STEI ITB Receives a Visit from the Japanese MEXT Delegation to Discuss Global AI Strategy and Scholarship Opportunities

Bandung, stei.itb.ac.id – The School of Electrical Engineering and Informatics at the Bandung Institute of Technology (STEI ITB) hosted a delegation from the MEXT and the Japanese Embassy on Monday (May 4). The meeting took place in the Faculty Lounge, Labtek VIII, on the second floor.

The delegation, led by Fuchigami Takashi, Director General of the MEXT Research Development Bureau, discussed the direction of artificial intelligence (AI) development in scientific research and opportunities for collaboration between Indonesia and Japan.

In the discussion, MEXT presented its latest strategy entitled Advancing AI for Science (May 2026), which targets accelerating scientific discovery through the integrated use of AI in the next few years. This strategy emphasizes the importance of infrastructure support, cross-sector collaboration, and strengthening the technology-based research ecosystem.

STEI ITB believes this approach aligns with ongoing efforts, particularly in encouraging downstream research through the startup ecosystem. This model is expected to accelerate the implementation of research findings to have a tangible impact on society.

In addition to development opportunities, the discussion also highlighted the challenges of research sustainability in Indonesia, particularly regarding the need for operational funding for AI-based infrastructure. This need is considered crucial to ensure that research does not stop at the initial development stage but can continue and be widely utilized.

The two sides also discussed the importance of international collaboration as part of strengthening research capacity. Cross-border cooperation is considered strategic for expanding access to technology, funding, and knowledge exchange.

On the same occasion, representatives from the Japanese Embassy also provided information about the MEXT scholarship program, open to STEI ITB students. This program provides an opportunity to continue their studies at a university in Japan while expanding their academic and research experience at a global level.

This visit is expected to be the first step in strengthening ongoing cooperation between STEI ITB and partners in Japan, particularly in the development of research and education in the field of artificial intelligence.