#Japan #Okayama #Okayama University #PMI Asia-Pacific #SDGs Innovation

Meeting of Academic Leaders and Project Management Experts

On March 14, 2025, Okayama University, based in the northern district of Okayama city, hosted an important meeting with esteemed guests from the Project Management Institute (PMI) Asia-Pacific. The meeting included SoHyun Kang, the Regional Managing Director of PMI Asia-Pacific, and Akihara Osamu, the Regional Partner Success Manager. From the university's side, President Yasuto Nasu was present along with key members from the technical department and the Research and Innovation Co-Creation Management Division. This meeting served as a significant opportunity to foster collaboration between PMI and the university, particularly following their joint efforts since the introduction of the PM Award in Japan in 2021.

During the discussions, President Nasu and Director Kang exchanged valuable insights on the current state of higher education in Japan and the global arena, focusing particularly on project management (PM) and the importance of cultivating skilled professionals in this field. The dialogue confirmed the essential role PM skills play in equipping staff and students alike, setting the stage for future collaborations.

This visit was not only ceremonial but also tactical, reinforcing the outcomes of their past partnerships, which aim to enhance project management capabilities within the university's technical departments. The PM Award, a recognition for outstanding project management practices, notably includes the Okayama University SDGs Innovation Award, showing the institution's commitment to sustainability and innovation.

In a strategic move forward, plans were discussed to integrate PMI Asia-Pacific's resources and expertise into existing training programs. This includes overseas training initiatives and support for obtaining professional certifications like the Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM). By pooling resources and knowledge with PMI, Okayama University is positioning itself to broaden its educational offerings and enhance skill development alongside industry expectations.

Satoshi Nobuhito, the Vice President and head of the Technical Department at Okayama University, emphasized that the collaboration with PMI has extended beyond local endeavors to a more global perspective. He noted the applicability of PM in various academic and educational settings, highlighting its potential to assist in achieving academic credentials within standard duration while promoting innovative teaching methodologies.

Furthermore, as a major player in the educational sector, Okayama University has adopted a long-term vision for 2050, aiming to contribute to societal transformation while fostering innovation alongside various stakeholders. This commitment is underlined in their pursuit of becoming a leading research university that contributes to local and global futures.

In his remarks, President Nasu expressed his enthusiasm for Director Kang's visit, recalling their past encounters during the PM Award ceremonies where discussions centered on the value of PM talent in academia. The current meeting marked a new chapter in their dialogue about the role of PM's strategic contribution to research and education.

As Okayama University forges ahead, it is clear that this partnership with PMI will greatly enhance the university's capability to produce knowledge workers—individuals equipped to drive social change through innovative management practices.

In summary, the collaboration between Okayama University and PMI Asia-Pacific represents a significant step towards establishing a robust global network in project management education. The outcomes of such partnerships promise not only to elevate the standards of education but also to enhance the university's role as a pivotal contributor to research and innovation that benefits society at large.

Conclusion

As this partnership develops, the university aims to equip its students with the skills necessary to thrive in a competitive global environment, reinforcing its status as a leading institution committed to excellence in education and societal advancement.