Okayama University Students Participate in High-level ASEAN Smart City Meeting

Five students from the Global Discovery Program (GDP) at Okayama University participated in the 7th Japan-ASEAN Smart City Network High-level Meeting held in Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture, on November 10, 2025. Organized by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism of Japan, this annual meeting has served as a platform since its inception in 2019 to strengthen collaboration between Japan and ASEAN nations in the field of smart city development.

This year's focus was on 'Inclusivity'. Following a keynote speech, discussions included presentations on various initiatives across ASEAN, along with overall sessions and panel discussions centered on themes like disaster prevention and human-centered design. Attendees engaged in lively debates about successful case studies and the factors contributing to their success.

The GDP students played the role of student coordinators during the meeting, listening in from the attendees' section and participating in a business matching session that connected Japanese companies with officials from ASEAN member states. This session was aimed at facilitating collaborations in sectors like urbanization, transportation, waste management, and smart infrastructure. The students assisted the ASEAN delegation in fostering communication with businesses.

Nguyen Kha Manh, a senior student, expressed initial trepidation about how much they could contribute given the presence of government officials and experts. However, he emphasized the value of witnessing regional cooperation firsthand and working diligently as bridges between ASEAN and Japan.

Throughout the meeting, students gained insight into how international development agencies, including JICA, collaborate with Japanese enterprises to tackle urban issues in developing countries, such as urban flooding, waste disposal, traffic congestion, and spatial monitoring. They learned the significance of cross-border dialogue and the importance of cooperating to build a more resilient future.

The students conveyed their gratitude to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism for providing such invaluable opportunities and expressed their desire to apply the knowledge and experiences they gained to their future studies. They encouraged continued support for Okayama University as a unique research institution playing a crucial role in the region.

The event also featured a photo opportunity with Kenichi Kawamura, the Ministry’s Director of Overseas Project Affairs, along with student coordinators Le Hieu Minh, Sayavong Vinalath, Devica Afsari Putri, and Myo Myat Hnin.

The Global Discovery Program at Okayama University aims to foster international experiences and promote understanding of global issues, aligning with the university's commitment to regional collaboration and sustainability, based on the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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As a key player in educational and innovative approaches, Okayama University continues to enhance its role as a distinctive research university dedicated to fostering a collaborative and sustainable future.