Okayama University’s Faculty of Economics invited faculty members and students from international partner universities Kangwon National University (South Korea), National University of Singapore (Singapore), and National Chiayi University (Taiwan) to participate in an online workshop held in English on December 3. Including 39 students from our Faculty of Economics, a total of 60 people participated.

In fiscal year 2018 and 2019, the Faculty of Economics sent more than 100 students abroad annually; however, due to the spread of the COVID-19, all overseas programs were cancelled in fiscal year 2020. Under these circumstances, members at the Committee on International Exchange of the Faculty of Economics organized the workshop to give students an opportunity to experience some form of international exchange.

Professor TSURI Masao of Okayama University gave a presentation on how the pandemic has affected the Japanese economy, followed by Associate Professor Hendrik Meyer-Ohle, Department of Japanese Studies, National University of Singapore, Professor Hung-Wen Lee, Dean of College of Management, National Chiayi University in Taiwan, and undergraduate Seungyeop Baek from Kangwon National University in South Korea, who explained the effects of the coronavirus in each countries, as well as the current state and infection control measures of their universities.

In the second half of the workshop, participants were divided into 7 groups using Zoom’s “breakout room” feature. We had a lively discussion on two topics: "What was/is the biggest impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on your life?", and "How can we carry out international exchange during and after the COVID-19 pandemic?" Afterwards, a representative from each group reported on the discussion in the main session. It was a meaningful experience for the participants to share their experiences and opinions with one another regardless of position or nationality.

While our activities are restricted, participants from different parts of the world were able to come together for 2 hours by using the internet and English as a common language. Okayama University students participated the workshop actively and demonstrated their English skills as facilitators and presenters. After receiving positive feedback from the workshop participants, the Faculty of Economics plans to enhance opportunities for similar online events in the near future.
　
【Program】
< Opening remarks >
Professor Xingyuan ZHANG, Dean of Faculty of Economics, Okayama university
< Keynote speech >
・Japanese Economy During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Consumption, Trade and Policy
Professor TSURI Masao, Faculty of Economics, Okayama University
・COVID-19 and NUS-Singapore
Associate Professor Hendrik Meyer-Ohle, Department of Japanese Studies, National University of Singapore
・The COVID-19 in South Korea
Mr Seungyeop Baek (Student, Kangwon National University
・Prevention and Control of COVID-19 at the National Chiayi University, Taiwan
Professor Hung-Wen Lee, Dean of College of Management, National Chiayi University

< Discussion >
Topic 1: "What was/is the biggest impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on your life?"
Topic 2: "How can we carry out international exchange during and after the COVID-19 pandemic?"

【Organizer】
Okayama University’s Faculty of Economics

【Cooperation】
Okayama University Campus Asia Secretariat