On Friday, May 8, Prof. Hayashi Toru (Deputy Director, Center for Management of Teaching and Learning) from Kanazawa University and Prof. Shorb Patrick from Kansai University of International Studies visited Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST) to conduct interviews regarding our initiatives under JICA AUN/SEED-Net Platform Enhancement Phase and Collaborative Education Program. During the visit, the research group was welcomed by Dr. Ohta Jun (Executive Director/Vice President), Dr. Maki Hisaji (Deputy Director, Strategic Initiative for Global Leadership Development), and Prof. Ajiro Hiroharu (Division of Materials Science).
Dr. Ohta provided an overview of our university's initiatives through the project, highlighting outcomes such as the double degree program with Kasetsart University (Thailand) and the strengthened research and educational collaboration with ASEAN countries. Subsequently, Prof. Hayashi and Prof. Shorb obtained more detailed information on the specific initiatives through interviews. Afterwards, Prof. Ajiro explained the expansion of these efforts into the Networked Exchange, United Strength for Stronger Partnerships between Japan and ASEAN (NEXUS) and its outcomes, while introducing specific initiatives. Active discussions were then held on future collaboration with ASEAN countries, including the potential for student and researcher exchanges.
In addition, interviews were conducted regarding the UEA (University Education Administrator), a position established within the Strategic Initiative for Education and Career Development as part of a support system under the MEXT Top Global University Project program selected in 2014, aimed at enabling faculty members to focus on education and research. Dr. Maki provided an explanation of the functions of the UEA at NAIST to date, as well as the progressive expansion of its role within the J-PEAKS program.
Prof. Hayashi and Prof. Shorb, both leading experts in the field of "Japan's Contributions to Engineering Education in Southeast Asia," highly praised NAIST's initiatives in ASEAN countries as forward-looking, making it a particularly valuable opportunity for us.