By : Tan Pei Qin, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences
(Internship program to Kyushu Institute of Technology)

It was really a great honour and lucky me to have the four-month internship opportunity (13th March 2023 - 30th June 2023) at Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech) in Fukuoka, Japan under the supervision of Associate Professor Yoshito Ando. During my internship, I was involved in a project entitled “The modification of cellulose using different reaction parameters and the investigation of their respective effect on the cellulose sample”. Hence, the scope of my work was mainly to prepare cellulose ester samples through mechano-chemical reaction by modifying the reaction parameters such as time, temperature and chemical used. Next, the cellulose ester samples were analysed using equipment like FTIR, XRD, TGA and SEM. Hence, through this internship opportunity, I was able to gain practical experience from sample preparation to the stage of result analysis using equipment mentioned above. Eventually, I have improved my laboratory and data analysis skills! Moreover, as a team, we frequently have to discuss the results and our next step for the experiment. Therefore, I was able to enhance my skills in teamwork and communication. 

During my internship, I received a lot of help and guidance from Dr Ando and his postgraduate students. When I ran into challenges with my lab work, they were really helpful in offering a helping hand. Special shoutouts to them! Dr Ando was also so kind to bring us for multiple outings, such as visiting the Sakura blooms in a park and having lunch or dinner dates together. Dr Ando even drove four hours from Kitakyushu to Yanagawa for us to enjoy the beautiful scenery and amazing unagi rice! Moreover, I would go on outings with my lab mates on the weekends for activities like sightseeing, seafood hunting, karaoke and sports too! These excursions were really fun and allowed me to interact with them more and build closer connections. Therefore, I would say that the best part of this work abroad experience was the cross-cultural exchange with my lab mates from different countries. Along with learning more about their unique culture and cuisine, we also shared with them some of Malaysia's specialties, including the cuisine, festivals and tourist attractions. Even for their next trip to Malaysia, we already had the itinerary arranged and I can’t wait to be the tour guide! 

Apart from that, I have also broadened my perspective as I could see and do many intriguing things in Japan that I would never have been able to experience in Malaysia. A few months back, I would never imagine myself living in a foreign country for four months and adapting to their lifestyle by learning to take public transport and going to places using Google Maps by foot, as I am so used to driving in Malaysia. Besides, everyone that I have encountered in Japan has been extremely polite and friendly, and I genuinely like the people there. Although there would be times when it is difficult to communicate due to the language barrier, the Japanese people were kind and patient enough to use translator apps and body language to help us understand them. Overall, I had a great time during my internship because I discovered and learnt a lot, along with gaining some amazing memories.

Tarikh Input: 19/02/2024 | Kemaskini: 29/06/2024 | sh_najiyah