#Japan #Myanmar earthquake #Okayama #Okayama University #MABA

Okayama University Extends Aid to Myanmar After Earthquake

On March 28, 2025, a devastating earthquake struck the Sagaing and Mandalay regions of Myanmar, leading to significant loss and suffering for many. In response, Okayama University expressed heartfelt condolences to the victims and mobilized efforts for assistance.

On May 24, 2025, faculty and staff at Okayama University, alongside the Tsushokai (Okayama Medical Alumni Association), collected donations totaling $1,588. This amount was delivered to the Myanmar-Japan Alliance Business Association (MABA), an organization actively participating in volunteer efforts for disaster relief in Myanmar.

The donation was handed over to MABA's president, Nay Lin, by Asami Torigoe, an employee from the university's International Planning Office, and Shigeru Okada, the president of the Japan-Myanmar Medical Human Resource Development Association and an honorary professor at Okayama University. MABA has been on the ground since the day after the earthquake, providing emergency medical support and distributing necessary supplies to the affected areas. They have also assisted the Japanese government’s medical teams during their operations.

MABA plans to continue its relief efforts, including the installation of water purification systems in the impacted areas to further infrastructure restoration. This initiative is part of the "Strengthening Overseas Network Functions for the Promotion of Japanese Studies," a project commissioned by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). Okayama University closely collaborated with MABA by establishing the Okayama University Japanese Studies Information Center (OJEIC) in a building owned by MABA in Mandalay, which unfortunately suffered damages due to the earthquake.

Currently, both MABA and the OJEIC Mandalay office have temporarily relocated to a provisional office. The university expresses deep gratitude to all donors whose warm support has made this aid possible. Okayama University continues to wish for the swift recovery of the disaster-affected regions.

Photo Highlights

• - A moment captured during the handover of donations to MABA’s Nay Lin president.
• - Current scenes of the Mandalay region post-earthquake emphasizing the ongoing need for assistance.

Supporting References

• - Okayama University and the Ministry of Education's overseas network enhancement project details can be found on this link.
• - For further information about Okayama University's ASEAN strategies, visit this article.

As a national university corporation, Okayama University actively supports the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and has recently received a special award in Japan's first SDGs Awards by the government. A commitment to education and co-creation of innovative solutions for local and global challenges is at the forefront of Okayama University's mission.