OMU News

On March 13, 2026, Osaka Metropolitan University (OMU) and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU), jointly hosted the international symposium “2026 NTU–OMU Joint Symposium: Innovations in Human and Planetary Health by Optical Manipulation” at NTU in a hybrid format. The event was conducted as part of the Japan Program for Enhancing Research Universities and Strengthening Regional Innovation (J-PEAKS), under the initiative “Building Diverse Co-creation Partnerships.” More than 60 participants from universities, research institutes, public organizations, and industry in Japan, Singapore, and beyond attended the symposium.

The symposium comprised of two thematic sessions: “Environmental Problems & Optoelectronic Technologies” and “Microbiomes & Biological Technologies.” It opened with welcome remarks by NTU Vice President Lee Pooi See. Speakers from NTU included Professor Steve Yim, Director of the Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Health (CCEH), and Assistant Professor Kazuyuki Kasahara of the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine.

Opening remarks by NTU Vice President Lee

From OMU, presentations were delivered by Professor Takuya Iida from the Graduate School of Science and Director of the Research Institute for Light-induced Acceleration System (RILACS), Associate Professor Takeshi Yoshimura (then at OMU), Professor Hidekazu Ikeno, Associate Professor Eiji Yuba, and Professor Shiho Tokonami (online) from the Graduate School of Engineering, as well as Professor Ikuhiko Nakase from the Graduate School of Science, with OMU students also presenting their latest research findings.

Presentation by Professor Yim

Presentation by Professor Iida

Presentation by Assistant Professor Kasahara 

Presentation by Associate Professor Yuba

From left: Associate Professor Yuba, Professor Ikeno, Professor Iida, Professor Nakase, and Professor Yim

Panel discussion

Through this symposium, participants reaffirmed the significance of optical manipulation technologies in addressing challenges related to human health and global sustainability, as well as the importance of strengthening research collaboration between Japan and Singapore. OMU will continue to promote international academic exchange and joint research initiatives with NTU.

Group photo with Vice President Tokunaga (participating online)

Related information

Forging strategic ties: OMU and NTU sign MOU to advance international collaboration

Upcoming Event — 2026 NTU-OMU Joint Symposium: Innovations in Human and Planetary Health by Optical Manipulation

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