#Japan #Okayama #Okayama University #KIBINOVE #Job Share

Okayama University Holds Job Share Conference

On February 10, 2026, Okayama University conducted a hybrid conference focusing on the overseas operations in Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand. The event, hosted at the KIBINOVE (Co-Creation Innovation Lab) on the university's Tsushima campus, aimed to share the insights and experiences of staff involved in these overseas assignments. This initiative is part of the university's Job Share Program, introduced in August 2025, which allows employees to engage in concurrent roles within the university while enhancing their professional development.

Objectives of the Conference

The primary goal of the conference was to facilitate knowledge sharing among the staff. Participants from various departments were encouraged to discuss the challenges faced in international student recruitment and other related tasks. A total of 36 administrative and educational staff attended, both in-person and online. The event began with opening remarks from Keiko Tamura, the head of the International Planning Department, who highlighted the importance of collaborative learning and knowledge transfer.

Key Presentations

The first segment featured reports from four staff members about their experiences in Laos and Cambodia. They presented their activities, highlighting valuable lessons learned during their time abroad, which included teaching methodologies, cultural exchanges, and practical challenges in engaging with local communities.

Two other staff members shared their experiences from Thailand, discussing the unique aspects of their assignments and the skills they developed. Moreover, Yusuke Nii, a senior professional from the International Planning Department, emphasized the crucial considerations for promoting Okayama University during overseas recruitment efforts. His presentation underlined the importance of adaptability in interactions with potential international students.

Interactive Workshops

In the second part of the conference, attendees split into three groups to brainstorm solutions for challenges identified during the presentations. Each group facilitated active discussions with the presenters, focusing on strategies to improve international student recruitment and the necessary institutional support in achieving these goals. At the conclusion, representatives of each group shared their insights, fostering a collaborative atmosphere.

Human Resources Manager Yumiko Morimoto provided closing remarks, expressing gratitude for the contributions and active engagement of all participants.

Aspirations and Continuing Efforts

This conference represents a significant step toward systematizing the knowledge gained through international experiences within Okayama University. The Job Share Program aims not only to develop individual staff competencies but also to strengthen the overall organizational capabilities of the university.

Okayama University is committed to nurturing "knowledge workers"—individuals who can utilize their expertise to create new values and adapt to various challenges, backed by the initiative known as J-PEAKS. This project seeks to enhance the university's reputation as a core research institution with unique characteristics.

Participant Feedback

Attendees expressed appreciation for the opportunity to learn about the difficulties and achievements encountered by those who participated in overseas jobs. Many emphasized the necessity of knowledge sharing and its implications for their current roles. Some vocalized a renewed sense of motivation to integrate their international experiences into everyday interactions with students and colleagues, advocating for systemic improvements initiated at the grassroots level.

In conclusion, Okayama University's Job Share Program and the recent hybrid conference underscore the institution's dedication to enhancing staff skills through diverse international engagements while fostering an environment of collaborative learning. This approach not only benefits individual faculty and staff but also enhances the university's position in a global academic context.

Upcoming Initiatives

As Okayama University continues to develop its capabilities, fostering flexible and responsive personnel equipped with broad perspectives remains paramount. The initiatives within the J-PEAKS framework are expected to produce a new generation of educators and researchers who are not only locally engaged but also globally aware.