATUL NAIM BINTI JAAFAR  (Universiti Malaysia Terengganu)

 

 

●TEOH YING YING  (Universiti Malaysia Terengganu)

 

 

 

【Supporting students】

Six students from Nagasaki University will participate. Current students who have experience in short-term study abroad will also join as supporters and learn together.

 

Yukino Baba

 

 

Yuki Ebara

 

 

Natsuko Owada

 

 

Sohei Shibasaki

 

 

Akiko Iwayama

 

 

Yudai Tkahashi

 

 

Teachers will also provide support!

 

• Professor Hideki Nakayama, Vice-dean

It is a great pleasure to meet you all. If you have any problems, please contact us anytime.

 

 

• Professor Yoshiki Matsushita, Vice-dean

Don’t be shy and stay positive!

 

• assistant professor Mitduhide Sato

We hope to learn together and have fun together.

 

 

 

After the opening ceremony, international students and current students of Nagasaki University immediately interacted with each other. Smiles were born.

 

In addition, student supporters guided the students around the campus and explained the main active locations such as lecture halls, laboratories, and the library.

 

Over the next three months, new exchanges and learning will begin.

In the summer of 2024, four students from Nagasaki University studied abroad in the AFIMA Leaders Program for a short period of time.

The students presented the results of their studies at Universiti Malaysia Trengganu and Pukyong National University.

Here are the contents of each presentation.

 

From left to right: Yudai Takahashi, Satoshi Urata, Yuko Kameyama, Shimpei Tsuchida

 

 

 

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

 

■Studied at Pukyong National University for about 4 months

Yudai Takahashi

Graduate School of Integrated Production Sciences, Master’s Program, 1 year

 

 

” Introducing AI Technology
  Possibilities for New Seafood Processing “

 

I learned a lot from the shipboard training on JEJU Island, the unique manufacturing technology of low-sodium cod roe being worked on by a famous cod roe manufacturer in Busan, and a visit to a laboratory for artificial breeding of banamei shrimp. In particular, participation in the World Ocean Forum in Korea, where the keynote speaker discussed innovation and sustainable development of the marine industry using artificial intelligence (AI), helped me understand the potential of AI technology in the relationship between the ocean and humans with even higher resolution than before. I feel that my study abroad at Pukyong National University was a great opportunity for me to witness the world’s most advanced technology.

 

I participated in the World Ocean Forum, a gathering of researchers and industry professionals from around the world to share ocean-related concepts and present new technologies.

 

 

Practical training visit to Deokhwa Food, a famous mentaiko (dried young sardines) manufacturer in Busan. Succeeded in producing low-sodium cod roe using a proprietary process. The company is active in exporting its products not only within Korea but also to other countries. In Japan, Seven-Eleven and Ito-Yokado are handling the products.

 

 

Experienced aquarium management and dissection of banamei shrimp. In the experiments on aquaculture, we realized that it is quite difficult to adjust the amount of feed to prevent cannibalism from occurring.

 

 

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

■Studied at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu for about ３ months

 

Yuko Kameyama

Graduate School of Integrated Production Sciences, Master’s Program, 1 year

 

 

 

Shinpei Tsuchida

Graduate School of Integrated Production Sciences, Master’s Program, 1 year

 

 

 

Satoshi Urata

Environmental Policy Course, Faculty of Environmental Science, 2nd year

 

 

 

” Improving the marine environment is
  transcend national borders and should be addressed
  Global Issues “

 

My study abroad destination, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, is located in the state of Terengganu on the east coast of the Malay Peninsula, a very natural place with many wild animals. I learned about marine microbiology, project planning, and how remote sensing technology works.

 

Commemorative photo with a powerful elephant.

 

 

Microorganism culture experiments. There is a similar microbiology class in the fisheries department, but we talked about antibiotics, which we didn’t do much of there.

 

 

Project Planning was a comprehensive class to learn how to plan for any project.

 

 

For the breeding experiment of the colorful and beautiful tropical fish “betta,” I went to the breeding laboratory from morning to night every day to conduct experiments to see if the color and shape of the betta changed depending on the amount and type of food.

 

 

In Dr. Naim’s lab, we learned techniques for mapping data on the marine life that inhabits the area using ARCGIS, an advanced geographic information system.

 

 

I also participated in the practical training to the island of Bidong. I will never forget the good times we had on the island.

 

 

Since marine debris washes up on the beach, everyone cleaned up the beach.

