Okayama University Strengthens International Collaboration in Malaysia

Enhancing Global Education Ties: Okayama University in Malaysia

On May 15, 2025, President Tomoyo Nasu of Okayama University, along with Deputy President Takayoshi Suzuki and Dean Yuki Ichinose, attended the opening ceremony for the Okayama University Japan Study Promotion Information Center (OJEIC) office in Malaysia. Before the ceremony, they paid a courtesy visit to Ambassador Yoshiyuki Shirakawa at the Japanese Embassy in Malaysia.

During their meeting, Ambassador Shirakawa emphasized the importance of fostering exchanges between Japan and Malaysia, specifically highlighting initiatives for university collaborations and promoting student exchanges between the two nations. This was further supported by Counselor Tatsuya Kitaoka, who discussed the advancements in double-degree and joint-degree programs aimed at enhancing academic ties.

The officials also shared insights on recent developments in Malaysian private universities, including notable initiatives and the socioeconomic context, such as the continuous increase in household income and its implications for education.

In response, Okayama University presented details about its programs and the collaborative frameworks operating locally in Japan. The discussions provided a valuable opportunity for exchanging viewpoints on future strategies.

With the guidance received from Ambassador Shirakawa and Counselor Kitaoka, the newly established OJEIC office in Malaysia is poised to enhance its efforts in promoting study abroad opportunities in Japan on a nationwide scale.

A Broader Mission: Promoting Japanese Studies Abroad

The Japan Study Promotion Initiative, focused on Southeast Asia, began in the 2024 fiscal year under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). The ambitious goal is to double the number of international students from ASEAN countries to 103,861 within five years. Okayama University had previously implemented a similar initiative in Myanmar, resulting in a threefold increase in students over four years, from 2014 to 2019.

Since fiscal 2019, the program has evolved into an expanded framework called the Japan Study Overseas Center Cooperation Promotion Project, now targeting ten ASEAN nations. Currently, Okayama University has established offices not just in Myanmar and Thailand but also in Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, and Malaysia, widening its reach to attract talented students from the ASEAN region.

The proactive steps undertaken by the Okayama University aim to strengthen educational collaboration and promote mutual understanding among young scholars while enhancing the university's international presence.

Okayama University's efforts underline the commitment to being a central stakeholder in global education.

Call to Action for Future Collaboration

As Okayama University continues its mission, they invite educational institutions and stakeholders across Malaysia and ASEAN to engage in future initiatives. The university emphasizes the importance of international collaboration in fostering a conducive environment for education and innovation. With Malaysia positioned as a key partner, the upcoming years hold much promise for expanding academic ties and offering enriching study programs for students eager to embark on global educational journeys.

The university looks forward to further collaboration with Malaysian universities and contributions to the global educational landscape. Their efforts not only promote study opportunities in Japan but also aim to foster mutual understanding between Japan and ASEAN countries, paving the way for a brighter future for students across the region.