Two researchers from the Trinity University of Asia (TUA) recently visited Ehime University (EU) for a two-day trip on October 16 and 17, 2025, aimed at strengthening academic and institutional cooperation. The distinguished guests included Dr. Ho Howell, Vice President for Sustainable Partnerships and Lifelong Learning, and Dr. Mark Daevid M. Adem, Acting Dean of the Trinity Open University of Asia.
The highlight of the TUA visit was the observation of the Zero2Maker Workshop led by Professor Rajesh Nair on the afternoon of October 16. The two-day workshop, which ran on October 15th and 16th , is an initiative organized by the Ehime University Research and Industry-Academia Collaboration Promotion Organization. The program merges STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) and mathematical thinking with global education, aiming to teach high school to university students the art of monozukuri (making things).
The workshop’s core promise is to empower participants to take their original idea, “make it, present it, and make it buzz”. The first day of the program focuses on technical skills, teaching students about product design, software development, and how to use a 3D printer. This framework is based on the “Pre-Entrepreneur Framework” developed by Professor Nair from his research at MIT Sloan. Professor Nair, who is also a professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Asia School of Business (ASB) , promotes this type of future-focused, entrepreneurial education globally.
In addition to observing the workshop, the TUA delegation participated in several meetings to foster institutional ties. On October 16, they offered greetings to Dr. Kozo Watanabe, a Professor at the Office for International and Social Cooperation. Their second day, October 17, included a greeting with Dr. Manabu Sumida, Professor and Associate Director of the Institute for International Relations. The visit concluded with a tour of the Ehime University Museum.
