Learn From the Best

Advice for young researchers—Step out from your comfort zone to seek knowledge from the best.

Sapporo, Hokkaido, 2004.

The plane touched down at the New Chitose international airport, Sapporo, Hokkaido at around 11.30 am on Friday. My host, Dr Takahiro Noda was there waiting for me, smiling from ear to ear. He greeted me warmly and helped to carry my bag to his car.

I was in Hokkaido for a six weeks research attachment at the National Agricultural Research Centre for Hokkaido Region Department of Upland Agriculture (NARCH) — thanks to the generous fellowship from the Japanese Society for Promotion of Science (JSPS). Dr Noda had agreed to become my host scientist and to supervise my work.

Little did I know that he was the top scientist at the Research Institute and I was going to work together with him. What an honour!

Hokkaido is located in the northern region of Japan, and the second largest island (Japan has many islands). Nowadays Hokkaido has become one of the popular holiday destinations for Malaysians.

The weather on the day I arrived was quite cold and clear — it turned out that was the only clear day during my six weeks stay because the next day when I woke up and looked outside my hotel room it was all thick white snow everywhere! Apparently, Hokkaido is well known for its very cold winter and thick snow.

It was also in Hokkaido where I experienced my first earthquake! Wow, what an experience that was!

Hokkaido was my first experience with the country (Japan) but not the people because I had a few Japanese friends when I studied for my PhD in the UK. I have heard a lot about the Japanese work culture but I have not really experienced it first hand. Well, it turned out that my short stay as a visiting scientist at the research institute gave me a really good snapshot of their work culture and attitude. It’s an eye-opener!

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