Im Muhammad Fahmi bin Zaharudin, Senior Engineer from Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) under Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. Over the past five months I have had the privilege of participating in an intensive professional training programme in DMTC, University of Tokyo focused on disaster management and resilience. This experience has provided me with valuable exposure to Japan’s advanced systems for disaster risk reduction, emergency response coordination, and infrastructure safety, particularly in the context of earthquakes, floods, and multi-hazard environments.
Throughout the programme, I have gained practical insights into Japan’s integrated approach to disaster governance, where strong institutional frameworks, real-time monitoring systems, and clearly defined standard operating procedures are combined to support rapid decision-making and effective emergency response. I have had the opportunity to learn from government agencies, academic institutions, and technical experts, and to observe how lessons from past disasters have been systematically translated into improved policies, technologies, and operational practices.
A key component of my learning experience has been the development of my capstone project, which focuses on strengthening seismic monitoring and response frameworks for dam safety in Malaysia. Drawing on Japan’s experience with disaster-driven institutional learning, my project adapts selected best practices—such as real-time seismic instrumentation, predefined inspection triggers, and tiered response procedures—to the Malaysian regulatory and operational context. This project reflects my commitment to translating international experience into practical, context-appropriate improvements for disaster risk management and infrastructure safety in Malaysia.
Overall, this programme has significantly strengthened my technical understanding, strategic perspective, and appreciation of the importance of preparedness, coordination, and continuous learning in reducing disaster risks. I look forward to applying these insights to contribute more effectively to disaster management and resilient infrastructure development in my home country.
For further information, collaboration, or discussion related to this work, I can be contacted at:
Email: fahmi@mada.gov.my
Whatsapp: +60134884077