Saddam Hussain’s SPRING Scholarship Journey: From Pakistan to Japan for a PhD in Architectural Engineering

My name is Dr. Saddam Hussain, and I’m originally from Sargodha, Pakistan. I hold a Ph.D. in Architecture (Structural Engineering) from the Kyushu Institute of Technology, Japan. My research has been focused on frameless glass structures, metal architecture, and spatial structures, combining engineering precision with aesthetic vision.

During my doctoral studies, I was a member of the Building Structure Laboratory led by Professor Pei Shan Chen, which focuses on innovative research in structural mechanics, glass structures, and steel architecture.

Currently, I’m working as a Design Engineer at Kikukawa Kogyo Co., Ltd., Japan—a company renowned for custom architectural metalwork.

SPRING Scholarship Details

I received the following scholarship:

• SPRING (Support for Pioneering Research Initiated by the Next Generation)
  • Institution: Kyushu Institute of Technology
  • Funding Agency: Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)
  • Project Name: “Fostering PhD Researchers in Engineering to Solve Global Issues”
  • Support: Monthly stipend for living expenses, full research funding, travel grants
  • Purpose: To nurture globally competent doctoral researchers who tackle real-world engineering challenges and contribute to solving global issues through research and innovation.
  • Scholarship Amount: Full tuition waiver, 150,000 yen per month stipend, and 900,000 yen per year research fund to visit the other research institute/lab and collaboration.

As a SPRING Fellow, I was supported as the follows:

• Conducting international collaborative research at the University of Trieste, Italy
• Establishing a research connection with New York City College of Technology (CUNY), USA

Educational Background

• BSc in Civil Engineering, University of Lahore, Pakistan
• MSc in Civil Engineering (Geotechnical), Near East University, Cyprus - Received University Scholarship covering Full Tuition
• PhD in Architecture (Structural Engineering), Kyushu Institute of Technology, Japan

My transition from geotechnical to structural design and then into architectural engineering allowed me to bring an interdisciplinary perspective to my research.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Japanese Institutions?

I searched for programs in Japan that focused on glass structures and spatial systems. I reached out directly to professors with research that matched my interests, and I tailored my research proposal to align with both the lab and SPRING project goals.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the SPRING Fellowship?

SPRING was a competitive internal selection at Kyutech. I was nominated by my lab based on:

• Strong research progress
• Early publications
• A research plan that addressed global engineering challenges
• My willingness to collaborate internationally and pursue academic mobility

Once I was offered admission to the Kyushu Institute of Technology, the professor nominated me for this fellowship, and I was selected.

How Was Your Experience at Kyushu Institute of Technology?

The Building Structure Lab provided a highly collaborative environment. I had access to state-of-the-art facilities, mentorship from Professor Chen, and opportunities to pursue international research projects, funded under SPRING. The environment fostered not just academic growth but also leadership and innovation.

How Do You Rate the Kyushu Institute of Technology Academically and Why?

9/10 – Kyushu Institute of Technology is research-intensive, highly supportive of international projects, and provides meaningful career preparation through initiatives like SPRING.

How Does the Kyushu Institute of Technology Support International Students?

• English-language research environment
• Free Japanese language classes
• International student support office
• Career development and entrepreneurship training through SPRING

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or in Japanese?

My doctoral research was conducted entirely in English. For day-to-day activities and future career progression in Japan, Japanese language skills are essential.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically Not Knowing Japanese?

No academic problems. But learning basic Japanese is necessary for job searching and social integration in Japan after graduation.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

• Well-defined research proposal targeting real-world global issues
• Existing publications
• International research mindset
• Experience with both theoretical and applied aspects of structural design

What Would You Have Done Differently If You Were Going Through the Process Again?

I would have started Japanese language learning earlier and tried to build stronger academic and industry networks earlier during my PhD.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

• Build a strong research proposal connected to global issues
• Align your research with the institution’s and scholarship’s goals
• Publish early and consistently
• Engage with international research networks
• Learn Japanese if planning to live or work in Japan long term

Final Note

Receiving the SPRING scholarship was a turning point in my academic journey. It not only funded my PhD but also gave me the platform to grow as a global researcher, connect with international labs, and eventually launch my career in Japan’s architectural engineering industry.