A delegation from the Institute of Information and Communication Technology (IICT), Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), comprising two MSc students along with Professor Dr. Liakot Ali and Assistant Professor Prottoy Saha, and another team from Pabna University of Science and Technology, participated in the prestigious SAKURA Science Exchange Program hosted by Shimane University, Japan. The 7-day academic and cultural exchange program, held from 01 February 2026 to 07 February 2026, provided an enriching platform for international collaboration, research engagement, and cross-cultural learning. The SAKURA Science Exchange Program, supported by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), aims to promote global academic cooperation by connecting students, researchers, and faculty members from diverse institutions worldwide. Through this initiative, the IICT, BUET participants engaged with Japanese academia and international scholars while gaining exposure to advanced research environments and collaborative practices.

During the program, the delegation attended a series of academic meetings, workshops, seminars, and laboratory visits at Shimane University. A special courtesy meeting was held with the President of Shimane University, Professor Otani Hiroki, where meaningful discussions took place on academic collaboration, research culture, and potential future joint initiatives between the institutions. The academic sessions included several technical workshops and seminars conducted by distinguished scholars from Japan and other countries. Notable sessions were delivered by Dr. Md. Altaf Ul Amin, Associate Professor, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Japan, and Dr. Syed Mohammad Shamsul Islam, Associate Professor, Edith Cowan University, Western Australia.

The overall coordination and management of the program from the Shimane University side was led by Dr. Riaz Ul Haque Mian, Assistant Professor, Shimane University, who played a key role in organizing the academic activities and ensuring the smooth execution of the exchange program. He also conducted an informative seminar, contributing significantly to the academic depth of the program. In addition to academic activities, the program included fieldwork and an industrial visit to a Japanese IT company, TechnoProject. The delegation also experienced Japan’s rich cultural heritage through visits to historically significant locations, including Matsue Castle. At the conclusion of the program, a prize-giving and closing ceremony was held to acknowledge the participants’ active involvement and contributions throughout the exchange program, marking a memorable end to an academically productive and culturally enriching experience.

Overall, participation in the SAKURA Science Exchange Program proved to be highly rewarding for the IICT, BUET delegation. The knowledge gained, international exposure, and professional networking opportunities are expected to contribute significantly to the participants’ academic and research development. IICT, BUET extends its sincere gratitude to Shimane University, Professor Otani Hiroki, Riaz Ul Haque Mian, JST, and the SAKURA Science Exchange Program for providing this valuable opportunity.