1. Introduction

The Faculty of Agriculture at Kagawa University is proud to announce the successful completion of the Sakura Science Exchange Program 2024-2025. The program was from January 26 to February 1, 2025, and brought together eight promising young researchers from leading universities across Asia, fostering academic collaboration, research engagement, and cultural exchange.

2. Cooperation Universities

• Assumption University, Thailand
• Chiang Mai University, Thailand
• Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST), Vietnam
• Indian Institute of Science Education & Research (IISER), Mohali, India
• IPB University, Indonesia
• Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP), Indonesia
• University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

3. Schedule and Activities

The program included a series of research and academic activities, industry visits, and cultural exchanges designed to enhance participants' knowledge and foster international collaboration.

Highlights:

A) Rare sugar lecture, and a visit to the Rare Sugar Institute, an advanced research facility

Rare sugars are monosaccharides that exist in extremely small amounts in nature. Among them, D-Allulose has been found to have potential benefits such as preventing blood sugar spikes and reducing fat accumulation, drawing global attention. It is already being sold in the United States and Japan, with demand expected to rise in the future. Associate Professor Kato explained the production process of D-Allulose to the participants.

B) Artificial Intelligence Training & Visit to a Botanical Research Laboratory, Tokuju Co., Ltd.

Local farmers in Japan face significant challenges in competing at both the national and global levels due to high labor costs, an aging population, and a lack of affordable agricultural technology. To address these issues, AI research utilizing drones and open-source software is being conducted as a potential solution. As part of the program, participants visited the AI testing field, where they observed real-world applications of this research. Professor Peter Lutes provided an in-depth explanation of the AI-driven agricultural research and led a hands-on training session, allowing participants to gain practical experience with the technology.

C) Laboratory Experience

The participants spent two days in research laboratories carefully selected to align with their research interests, fostering potential collaborations and opportunities for future academic exchanges. Each participant was hosted by a supervising professor, who guided them through laboratory activities and facilitated meaningful interactions within their respective research fields.

D) Presentations

The participants concluded by delivering presentations on their research experiences and sharing their impressions of the program. They also reflected on the knowledge they gained during their time at the Faculty of Agriculture, Kagawa University.

5. A Week of Learning, Collaboration and Cultural Exchange

The program was designed not only to enhance scientific knowledge but also to strengthen cross-cultural understanding among participants and their host institution. The Closing Ceremony was successfully held at the Faculty of Agriculture, marking the program's successful conclusion.

6. Looking Ahead

It is expected that this exchange will lead to increased international student enrollment at Kagawa University and further academic collaborations between researchers. The Faculty of Agriculture remains committed to fostering global academic collaboration and looks forward to welcoming future participants to the Sakura Science Exchange Program in the coming years.