Putra Study Tour 2026: Exploring Japanese Industry, Tradition, and Manufacturing Excellence

NUCB Business School welcomed a delegation from Universiti Putra Malaysia (Putra) for a four-day study tour in April 2026. With nine students participating, the program provided an intensive introduction to Japanese industry through a combination of academic sessions, company visits, and direct exposure to both traditional and advanced manufacturing systems.

On day 1, industry sessions led by Dr. Hiroyuki Waku and EMBA alumnus Hiroyuki Tanaka, both representing Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, provided insights into Japan’s aviation and advanced manufacturing sectors. Their discussions highlighted key challenges, emerging innovations, and strategic directions in the aerospace industry, while also situating Japan’s industrial capabilities within broader regional dynamics, including collaboration with Malaysia.

Across the following days, students visited key examples of Japanese industry across different sectors. At the Mizkan Museum, they explored the long history and business evolution of one of Japan’s leading food producers. At Kakukyu, a historic miso company based in Okazaki, participants observed how long-established firms preserve tradition while adapting to modern markets. These visits highlighted how heritage, consistency, and brand trust continue to shape Japanese business strategy.

The final day focused on advanced manufacturing and industrial innovation, with visits to the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology and Asahi Forge. These sessions provided further exposure to Japan’s automotive ecosystem and precision engineering capabilities, reinforcing themes of production excellence, technological refinement, and industrial transformation.

The Putra Study Tour 2026 offered participants a structured overview of Japan’s industrial landscape, spanning traditional industries and modern manufacturing. Through a balance of classroom learning, company visits, and guided discussion, the program connected theory with practice and provided participants with a deeper understanding of Japanese industrial development and business culture.