 

 

There is also a day trip to the island of Rudang. I was amazed at the beauty of the beaches.

 

 

 

Cleaning up the beaches with local people and talking with students through classes and practical training made me realize that improving the marine environment should go beyond national borders. In addition, the opportunity to live in the state of Terengganu, Malaysia, a place rich in nature where wild animals are always close at hand, has strengthened my awareness of the natural environment. Furthermore, by living in an area with a strong Islamic culture, I was able to learn important things for global activities, such as understanding different cultures and acting with respect.

 

 

 

Thank you!

On October 24, 2024, this year’s AFIMA Leaders Program On-site Meeting was held at the Yushan Campus of Ocean University of China (Qingdao). Representatives from Ocean University of China, Pukyong National University, and Nagasaki University gave presentations on the results of last year’s and this year’s host programs, and a pre-recorded presentation from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu was also broadcast. From Nagasaki University, Dean Sakakura, Associate Professor Han and Associate Professor Satou participated in the event, presenting their achievements and exchanging gifts.

 

 

This meeting was held in conjunction with the 100th anniversary celebration of Ocean University of China, and an international conference called the Global Conference on Ocean Cooperation and Development was held on the morning of October 24, with keynote speeches and a joint declaration by several domestic and foreign researchers. Several Japanese and foreign researchers delivered keynote speeches and presented the Joint Declaration. On the following day, the 25th, the 100th anniversary ceremony was grandly held at the Ocean University of China’s Yushan campus. President Nagayasu Takeshi of Nagasaki University was also present at both events, and we were able to deepen exchanges with fisheries universities from around the world.

 

On Wednesday, June 26, 2024, the closing ceremony for the AFIMA Leaders Program Short-Term Host Program was held at Nagasaki University’s Yokoku Shi Koryu Kaikan.

 

Unfortunately, it was raining on the day of the ceremony, but it turned out to be a cheerful and heartwarming event, with students dressed in colorful yukata (light cotton kimono) and students from our graduate school who had interacted with AFIMA program alumni attending the ceremony on a voluntary basis.

 

As Professor Kazuaki Kawamoto handed each student a diploma and a commemorative gift while addressing them individually, the 10 students broke into refreshing smiles.

 

After the award ceremony, they each gave a short speech, thanking their teachers and others involved and sharing their memories of the three months.

 

Students looking mysterious during the awarding ceremony

 

 

 

 

◾️Hyeonbeom LIM　Pukyong National University

I was very happy to be able to participate in this program. Shopping at commercial facilities in front of Nagasaki Station and being able to participate in an ice cream festival (Aipaku) and eating ice cream together are good memories of Nagasaki.

 

 

 

 

◾️Sumin HWANG　Pukyong National University

Thank you very much for all your support. I was happy to be able to participate in this program. The lectures were difficult at first, but I tried to understand as much as possible and answer questions from the professors. It was a valuable experience in my life.

 

 

 

 

◾️Seunga JEONG　Pukyong National University

I had a very good experience in Japan. When we went out to sea for practical training, the weather was bad and I got seasick, but that is also a good memory. I think we have built a very good relationship with everyone through this program. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all those involved for giving me unforgettable memories and wish you all the best.

 

 

 

 

◾️Chaehyeon KIM　Pukyong National University

This program has given me great joy and experience in my life. The academic lectures were excellent, incorporating interesting activities and providing suggestions on a variety of topics.

 

 

 

 

◾️Dasom CHOI　Pukyong National University

I am truly grateful for the invaluable relationships I have built with my teachers and friends. These three months have been an unforgettable experience in my life so far. I would like to participate again if given the chance.

 

 

 

 

◾️Estefania Lourdres SIMA　Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to my teachers, Korean friends, and Japanese friends who have taken care of me. The training in Kamigoto was particularly impressive. I am grateful to Nagasaki University for giving me the opportunity to search for my future.

 

 

 

 

◾️Siti Hajjar MUSTAPA　Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

I am sincerely grateful to Professor Kawamoto and the other professors, as well as the university staff who took care of me. Japan is punctual, so I tried my best every time not to be late for lectures. I would like to make the most of this experience in the future.

 

 

 

 

◾️Sharifah Nur Batrisya SYED AZMUDDIN　Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Today is the last day of the program. I want to say “thank you” to the teachers and friends I learned with. I would love to participate in such a wonderful opportunity again.

