For Griffith University student Yadan Noerdin, participating in the Sustainability Transformation Program (SXIP) was more than an international study experience. It was an opportunity to explore how Japan is addressing sustainability challenges while gaining new perspectives on culture, collaboration and future career opportunities.
Funded by the Japanese Ministry of Education, the Yokohama Sustainability Transformation Program (SXIP) brings together universities from Japan, Australia and other Asian countries to explore sustainability challenges through a multidisciplinary lens spanning business, engineering, science and the social sciences.
As Yokohama National University’s business school partner, Griffith University sends top-performing students to Japan each year to work alongside YNU students, visit industry partners and examine real-world sustainability issues. In return, Griffith hosts YNU students on the Gold Coast, showcasing both sustainability expertise within Griffith Business School and unique local experiences, from Indigenous bush tucker education and tree planting to wildlife conservation activities.
Yadan earned his place in the program after being awarded a Japan study trip prize through Griffith’s 2025 Finance Competition.
“I was interested in learning directly in a Japanese institution regarding sustainability topics and wanted to gain a direct perspective by working with Japanese students and academics. I’ve always been interested in how Japan developed its economy after World War II despite having limited natural resources.”
Discovering Japan beyond the classroom
While SXIP focuses on sustainability transformation, much of the learning takes place beyond lectures and presentations.
For Yadan, one of the first things that stood out was the organisation and efficiency of everyday life in Japan.
“My first impressions of Japan were how orderly, clean and well-mannered everyone is. Public transport is very organised, punctual and convenient. It was easy to get from place to place, everyone was polite, and the food was great.”
Beyond the classroom, Yadan explored many of Tokyo’s most famous districts and cultural landmarks. He particularly enjoyed visiting Akihabara, known for its electronics, gaming and anime culture, and taking part in a kimono photography session at Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa.
A memorable moment came when the group unexpectedly came across a live idol performance.
“I was excited to finally see one in person, while my teammates were completely confused about what it was. I ended up explaining it to them.”
Experiences like these helped provide a deeper understanding of how modern life, tradition and popular culture coexist in Japan.
Learning about sustainability in practice
SXIP encourages students to view sustainability as more than an environmental issue. The program explores the connections between sustainability, business, economics, technology and society.
One topic that particularly captured Yadan’s attention was Japan’s long-term investment in hydrogen fuel technology.
“The greatest takeaway for me was Japan’s push for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Yokohama National University took us for a ride in one of their hydrogen cars, and we learned how it formed part of a national strategy to improve energy security and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.”
The exchange of ideas between Australian and Japanese students is a defining feature of SXIP, encouraging participants to consider sustainability challenges from different cultural and economic perspectives.
For Griffith, the program is also helping build long-term links with Japanese universities. Beyond student exchanges, Griffith and YNU academics collaborate on research projects, grant applications and conference presentations, strengthening academic cooperation between the two institutions while fostering cultural understanding and friendship among students.
Building skills for the future
Beyond sustainability themes, SXIP helps students develop confidence, cross-cultural communication skills and a broader understanding of Asia’s growing importance to business and society.
For Griffith students, participation in the program is a highly sought-after opportunity. Each year, two or three top-performing students are selected to represent the university in Japan, with the 2026 cohort set to travel to Yokohama in August.
As SXIP enters its final year of Japanese Government funding, the program continues to strengthen ties between Australia and Japan. Through exchanges, research collaboration and academic conferences, it is helping develop globally minded graduates equipped to contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future.
For Yadan, the experience reinforced the value of looking beyond national borders when addressing global challenges.
“The lesson for Australia is that technology has the power to reshape entire economies. Countries need to be ready to innovate, adapt and pivot when technologies evolve.”
