Okayama University Opened Its Office for Global Network Project to Promote Study in Japan (ASEAN Regional Office) in Malaysia
On May 16, Okayama University (OU) held an opening ceremony for its new office for the Global Network Project to Promote Study in Japan (ASEAN Regional Office), located at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) in Malaysia.
The ceremony was celebrated by over 100 distinguished guests including His Excellency Mr. SHIKATA Noriyuki, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia; YBhg. Dato’ Professor Ir. Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah, Vice Chancellor of UPM; Prof. Dr. Rosfarizan Mohamad, Dean of the Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences (FBSB) of UPM; and representatives from alumni associations, educational institutions, and other related organizations.
In his congratulatory address, H.E. Mr. Shikata expressed his expectations for the project’s role in further strengthening the ties between Japanese and Malaysian universities. Dato’ Prof. Ir. Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah of UPM also shared his confidence in deepening educational and research collaboration between the two countries. President Dr. NASU of OU extended his sincere appreciation to all those who supported the establishment of the office and the project. A highlight of the event was the speech by Prof. Dr. Foo Hooi Ling of FBSB at UPM, who reflected on over 30 years of collaboration between UPM and OU, emphasizing their deep ties forged through their collaborative research projects. Prof. Dr. SUZUKI Takayoshi, Vice President for International Affairs and Alumni at OU, concluded the ceremony by introducing the project’s goals and activities.
Prior to the ceremony, the OJEIC Opening Commemorative Seminar on Study in Japan was held, with participation from 90 UPM students, researchers, and faculty members. Representatives from SixERS* including Prof. Dr. ICHINOSE Yuki, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at OU, introduced their respective universities, distinctive research and academic programs. Dr. Siang Hee Tan, an alumnus of both UPM and OU, shared his personal experience of studying in Japan. Ms. SUGIYAMA Sachiko, a Study in Japan coordinator, provided general information on studying in Japan. Ms. FURUBAYASHI Rina and Ms. Farah Ammar from the Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur shared various programs and available grants. Last but not least, Mr. FUJII Hiroto from the Japan Science and Technology Agency introduced NEXUS and Sakura Science programs in relation to Japan-ASEAN cooperation. The seminar concluded with a successful interactive networking session between students and the speakers.
In collaboration with universities, educational institutions, alumni associations and related organizations in both Malaysia and Japan, the new OJEIC Malaysia office is committed to supporting Malaysian students and individuals aspiring to study in Japan.
*SixERs is the Consortium of Six National Universities in Japan consisting of Chiba University, Niigata University, Kanazawa University, OU, Nagasaki University, and Kumamoto University
● About the “Global Network Project to Promote Study in Japan (ASEAN Regional Office)”:
The “Global Network Project to Promote Study in Japan (ASEAN Regional Office)” is a Japanese government initiative designed to accelerate the international mobility of students to and from Japan. OU was appointed by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan to implement this project, which aims to double the number of international students from ASEAN regions to 103,861 within five years of the project period (April 2024 to March 2028).
As of May 2025, the project has nine overseas offices in six countries: Myanmar (Yangon and Mandalay), Thailand (Bangkok), Cambodia (Phnom Penh), Laos (Vientiane), Indonesia (Jakarta, Surabaya and the University of Indonesia) and Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur). From these offices, we will promote our activities to recruit outstanding international students from ASEAN to study in Japan.
