Letters from HUAP: Dr. Lulie Melling

This article was published in the Spring 2024 issue of Litterae Populi. The full issue can be found here.

Dr. Lulie Meiling

Director, Sarawak Tropical Peat Research Institute (TROPI),
Ministry of Education, Innovation & Talent Development Sarawak (MEITD)

As an Ambassador, I have had the honour of introducing Hokkaido University in Malaysia and beyond at various events. We co-organised AsiaFlux2022, an international conference on flux studies, in Kuching, Malaysia, in September 2022. This collaboration between Sarawak TROPI and Hokkaido University has been instrumental in advancing research on CO2 and CH4 fluxes in tropical peatlands, an area where expertise in Malaysia is limited. As a result, we are now the first team in Malaysia with a comprehensive, long-term approach to monitoring greenhouse gas dynamics under different land uses in tropical peatlands.

Official launch of AsiaFlux 2022 in Kuching, Malaysia

I have also shared my experience of research, work and student life with the other international students at Hokkaido University to motivate and inspire them to keep going. I was able to encourage more colleagues to continue their studies in master or doctoral programs at Hokkaido University. I am deeply impressed and proud of Hokkaido University’s commitment and remarkable dedication to advancing global education initiatives. Reflecting on my own time and the current situation, I appreciate how Hokkaido University has extended its efforts not only to Japanese students but also to international students from around the world.

Excursion to Maludam National Park during AsiaFlux 2022

TROPI’s research activities have all been based on collaboration with Hokkaido University, which has made significant contributions to conferences, publications and events worldwide. I look forward to further collaboration in academic co-supervision and research training in the future.

Notable events such as “AsiaFlux 2022” and the “Symposium of Current Status of Japan Graduates in Malaysia” have strengthened the relationship between Hokkaido University and Malaysia. These opportunities to share experiences have been invaluable in advancing our research endeavours at TROPI.

Symposium of Current Status of Japan Graduates in Malaysia held in 2022

Despite the differences in climate, culture, language and cuisine, the common bond between Sapporo and Malaysia is evident through my family connections in both countries. My family connections also include sensei, laboratory mates and friends.

As the motto of Hokkaido University says: Boys, be ambitious! Let’s embark on this academic journey with a shared commitment to excellence. Be ambitious, not for wealth or fame, but for a better future for our young leaders!

Hokkaido University alumni (Dr. Wong Guan Xhuan) presenting at the American Geoscience Union 2023 in December 2023

*The HUAP system ran from 2016 to 2024. The program has been revised to Hokkaido University Global PR Ambassador (HUPRA).

This article was published in the Spring 2024 issue of Litterae Populi. The full issue can be found here.