Student Voice

Why did you choose to study in Japan?

Japan is the one of the most developed countries in the world and is famous for its unique culture, technological innovations, stunning natural landscapes. Japanese universities are famous for its high-quality education and good reputation for producing skilled engineers. Japan has high job demand in technological area. As for me, study in Japan is one of my dreams as my specialization is mechatronic engineering, and it was originated in Japan in 1969. These are the reason that motivate me to continue my graduate degree in Japan.

How did you prepare for studying in Japan?

When I start preparing for university application, I make some research on Japanese University that offer what I want to study. I found a lot of universities and among them I picked 5 universities and did detailed research on what faculty they have and the research trends of the professors. Among them, I found Kyoto University of Advance Science that recently reopened new engineering campus in 2019 which offer Mechatronic Engineering Courses in English. I decided to apply in KUAS since it is focused on mechatronic engineering and most of the students are international students that create multicultural diverse environment and I hope that I donʼt have any difficulties while I am studying.

I take 6 months to prepare for application. I also get support from provide Myanmar representative from university called Golden Sunshine Education. The most challenging part in the application process is selecting a research topic and supervising the professor who will support and guide me during my master study. Mechatronics is a multidisciplinary engineering, and it was really confusing to follow specific research area. I take around two months to prepare for a research title and discuss with professors by email about their research and whether my study background aligned with their research specialization.

Finally, I discussed with my current professor and we both agree on research topic, and he gave me consent to work under his laboratory. During the application, I submitted my documents and essays and two recommendations from previous education institute. I also submitted scholarship consideration from university and fortunately I get 30% tuition fees exemption from KUAS. After getting an acceptance letter from university, I also applied for JASSO scholarship with the recommendation of OJEIC and I got scholarship support from JASSO.

What are you studying/researching in Japan?

I am currently doing my research on Motor in Electrical Machines and Drive System lab in KUAS. My research topic is related to control system development of a new type of low-cost high performance traction motor called Hybrid type Permanent Magnet Synchronous Reluctance Motor (PMsyncRM) for EV (electric vehicle) application. According to the European commission agreement to stop producing carbon emission cars by 2035, current technologies of EV motor are not ready for this change and a lot of optimization and performance are still necessary on EV motors.

During the two years of study, my expectations from research outcome are to decrease carbon emission, global climate changes, greenhouse effect production, expand the travelling range of EV and reach reliable, affordable, environmental-friendly transportation system to everyone.

What do you do in your personal time?

I work part-time research assistance in my lab & teaching assistance under my professor. I also joined KoKoKa Japanese family program from Kyoto City International where I was introduced to Japanese Host Family. On the weekend, I meet with my host family or sometimes I visit around with Kyoto City with my college. I also study Japanese Language in my leisure time.

Please tell us about your challenges in Japan and how you overcame them.

The most challenging in Japan for me is weather and cultural differences. As the Japanese culture places a high value on time and discipline, I take care to use to their manner. I was infected by Corona disease in the first month and I was difficult for me in new environment and due to language barrier but nursing office from university support me out of the situations. Although my studies are in English, Japanese language is still take place important part in daily life. It would be better to fluent in Japan for those who are planning to work in Japan after Study.

Any encouraging message and/or advice to those who wish to study in Japan?

In Japan, you can explore what you are interested in. A lot of various challenges, troubles and opportunities must be faced when you study in Japan.