 

 

 

 

◾️Hazril Shauqi AHMAD SABRI　Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Thank you to all who have given me this opportunity to be here. I would also like to thank my wonderful Korean friends whom I have become good friends with. The special two-week training period is especially memorable. I will never forget Nagasaki University.

 

 

 

 

◾️Siti Zuqrina ABDUL HAKAM　Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

I am fortunate to have been able to participate in this program. I had a wonderful time and experience thanks to you and your teachers. We believe that we can join forces for the future.

 

 

 

Students listen to Prof. Kawamoto’s speech with serious eyes

 

 

Finally, Professor Kazuaki Kawamoto presented a message to the students who completed the AFIMA Leaders Program 2024.

 

“Our mission is to share and learn technologies for the future and contribute to sustainable fisheries. Please continue to challenge yourself towards the next generation. The future is in your hands.”

 

Students with smiles on their faces after successfully completing the program.

 

Students discussing memories of the three months.

 

Malaysian goods as a gift for 3 months

 

 

At the end of the event, everyone moved to the Japanese-style room at the Ip Kokushi Koryu Kaikan for a pleasant chat. Students spend their time as they wish, taking pictures with the beautiful garden in the background and bidding farewell to each other. The students said to each other, “That was fun,” “Let’s meet again,” and promised to see each other again by presenting each other with gifts.

 

AFIMA Leaders Program2024　Support Teachers

・Kazuaki Kawamoto　Professor, Dean
・Hideki Nakayama　Professor, Vice-dean
・Yoshiki Matsushita　Professor, Vice-dean
・Masaki Nagae　Professor
・Hee-Jin Kim　 Associate Professor
・Mitsuhide Satou　 Assistant Professor

 

The 2024 AFIMA Leaders Program Opening Ceremony was held on Friday, April 5, 2024. A total of 10 international students will participate in the program, five from Pukyong National University (PKNU) and five from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT). Four students from Nagasaki University also joined to support the international students. They will study together for about three months, from April to June.

 

 

At the opening ceremony, Professor.Kazuaki Kawamoto, Dean of the Graduate School, gave a speech, wishing the students to challenge themselves in various things and enjoy their life in Nagasaki. Then, the international students participating in this program introduced themselves.

 

 

 

Professor.Hideki Nakayama, Vice-dean of the Graduate School, explained the program and the precautions to be taken in life in Nagasaki.

 

 

 

 

【Participants】

Pukyong National University(PKNU)

 

● Seunga JEONG　(Pukyong National University)

 

 

● Chaehyeon KIM　(Pukyong National University)

 

 

● Dasom CHOI　(Pukyong National University)

 

 

● Sumin HWANG　(Pukyong National University)

 

 

● Hyeonbeom LIM　(Pukyong National University)

 

 

 

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu(UMT)

 

● Siti Hajjar MUSTAPA  (Universiti Malaysia Terengganu)

 

 

● Sharifah Nur Batrisya SYED AZMUDDIN  (Universiti Malaysia Terengganu)

 

 

● Estefania Lourdres SIMA  (Universiti Malaysia Terengganu)

 

 

● Siti Zuqrina ABDUL HAKAM  (Universiti Malaysia Terengganu)

 

 

● Hazril Shauqi AHMAD SABRI  (Universiti Malaysia Terengganu)

 

 

 

【Supporting students】

Four students from Nagasaki University participated. Yuri Yamamoto, Yukino Baba, Sohei Shibasaki, Yuko Kameyama, and Akiko Iwayama, who have experience studying abroad for a short term, will also join as supporters and study together.

 

Yuri Yamamoto

 

 

Yukino Baba

 

 

Sohei Shibasaki

 

 

Yuko Kameyama

 

 

Akiko Iwayama

 

 

 

We will support them.

 

● Professor.Kazuaki Kawamoto, Dean

 

 

● Professor.Hideki Nakayama, Vice-dean

 

 

● Professor.Yoshiki Matsushita, Vice-dean

 

 

● Professor.Masaki Nagae

 

 

● associate professor.Hee-Jin KIM

 

 

● assistant professor.Mitduhide Sato

 

 

 

After the opening ceremony, student supporters guided the students around the campus, explaining the main active locations such as lecture halls, laboratories, and the library.

 

Over the next three months, new exchanges and learning will begin.

 

In the summer of 2023, five students from Nagasaki University studied abroad in the AFIMA Leaders Program for a short period of time.

The students presented the results of their studies at Universiti Malaysia Trengganu and Pukyong National University.

Here are the contents of each presentation.

