“I want to gain various experiences to further develop occupational therapy in Indonesia.”「インドネシアの作業療法をさらに発展させるために、様々な経験を積みたいです。」 Long Interview with Graduate Students – International Students Part 1
（修了生ロングインタビュー -留学生バージョン第1弾）
Name: Dwi Ayu Nur Komariyah
Academic background:
August 2017: Completed Diploma at National Health Polytechnic of Surakarta
April 2021: Admission to master’s program at Tokyo Metropolitan University(TMU)
March 2023: Completed master’s program at TMU
Supervisor: Kaoru Inoue
Q1. Why did you choose TMU for your graduate studies?
Studying abroad has been my dream since I was, I think middle schooler. Especially I wanted to experience a new culture and then also want to know how it feels like studying outside of Indonesia and to experience what it feels like to be a student abroad. Because I think in several aspects, I still need a lot more development, I wanted to get more knowledge and want to get more experience as an occupational therapist.
So, I searched for several countries like Australia and then the United States because these countries developed some popular therapy programs. However, I decided to try for the Tokyo Metropolitan University. Because I’m coming from a diploma, so I know this is the only one there. This program can be like a direct diploma master. This is the main reason for the decision.
Q2. Could you briefly tell us about your research topic during your master’s degree?
Research theme “Indonesian Pediatric Occupational Therapists’ Acceptance of Social Robot Use in Therapy: A Mix-method Study”(Supervisor; Kaoru Inoue)
My research investigated the factors that influence the decision to potentially use a social robot in a clinical setting among occupational therapists in Indonesia. Initially, I was considering targeting children, but in the process of organizing my research topic, I decided to organize my study from the perspective of the therapists who make the decision to implement social robots.
In fact, social robots are widely used not only with children but also with the elderly. In Japan, research targeting the elderly with dementia is particularly active. In Indonesia, there are few opportunities to intervene with the elderly, but if social robots are effective in treating major problems in patients’ mental health, such as aggressivity, they can be used in a variety of clinical settings, not only with children.
Q3. Please tell us about one of the most memorable events during your stay in Japan.
I experienced lots of things in Japan that I’m very grateful for. Other than the culture, I also got to try various new activities that I ended up falling in love with. I found a new love for the mountains. Through that, I got to know people from different backgrounds and different countries. I enjoyed the discussion of the many different fields in which we work, even within Japan. In the occupational therapy aspect, the most important part was to learn about the gaps in practice. There are practice settings that OTs in Japan have already been involved in that OTs in Indonesia have not yet experienced largely. It was beneficial for me to know that.
Q4. Where and what kind of activities have you been involved in since obtaining your master’s degree?
Mostly, I work part-time as an occupational therapist at the school. I am handling students from playgroup to middle school. Other than that, I work as a program consultant for a play space in Depok. My role is to oversee their program and activities for their class each week. Moreover, I’m also developing a clinic with my business partners in Jakarta. Since coming back from Japan, I have been planning on exploring more on vocational support center for teenagers. I got to know that the Jakarta area has already done some functional programs, I wonder how they conduct their program. For me personally, I still have a lot to figure out on how to implement this program and what to prepare. Especially as an occupational therapist and our roles within this area. There are still a lot of things that we need to prepare before we can start. Some collaboration with OTs who have been working in this area overseas will be of great value.
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“I would like to further develop special needs education in Indonesia!”
「インドネシアの特別支援教育をさらに発展させたい！」
Long Interview with Graduate Students – International Students Part 2
（修了生ロングインタビュー -留学生バージョン第２弾）
Name: Erayanti Saloko
Academic background:
August 2013: Completed Diploma in Occupational Therapy at The Health Polytechnic of Surakarta, Ministry of Health Indonesia
February 2018: Completed Master’s program in Public Health at Sebelas Maret University, Surakarta Indonesia
October 2018: Admission to doctor’s program in Occupational Therapy at Tokyo Metropolitan University(TMU)
September 2021: Completed doctor’s program at TMU
Supervisor: Yuko Ito
Q1. Why did you choose TMU for your graduate school doctoral course?
A year prior to applying for TMU, the university where I work, welcomed an official visit from TMU. It must be a grace that from the visit, I was well-informed about TMU, got to know sensei who visited us, and learned from TMU website. Therefore, I found that TMU has specialty that I wanted to pursue, OT intervention for children and Applied Technology for OT.
Q2. Before you applied, what kind of experience did you hope to gain at TMU?
I was eager to learn about occupational science, applied technologies in OT, and pediatric OT intervention. In addition, I wanted to travel overseas because I was captivated by the magnificent landscapes, changing seasons, and vibrant cultures in Japan.
Q3. Did you get the experience you were hoping for?
