University of Wales hosts visit by State Minister of Japanese Government
THE University of Wales was pleased to welcome Mr Yoshihiro Seki, the Japanese State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, to Wales.
The visit builds upon the university’s current links with Japan and was an opportunity to promote knowledge exchange and collaboration between the university and Japan.
The minister, who is an alumnus of the University of Wales, and his delegation were greeted by Professor Medwin Hughes, Vice-Chancellor, and the Venerable Randolph Thomas, chair of University Council, on Wednesday, September 4.
The university has enjoyed an excellent and close working relationship with Japan for many years and the minister was keen to hear about the university’s applied research and links with Japanese companies in Wales.
A particular area of interest was the university’s health innovation portfolio.
The development of a distinctive health and well-being portfolio linked to the Welsh Government’s Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 2015 is a key priority for the university.
The Wales Centre for Advanced Batch Manufacture (CBM) is a leading research centre in the industrial application of advanced manufacturing technologies for product development and innovation, collaborating with companies and organisations across a range of manufacturing sectors including aerospace, automotive, and human and veterinary medicine.
Sony UK Technology Centre has accessed 3D printing technology and expertise from CBM Wales and the subsequent efficiencies have had a significant impact.
The work undertaken resulted in enhanced robotics and has been an important development within the Sony Group.
In addition, the university is also part of Accelerate, a £33m fund to develop innovative healthcare products and services aimed at improving healthcare in Wales, boosting the economy and creating high quality jobs.
It brings together clinical, academic and business expertise to develop and deploy new products and services within the health and care system in Wales.
Mr Seki was appointed as State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry on October 4, 2018.
Prior to his current appointment, he has held senior posts including Senior Vice-Minister of Environment and Parliamentary Secretary for Economy, Trade and Industry, and has served as Deputy SecretaryGeneral of the Liberal Democratic Party five times.
He is currently in his fourth term.