 

 

Ryo Okamoto

Faculty of Environmental Science, 4th year
Studied at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu for about 2.5 months

 

 

Through a variety of fieldwork
Experiencing the local natural environment

At Universiti Malaysia Trengganu, I attended lectures on fish microbiology, economics, and fish specimens. During the fieldwork conducted in Kelantan, specimens were made from fish obtained at fishing ports and fish markets, and an illustrated book was produced. The snorkeling and bottom trawling we experienced on Bidong Island were also impressive. There, I spent precious time with lizards, squirrels, and small fish and coral reefs that I could not see in Nagasaki. I was anxious during my study abroad period, but the local teachers and students were kind and helped me in any way they could, so I was able to get through it. I hope to apply these experiences to the rest of my life.

 

Specimen preparation.

 

Beautiful Bidong Island visited by the class.

 

 

 

 

Shunya Kiyabu

Faculty of Fisheries, 4th year
Studied at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu for about 2.5 months

 

 

Influenced by the Malaysian national character
I have become more proactive myself.

I originally studied zooplankton. I decided to study abroad this time because I wanted to further develop his previous research. At Terengganu University, I had some trouble with classes in non-specialized fields and many opportunities to use the Malay language, but I was supported by the kindness of the people around me. I was happy to see certain results in a study that examined changes in the population of fish fed feather meal (a feed made from the feathers of parent chickens) and yeast. I was also greatly influenced by the diplomatic nature of the Malaysian people and their positive attitude toward learning. It has certainly helped me grow.

 

Research projects examining changes in fish populations.

 

Malaysia is full of friendly and cheerful people.

 

 

 

 

Kento Nakase

Faculty of Fisheries, 2th year
Studied at Pukyong National University for about 4 months

 

 

With people from other cultures
I realized the necessity and difficulty of communicating thoughts and feelings

I studied at Pukyong National University to gain an international perspective on fisheries resource management, improve my language skills, and experience Korean culture. In the Global Fisheries Economics lecture, I proposed a marketing plan for sustainable marine resource products and felt the difficulty of communicating my opinion correctly. There is also a boarding exercise to Cheju Island to observe the fishing and aquaculture farms. I also had the opportunity to eat island food, which was a good experience from a cultural aspect. I had many opportunities to use English there, and I realized again that speaking English broadens your worldview.

 

We also did an internship at M S C.

 

Boarding practice.

 

 

 

 

Mine Sugito

Faculty of Fisheries, 1th year
Studied at Pukyong National University for about 4 months

 

 

Learning about fisheries from a different angle
Changed my way of thinking

I studied Fisheries Management and Economics at Pukyong University. Some lectures required two or three presentations, so active participation in class was necessary. The library was well stocked and easy to spend time in, so when a report assignment of more than 4,500 words was assigned, I stayed there and prepared it. I believe that my English skills have improved, not only because of the reports, but also because about 70% of the local language used was English. This year’s study focused on approaching fisheries from an economic perspective, such as the situation of fisheries in Korea and how to sell processed marine products. I originally majored in biology, but it was a great experience for me to see fisheries from a completely different angle.

 

Jagalchi Market, Korea’s largest market specializing in fish.

 

Sailboat party prepared by the teacher as an opportunity for socializing.

 

 

 

 

Yuri Yamamoto

Graduate School of Fisheries Science and Environmental Studies, Master’s Program, 1st Year
Studied at Pukyong National University for about 4 months

 

 

Facing global fisheries science
Improved research attitude and motivation

In the lecture on global fisheries studies, I was able to deepen my learning by listening to the opinions of students from diverse countries. Extracurricular activities include participation in BISFE 2023, an international exhibition focused on seafood and fisheries. Experiencing the actual international trade site of marine products in Busan has inspired my motivation for the global fishery industry in the future. When I presented my research at a conference, I had a valuable opportunity to receive questions and suggestions from foreign professors, and it was also a good chance to review my own research.

 

Various companies from aquaculture to seafood processing equipment manufacturers participate in BISFE2023.

 

Conference Presentations.

On October 21, 2023, I would have United States of America Seattle, and joint session “Collaboration with PICES 2023 and Asia Fisheries and Marine Environment Leaders Program” with this Program was held at a conference in North Pacific Marine Science Organization (PICES) annual held.
Three teachers, researcher one, graduate student three announced it from Korean Pukyong National University which participated in this program, and one teacher performed invitation act from the Malaysia Terengganu University.

