#Japan #Tokyo #ASEAN #AHEAD50

ASEAN Human Resource Development Program in Japan

In November 2023, a significant event will take place in Japan as part of the ASEAN Human Resource Development Partners Support (AHEAD50) initiative, which marks the 50th anniversary of Japan-ASEAN friendship and cooperation. Eight representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat will visit Japan, divided into two groups focusing on financial integration and trade, industry, and emerging issues.

Group 1: Financial Integration

The first group consists of four officials from the Financial Integration Division, which oversees financial integration across ASEAN member states. Their agenda includes learning about Japan's approaches to sustainable finance, the digital economy, and disaster risk finance and insurance. The aim is to gather insights that will help enhance financial inclusion and stability, addressing strategic challenges essential for achieving ASEAN's financial integration.

Schedule for Group 1:

• - November 9 (Sunday): Arrival in Japan
• - November 10 (Monday): Lectures at the International Monetary Fund Institute and the Financial Services Agency's International Policy Bureau.
• - November 11 (Tuesday): Lecture at the Ministry of Finance, moving from Tokyo to Kyoto in the afternoon.
• - November 12 (Wednesday): Lecture at the Graduate School of Economics, Kyoto University, followed by a cultural experience in tea ceremony.
• - November 13 (Thursday): Visit to Enryaku-ji, travel back to Tokyo, and a lecture at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's GX Group on Environmental Finance.
• - November 14 (Friday): Workshop and reporting session.
• - November 15 (Saturday): Departure back to ASEAN countries.

Group 2: Trade, Industry, and Emerging Issues

The second group is also composed of four representatives, but from the Analysis and Monitoring on Trade, Industry, and Emerging Issues Division of the ASEAN Secretariat. This group aims to learn from Japan's advanced industrial ecosystem, innovative practices, and experiences in dealing with global economic fluctuations. The objective is to enhance cooperation and innovation among ASEAN member states, which will be pivotal for addressing new technologies and social challenges, ultimately fostering regional economic growth, competitiveness, and sustainability.

Schedule for Group 2:

• - November 16 (Sunday): Arrival in Japan
• - November 17 (Monday): Lecture at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry followed by a factory visit to a semiconductor manufacturing company, ABLEC.
• - November 18 (Tuesday): Visit to HAL Tokyo, transition from Tokyo to Kyoto, and a lecture at the Future Design and Engineering Institute of Kyoto Institute of Technology.
• - November 19 (Wednesday): Lecture at Ritsumeikan University Graduate School of Technology Management and a cultural tea ceremony experience, alongside another visit to Enryaku-ji.
• - November 20 (Thursday): Travel back to Tokyo for a lecture at the Asian Development Bank Institute.
• - November 21 (Friday): Workshop and reporting session.
• - November 22 (Saturday): Departure back home.

This initiative is being coordinated by the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE) and aims to create further avenues for cooperation between Japan and ASEAN, strengthening human resources through experiential learning about Japanese policies, systems, and practices. For more details, please visit the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

In conclusion, the visit of the ASEAN officials is not only a milestone in regional cooperation but showcases Japan's commitment to fostering sustainable development and innovation through shared knowledge. The two groups will gain invaluable experience that will contribute to the collective future of ASEAN economies.