Visit of Graduate Students from Kumamoto University, Japan, at AFM Lab, FTI ITB

Bandung, September 2025 – The Advance Functional Material (AFM) Laboratory, Faculty of Industrial Technology (FTI), Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), once again welcomed international students as part of its ongoing program for global academic collaboration. This initiative reflects AFM Lab’s commitment to expanding research networks while fostering an open and inclusive academic environment.

Since early September, three master’s students from Kumamoto University, Japan, have joined AFM Lab for approximately one month of research activities. They are:

• Shotaro Kubo – research topic: metal oxide semiconductor.

• Yuto Ohata – research topic: gas sensor.

• Kotaro Furuya – research topic: hydrogen production.

During their stay, the students actively participated in laboratory experiments, research discussions, and knowledge exchange with AFM Lab members, including doctoral and undergraduate students. They expressed that the warm welcome and support from the lab community greatly enriched their academic experience at ITB.

Beyond research, the students also engaged in extracurricular and cultural activities. Last week, they took part in the ITB Fun Run, a campus-wide sports event that fosters togetherness among ITB’s academic community. In addition, they visited several destinations in Indonesia, including Bali and Kawah Putih, West Java. They also expressed their fondness for Indonesian cuisine, particularly nasi goreng (fried rice), which became one of their favorite dishes during their stay in Bandung.

“We feel very warmly welcomed here. All the lab members are friendly and supportive, making our research activities both valuable and enjoyable,” said one of the students.

Documentation

• Photo 1: From left to right: Kotaro Furuya (brown t-shirt), Yuto Ohata (grey shirt and cap), and Shotaro Kubo (green shirt, glasses) at the AFM Lab discussion room.

This visit is expected to further strengthen the partnership between ITB and Kumamoto University through student exchanges, joint research, and potential collaborative publications. Hosting international students not only enriches the academic atmosphere at AFM Lab but also enhances ITB’s global reputation as a higher education institution committed to international cooperation.

“International collaboration is one of our key priorities. The presence of students from Kumamoto University at AFM Lab, FTI ITB, marks an important step toward strengthening research partnerships and creating new opportunities for joint innovation in the field of advanced functional materials,” stated a representative of AFM Lab.