Associate professor　Hee-Jin Kim was the field and performed a presentation titled “Light wavelength and intensity effects on phototactic behavior of pediveligers in the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas” from this school.

 

For two days on August 16 and 17, 2023, the “2nd International Postgraduate Symposium on Agricultural and Food Science” was held at the Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, a participating university of this program.

Faculty members and students from the four universities participating in this program participated, and Associate Professor Hee-Jin Kim gave an invited lecture on site, and two graduate students gave poster presentations online.

 

 

The closing ceremony of the 2023 AFIMA Leaders Program short-term acceptance program was held on Tuesday, June 27, 2023.

 

The five exchange students who received their diplomas from Dean Shigenobu Takeda had very radiant expressions.

 

On the day of the opening ceremony held in April, all five students had stiff expressions, but at the graduation ceremony three months later, their expressions were soft and many smiles were seen.

 

Dean Takeda also said that he was able to spend fulfilling days with all the wonderful students.

 

Five exchange students also expressed their gratitude to the teachers.

 

Dean Takeda gave us a greeting at the closing ceremony.

 

It seems that three months went by in the blink of an eye.

 

International students listening to Professor Takeda’s words.

 

 

■ILGHON KWON　 Pukyong National University

In addition to studying, I was able to spend fun days going sightseeing in Tokyo and fishing in Kamigoto Island. I am grateful for the wonderful teachers and friends I have met.

 

■GYEONGSUN WOO　 Pukyong National University

I learned a lot. I was able to make a lot of friends and 2023 was remembered as the happiest year of my life so far.

 

■FENGRUI SHI　 Ocean University of China

Through this program, I was able to interact with people from many countries and spend precious days. The friends I made in Japan became my precious treasure.

 

■MUHAMMAD DANIAL NOOR ISKANDAR　 Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Through this program, I gained a deeper understanding of fisheries and the environment. I would like to make use of my valuable experience and live in the future.

 

■RAJA MUHAMAD MUKMIN　 Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

I was able to spend lively days with my friends. All are unforgettable memories.

 

 

Five exchange students say that everything they learned at Nagasaki University for three months was wonderful.

 

Five exchange students full of smiles with graduation points in their hands.

 

Let’s all meet again someday! His smile burst out.

 

 

The professors of Nagasaki University Support Teachers.

 

– Shigenobu Takeda　Professor, Dean
– Minoru Wada　 Professor, Vice-dean
– Masaki Nagae　 Professor
– Hee-Jin Kim　 Associate Professor
– Mitsuhide Satou　 Assistant Professor

 

April 7, 2023, the opening ceremony and orientation of the 2023 AFIMA Leaders Program short-term acceptance program was held.

 

There are 5 international students. Two students from Pukyong National University, one from Ocean University of China, and two from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu will participate.

 

Six assistant students from Nagasaki University will join us and study together.

 

– ILGHON KWON　(Pukyong National University)

– GYEONGSUN WOO　(Pukyong National University)

– FENGRUI SHI　(Ocean University of China)

– MUHAMMAD DANIAL NOOR ISKANDAR　(Universiti Malaysia Terengganu)

– RAJA MUHAMAD MUKMIN　(Universiti Malaysia Terengganu)

 

Dr. Shigenobu Takeda, Dean of the Graduate School, gave a greeting saying that he hopes students will learn a lot in the future, and introduced themselves to the international students participating in this program.

 

ILGHON KWON　 Pukyong National University

 

GYEONGSUN WOO　 Pukyong National University

 

FENGRUI SHI　 Ocean University of China

 

MUHAMMAD DANIAL NOOR ISKANDAR　 Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

 

RAJA MUHAMAD MUKMIN　 Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

 

 

The international students were still nervous, but I hope they will have a fulfilling life in the future.

 

 

Six assistant students from Nagasaki University also participated. Sohei Shibasaki, a second-year student who studied abroad at Pukyong National University in South Korea the previous year, will also live with international students as a supporter.

 

 

The professors of Nagasaki University will also provide solid support.

 

– Shigenobu Takeda　Professor, Dean

– Minoru Wada　 Professor, Vice-dean

– Masaki Nagae　 Professor

– Hee-Jin Kim　 Associate Professor

– Mitsuhide Satou　 Assistant Professor

 

 

 

After the opening ceremony, Professor Masaki Nagae guided the participants around the campus and explained the main active places such as lecture rooms, laboratories, and libraries.

Thank you for your support over the next three months.