#Japan #International Education #Okayama #Okayama University #Brazilian Trainees

A Milestone for International Collaboration

On December 16, 2025, Okayama University proudly hosted the completion ceremony for two Brazilian trainees, marking a significant achievement within the framework of the Okayama Prefecture's 'South America Next Generation Exchange Program.' The ceremony took place at the Okayama Prefectural Office and was attended by the trainees: Ms. Bruna Miura, along with key figures from the university, including Dr. Yasushi Nogami, the head of the Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, and Mr. Akihiro Nakamura, the head of the International Education Promotion Division.

The program aims to cultivate future business leaders through specialized training conducted in various local companies and universities. It further promotes mutual friendship between the trainees and local residents, enhancing cultural exchange and understanding. During the two-month training period, Ms. Miura engaged in rigorous research and studies focusing on information security engineering, under the guidance of Professor Nogami. This included investigating and comparing regulations on privacy data protection in Brazil and Japan, along with hands-on experiences in programming and IT tools aimed at analyzing phishing scams.

At the ceremony, Ms. Miura expressed her heartfelt gratitude, sharing that her mother had participated in a similar program nearly three decades ago, and it had been a dream of hers to visit Okayama. She highlighted the enriching experiences she had, not only in technical training but also in learning about Okayama's history and engaging with the local community. "I hope to leverage this experience in my life and connect it to future generations of Japanese descendants," she remarked.

The Governor of Okayama Prefecture, Mr. Ryuta Ibaraki, attended the event and presented certificates of completion to the trainees. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a network between Okayama and the world, expressing hopes for ongoing mutual exchanges. Additionally, he recognized Okayama University as a crucial partner in this initiative by presenting the institution with a letter of appreciation.

Okayama University continues to welcome international students from various countries, embodying its commitment to fostering globally competent individuals. The university aims to strengthen its role as a prominent research institution, dedicated to enhancing educational and cultural ties.

The event was not only a celebration of the trainees’ accomplishments but also a testament to the university's dedication to global collaboration. It showcased the success of educational programs that bridge cultural differences and prepare students for international careers.

As Okayama University progresses towards its vision of being a leader in nurturing the next generation of innovators and problem solvers, the efforts of students like Ms. Miura serve as an inspiration for both current and future participants of these transformative programs.

In conclusion, this step marks a significant advancement in promoting international cooperation and understanding, recognizing the value of fostering strong relationships between countries through education and shared experiences. The commitment of Okayama University to this cause reflects its long-term goals of societal contribution and global engagement.