Okayama University's Global Discovery Program Students Participate in IMF Training Initiative

Participants from Okayama University in IMF Training

Two students from the Global Discovery Program (GDP) at Okayama University, Nguyen Ka Man (3rd year) and Le Mai Tan (4th year), were selected to participate in the 23rd Macroeconomist Training Program sponsored by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Asia-Pacific Office. This prestigious event took place in Tokyo from March 26 to 28, 2025.

The training program provided a simulation of the economic monitoring operations typical of IMF member countries, involving around 20 participants. They explored macreconomic analysis, focusing particularly on the stability of national economies, future scenarios, potential vulnerabilities, and opportunities for structural policy reform. The participants analyzed national economies by categorizing them into four primary sectors: the real economy, external sector, fiscal sector, and financial sector. This method allowed them to evaluate how policy decisions in one sector can affect others, using examples from Laos and Malaysia.

Throughout the program, the group discussed various complex policy challenges, drawing on real case studies such as the IMF intervention strategies in Sri Lanka. This in-depth examination provided insight into the trade-offs policymakers face in a dynamic global landscape. On the final day of the program, participants were divided into groups tasked with analyzing the economic situations in Thailand or Vietnam, evaluating risk factors, and proposing new policy recommendations.

Nguyen and Le expressed their gratitude for the opportunity, stating, "We gained invaluable insights into how macroeconomic monitoring and policy formation are conducted within international institutions. Although the workshops were conducted in Japanese, which initially made us nervous, we found the experience enlightening as we interacted with professionals and experts working at the IMF. We hope to apply the knowledge and experiences we've gained in our future studies." Their reflections encapsulate both the challenges and the rewarding aspects of engaging with high-level economic discussions and frameworks.

As the region's core research university, Okayama University is dedicated to fostering opportunities such as this to enrich the learning experience and support its students in contributing to global knowledge. The achievements of Nguyen and Le highlight the increasing collaborative efforts between educational institutions and international organizations in enhancing educational quality and global engagement.

For more information about the Global Discovery Program at Okayama University, visit the official website here.

As Okayama University continues to strengthen its ties with global initiatives, it remains committed to being a leading institution for research while also educating future leaders in various fields. This successful program underlines the importance of experiential learning in higher education and reflects the university's mission in supporting sustainable development goals (SDGs) across its initiatives.

Stay tuned for more updates on Okayama University's unique programs and student achievements in the future.