Essentially, what I got was actually more than my expectation. My day-to-day basis when I was in Tokyo was way beyond what I hope for. Not only the learning, I also got privilege to be a part of the remarkable community (Asian OT for the promotion of occupation, forum for designing assistive devices, Asian OT Network) and to participate in the international conferences. Continuing the scientific bonding with TMU even after graduate, is the most valuable of all.
Q4. Could you briefly tell us about your research topic during your doctor’s degree?
I have been attentive in OT intervention for children. Underpinning the communal value and distinguish culture in Indonesia, I proposed to develop a model of Occupational therapy intervention in Autism Spectrum Disorders. It took me a lot of hard work, however TMU and my supervisors empower me to develop A Model of Occupation Development Therapeutic relationship for Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Q5. Where and what kind of activities have you been involved in since obtaining your doctor’s degree?
To me, having a doctorate holds great significance. Many chances to present in various scientific endeavors, I am grateful to share my expertise with students and to discuss how to be therapeutic in OT care. While developing occupational science community in Indonesia, I began networking with Asian and international community as an occupational scientist. Additionally, I get the opportunity to participate in national and International conferences with World Health Organization, and the upcoming in APOTC (Asia Pasific Occupational Therapy Conference) in Sapporo. In fact, learning at TMU has facilitated me to become the better version of myself. As an OT practitioner, I have grown global perspective in providing care.
Q6. Is there anything you would like to work on in the future?
In the future, I am happy to continue teaching, doing research and engaging in community service. Flourishing collaboration with TMU as well as networking with other stakeholders, I determine to provide occupational therapy learning resources and environment that will be beneficial for my motherland. Furthermore, considering number of special needs, I would like to develop facilities for the special needs in Indonesia!
“Participated in South Asia Regional Makeathon 2025 in Bhutan”「ブータンで開催された南アジア地域メイカソン2025に参加してきました！」/ reported by Azharul Islam
2025.02.20 update
The event aimed to:
- Showcase the power of 3D printing technology in creating assistive solutions for children and youth with disabilities in Bhutan.
- Raise awareness and interest in 3D-printed assistive technology among key stakeholders.
- Develop and share assistive technologies through an open platform, enabling accessibility via the Fab Network in Bhutan and beyond.
Md. Azharul Islam, a second-year doctoral student in Occupational Therapy, Graduate School of Human Health Sciences at Tokyo Metropolitan University, was invited by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to participate in the Makeathon. He joined ten international participants and experts from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Japan, along with 14 children with disabilities, their parents, and teachers, who acted as need knowers and provided firsthand insights into their daily challenges.
As one of only two occupational therapists at the event, Mr. Islam played a crucial role in guiding multiple teams, ensuring that their technological innovations aligned with the real-life needs of the users.
Developing Assistive Technologies for Seating, Writing, and Eating
Participants were divided into seven teams, each working with individuals experiencing challenges in Activities of Daily Living (ADL). Mr. Islam was assigned to a group addressing seating difficulties, where two children had challenges related to seating, writing, and eating.
User-Centered Design Approach
MR. Islam with the assistance of the team conducted assessments by:
- Interviewing parents and teachers to understand the children’s challenges and strengths.
- Measuring the children’s anthropometric data to ensure ergonomic design.
- Sketching initial ideas based on the identified needs.
Innovative Solutions Using 3D Printing
The team developed three assistive technologies using AutoCAD and 3D printing:
- Support Brace – A customized brace to help the child sit securely in any chair.
- Spill-Proof Water Pot – A specially designed container that prevents water from spilling on the body.
- Typing Assistant – A device attached to the big toe to facilitate accurate typing.
Final 3D Printed Assistive Devices for the Need Knowers
Each prototype was carefully tested, adjusted, and finalized for presentation.
Achievement and Impact
On the final day, all groups presented their innovations to a panel of judges. Mr. Islam’s team was awarded First Runner-Up, recognizing their practical and creative approach to enhancing independence for children with disabilities.
The South Asia Regional Makeathon 2025 demonstrated the transformative potential of 3D printing in assistive technology, bridging the gap between engineering, rehabilitation, and real-world needs. By fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration, the event not only created innovative solutions but also paved the way for a more inclusive and accessible future in Bhutan and beyond.
Advancing Global Science Through Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Reflections from GYSS 2025 held in Singapore./ reported by Mohuya (6-10 January2025)
I’m thrilled to share my enriching experience at the Global Young Scientists Summit 2025 in Singapore(https://gyss.nrf.gov.sg/), where I joined 342 participants from 49 countries. This summit wasn’t just a gathering; it was a confluence of ideas and inspirations across multiple disciplines.
