Special lecture by former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad, held at Kyushu University

On August 6, 2025, Kyushu University hosted a special lecture by Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad, former Prime Minister of Malaysia, at the Shiiki Concert Hall on the Ito Campus. The event was held in commemoration of the conferment of an honorary doctorate from Kyushu University upon Dr. Mahathir.

Lecture theme: ”Toward a Future Without Conflict”

Dr. Mahathir is renowned for leading Malaysia through a period of rapid economic growth, and for his influential role in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and beyond. He has maintained a longstanding interest in Kyushu University, including a visit to the university’s hydrogen-related facilities in 2013. This enduring relationship led to the awarding of the honorary doctorate.

In the lecture, Dr. Mahathir, who is approaching his 100th birthday, shared insights from his extensive experience, emphasizing the importance of peace and encouraging younger generations to take active roles in promoting it. Approximately 450 attendees, including students, faculty members, and the general public listened attentively. A dialogue session followed the lecture, fostering lively discussion.

Panel Discussion by Kyushu University Students and High School Students

Prior to Dr. Mahathir’s lecture, a panel discussion featuring Kyushu University students and high school students was held. The panelists included：

• Mr. Takumi Nonaka (B4, School of Interdisciplinary Science and Innovation, Kyushu University)
• Ms. Nurlisa Mohd Azmil (M2, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Kyushu University)
• Dr. Naoyuki Kawahara (Kyushu University alumnus, Visiting Professor, and Chairperson of NPO Rocinantes)
• Ms. Yuri Taniguchi (High school student, participant in the Japan Future Leaders School)
• Ms. Akiko Kato (Secretary-General of the Japan Future Leaders School, moderator)

The panel discussion was co-hosted by the Japan Future Leaders School, a summer school supported by local governments and industry, including those in Fukuoka Prefecture, with around 150 high school students participating from across Japan. The selected team from the program gave presentations in English, followed by responses from the panelists, engaging in meaningful dialogue on building a future without conflict.

Ms. Nurlisa, a Malaysian international student at Kyushu University, stressed the importance of early education in fostering friendship and mutual understanding between cultures. Mr. Nonaka, who studied abroad at the University of Malaya during his third year, spoke about the significance of multicultural coexistence, drawing on his experiences in both Malaysia and the United States. Dr. Kawahara shared insights from his ongoing work in Africa, and expressed hopes for future collaboration with Kyushu University.

Honorary doctorate degree conferment ceremony

Following the lecture, Kyushu University formally conferred the honorary doctorate degree upon Dr. Mahathir. In the acceptance speech, Dr. Mahathir expressed appreciation for the university’s relationship with Malaysia, and his expectations for hydrogen research and other initiatives. As a token of friendship, he also donated books to the university.

Ito Campus tour and luncheon meeting

On the morning of the event, Dr. Mahathir toured the International Research Center for Hydrogen Energy. He received an overview from Professor Kazunari Sasaki, Vice President for Research Promotion (Decarbonization) Industry-Academia- Government Collaboration, and Intellectual Property. During the tour, Dr. Mahathir engaged in discussions with Malaysian students, and took a test ride in a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. A luncheon meeting with President Ishibashi and other university executives was also held, where they exchanged views on future collaboration between Kyushu University and Malaysia in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Strengthening Ties Between Kyushu University and Malaysia

Kyushu University has built a strong partnership with Malaysia through various initiatives, including：

• Support for the establishment and operation of the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT)
• Double degree agreement with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) for the Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Engineering Sciences
• Collaborative research in mathematical sciences with UTM-CIAM and Kyushu University’s Institute of Mathematics for Industry (IMI)
• JST’s “NEXUS” program for Japan-ASEAN STI cooperation
• Hosting of “KYUDAI NOW” events in Malaysia by Q-AOS
• Establishment of the Kyushu University Malaysia Alumni Association (2022)

This special lecture served as a valuable opportunity to reflect on the history of collaboration with Malaysia, and to explore future possibilities for deeper engagement.

Kyushu University remains committed to its long-term vision, “VISION 2030,” aiming to nurture globally active, value-creating individuals. We will continue to advance research and education to foster diverse talents and perspectives.

Archived Video

A recording of the event is available for viewing. We invite you to watch it alongside this article.

Event Details

• Date: Wednesday, August 6, 2025
• Venue: Shiiki Concert Hall, Ito Campus, Kyushu University
• Languages: English and Japanese (with consecutive interpretation)
• Organizer: Kyushu University
• Co-organizer: Japan Future Leaders School
• Cooperation: Q-AOS
• Support: Fukuoka Prefecture, Fukuoka City, Kyushu Economy International, Fukuoka-Malaysia Friendship Association

Contact

Global Partnership and Alliance, International Affairs Division, International Affairs Department（Event Organizer）
intlsenryaku★jimu.kyushu-u.ac.jp

Management Section, General Affairs Division, General Affairs Department（Honorary Doctorate Degree Ceremony Coordinator）
syssomu2★jimu.kyushu-u.ac.jp

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