#Japan #Tokyo #Young Leaders #JENESYS #ASEAN Project

The Japan-ASEAN Partnership Project

In a groundbreaking initiative, the Japan-ASEAN Partnership Project is set to launch, fostering collaboration among the next generation of leaders from Japan and ASEAN countries. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this program aims to tackle common social issues that confront the Asia-Pacific region through cooperative business planning and cultural exchange.

The program will see 30 participants comprising university students, graduate students, and young professionals from both Japan and 24 ASEAN nations. Over a two-week intensive engagement, participants will live and learn together, deepening their understanding of societal challenges in both regions. The program kicks off with lessons on Japan's approaches to social issues and support for social businesses in Tokyo and Fukuoka, while also providing participants with rich cultural experiences of Japanese life. Following this, the group will travel to Bangkok, Thailand, to examine various social issues within ASEAN and the corresponding responses and support systems in place.

The participants will be split into two thematic groups focusing on environmental issues and climate change and digital infrastructure development. These sessions will allow for detailed discussions, aiming to generate innovative social business plans that address these pressing challenges. The culmination of this program will be a presentation of their findings, showcasing their unique business solutions aimed at addressing the selected issues.

The expectation is that these young leaders will not only contribute new value through their collaborative efforts but will also continue forging stronger ties between Japan and ASEAN nations, ultimately fostering solidarity in the Asian region.

Program Overview

• - Name: JENESYS Phase III, Japan-ASEAN Partnership Project
• - Participating Countries: Japan and ASEAN nations
• - Number of Participants: 30, including 24 from ASEAN nations and six from Japan
• - Locations Visited: Tokyo and Fukuoka, Japan; Bangkok, Thailand
• - Themes: Social Business

- Group A: Environmental Issues & Climate Change
- Group B: Digital Infrastructure Development

• - Implementation Language: English

Schedule

The program is scheduled from February 8 to February 22, 2026. Participants will engage in various activities, such as:

• - February 8 (Arrival): Leadership training and introductions.
• - February 10: Thematic site visits relevant to climate change and digital infrastructure.
• - February 11: Cultural experiences like making matcha and Japanese sweets.
• - February 16: Transition to Bangkok, joining ASEAN peers for discussions.
• - February 20: Final report preparations and presentations of business plans.
• - February 21: Program concludes with disbanding and departures.

As the world faces increasingly complex challenges, initiatives such as the Japan-ASEAN Partnership Project represent a proactive response, nurturing future leaders to be well-informed, culturally aware, and ready to contribute to a sustainable future.