At GYSS, we explored how multidisciplinary collaboration is not just beneficial but essential for tackling global challenges and advancing science for a better world. The interactions with eminent speakers, including Nobel laureates and recipients of the Turing Award and Fields Medal, provided deep insights and sparked ideas that I am eager to incorporate into my work in occupational therapy and rehabilitation sciences.
The emphasis on “Excite, Engage, Enable” resonated deeply with me as I engaged in thought-provoking discussions and built networks that span the globe. These connections are not merely professional; they are a source of inspiration that drives my commitment to enhancing healthcare practices in Bangladesh and beyond.
I am grateful for this opportunity and excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. Special thanks to Tokyo Metropolitan University for nominating me and the National Research Foundation Singapore, the organizers of the summit, for their invaluable support and for making this experience possible.
シンガポールで開催されたグローバル・ヤング・サイエンティスト・サミット2025で、49カ国から集まった342人の参加者とともに、充実した経験を分かち合えたことに感激しています。このサミットは単なる集まりではなく、さまざまな分野にわたるアイデアとインスピレーションが融合したものでした。
GYSSでは、グローバルな課題に取り組み、より良い世界のために科学を発展させるために、学際的な協力がいかに有益であるかだけでなく、不可欠であるかを探求しました。ノーベル賞受賞者、チューリング賞受賞者、フィールズ賞受賞者を含む著名な講演者との交流は、深い洞察とアイデアを与えてくれました。
Excite（刺激）、Engage（関与）、Enable（可能にする）」という強調は、示唆に富む議論に参加し、世界中に広がるネットワークを構築する中で、私の心に深く響いた。このようなつながりは、単に専門的なものであるだけでなく、バングラデシュをはじめとする世界各地のヘルスケアの向上に取り組む私の原動力となっています。
このような機会を与えていただいたことに感謝し、この先の可能性にワクワクしています。私を推薦してくださった東京都立大学と、サミットの主催者であるシンガポール国立研究財団に感謝します。
Empowering SCI Care Through Innovation: Insights from the ISCoS Annual Scientific Meeting 2024 held in Antwerp, Belgium/ reported by Mohuya (22-25th September 2024)
Participating in the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) Annual Scientific Meeting in Antwerp, Belgium was an immensely enriching experience that extended beyond just presenting my research. Engaging with some of the foremost experts in spinal cord injury (SCI) care, I was part of a vibrant community dedicated to advancing standards and treatments for SCI patients worldwide.
The meeting was a dynamic platform where professionals from various disciplines gathered to share their latest research, clinical practices, and innovative approaches to SCI care. The opportunities for networking were particularly valuable. I had the chance to discuss my work with peers and experts, receiving constructive feedback and exploring potential collaborations. These interactions are crucial as they help refine research methods and foster partnerships that can lead to significant advancements in SCI care.
Furthermore, the educational programme at ISCoS highlighted cutting-edge innovations and best practices in the field. Learning from these presentations has equipped me with new ideas and techniques that I can apply to my own work and share with colleagues in Bangladesh to improve our rehabilitation practices.
Overall, the experience was not just about sharing my research but also about growing as a professional and enhancing my capabilities to better serve SCI patients. The insights gained from this conference are invaluable, and I am excited to integrate them into my practice and future research endeavours.
ベルギーのアントワープで開催された国際脊髄学会（ISCoS）年次学術集会に参加したことは、単に研究発表を行うだけでなく、非常に充実した経験となりました。脊髄損傷（SCI）治療の第一人者たちと交流し、私は世界中のSCI患者のための標準と治療法の進歩に献身する活気あるコミュニティの一員になれました。
会議は、さまざまな分野の専門家が集まり、最新の研究、臨床実践、SCIケアへの革新的なアプローチを共有するダイナミックな場でした。ネットワーキングの機会は特に貴重でした。仲間や専門家と自分の研究について話し合う機会があり、建設的なフィードバックを受けたり、共同研究の可能性を模索したりすることができました。このような交流は、研究方法を洗練させ、SCIケアの大幅な進歩につながるパートナーシップを育む上で極めて重要です。
さらに、ISCoSの教育プログラムでは、この分野における最先端のイノベーションとベストプラクティスが紹介されました。これらの発表から学ぶことで、私は新しいアイデアやテクニックを身につけることができました。このテクニックは私自身の仕事に生かすことができ、またバングラデシュの同僚と共有することで、リハビリテーションの実践を改善することができます。
全体として、この経験は自分の研究を共有するだけでなく、専門家として成長し、SCI患者により良いサービスを提供する能力を高めるものでした。この会議で得た洞察は非常に貴重であり、私の実践と将来の研究活動にそれらを統合することに興奮しています。
NEXT conference will be at Sweden (https://iscosmeetings2025.org/)
