The year 2022 marks the 40th anniversary since the Malaysian government adopted the Look East Policy (LEP), which aims to promote Malaysia's socioeconomic development by enabling young Malaysians to learn the secrets of Japan’s successful development. In commemoration of the 40th anniversary, Okayama University held an online seminar called “Let’s Ask Seniors!” in cooperation with the Alumni Look East Policy Society (ALEPS), the Malaysian Branch of Okayama University International Alumni Association (OUIAA) and the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) Malaysian Office. The seminar also forms part of the activities led by the Study in Japan Global Network Project (Southeast Asia) under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).

The seminar provided a wide range of information on studying in Japan to young Malaysians hoping to study abroad in the future. During the seminar, participants had the opportunity to hear from alumni of Japan who have made significant contribution to the development of Malaysia and Japan, Okayama University faculty members with abundant study abroad experiences, and Malaysian students currently studying at Okayama University.

First, Okayama University Vice President for International Affairs SUZUKI Takayoshi and ALEPS President Zulfiqar Zainuddin opened the seminar with remarks on the historical development of study abroad opportunities for Malaysian students in Japan and their expectations for the future, followed by OUIAA Malaysia Branch President Azri Zainal Abdin, who spoke about his own positive experiences studying in Okayama. Then, the Discovery Program for Global Learners Associate Professor USHIDA Eiko elaborated on the benefits of studying in Japan in general and Okayama University in particular.

Next, four Malaysian students currently enrolled in Okayama University introduced the student life in Okayama and shared practical information for living in Japan, such as how to find halaal food. They were followed by alumnus of Japan Shamsul Haq bin Md Noh, who shared his career experiences working in both Japanese and Malaysian companies, giving participants an idea of possible career opportunities after completing a study abroad program in Japan. Finally, JASSO Malaysian Office Raymond Tan provided information for Malaysian students who want to study in Japan.

Before the coronavirus pandemic, Japan has 2,000 and 3,000 Malaysian students every year (including Malaysian government-sponsored students). The Study in Japan Global Network Project (Southeast Asia) is committed to assisting students who wish to study in Japan, and aims to support the education and training of young people willing to contribute to the development of both countries.


〇What is Study in Japan Global Network Project in ASEAN?

Okayama University was appointed to implement the “Study in Japan Global Network Project in ASEAN” which is funded by Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) - Japan in 2019. Our aim is to increase the number of international students from ASEAN 1.5 times in 5 years. In the previous phase, Okayama University was commissioned by MEXT - Japan to implement the “Coordinator for Study in Japan (Myanmar)” in 2014, aiming to double the number of students from Myanmar over a 5-year period. As a result, Okayama University were able to triple the number of students in 4 years, achieving our goal one year ahead. In 2018, the name of the project was changed to “Study in Japan Global Network Project in ASEAN” and the target region was expanded to 10 ASEAN countries.
Currently, Okayama University has oversea offices in Yangon and Mandalay (Myanmar), Bangkok (Thailand), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), and Vientiane (Laos). From these 5 bases, Okayama University will work to recruit excellent international students from ASEAN to study in Japan.