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Universities partnered in the Program to Extend the International Reach of Japanese Universities (the “Re-inventing Japan Project”) for the “Education of Future Generations of Global Leaders in Medicine and Health in Coordination and Collaboration with ASEAN Countries” met in Jakarta (Jan. 30-31). At the same time, a workshop for undergraduates was conducted.

An inaugural meeting of universities partnered in the Program to Extend the International Reach of Japanese Universities (the “Re-inventing Japan Project”) took place in Jakarta. The current program is spearheaded by Kobe University’s Graduate School of Medicine and Graduate School of Health Sciences. Another Japanese partnering school is Osaka University. Indonesian partnering schools include the University of Indonesia, Gadjah Mada University, and Airlangga University, and Thai partnering schools include Mahidol University and Chiang Mai University. A workshop was also conducted at the University of Indonesia’s Faculty of Medicine Campus (Jakarta).

Partnered universities met on January 30^th at a meeting chaired by Hak Hotta, Vice Dean of the Graduate School of Medicine. Also attending from Kobe University were Chiharu Nakamura, Executive Vice President, Takayoshi Kuno, Assistant Dean of the Graduate School of Medicine, and Toshiro Shirakawa, Associate Professor in the Graduate School of Health Sciences. The Kobe University representatives described program efforts taking place at the University. Attending from Osaka University were Nakaba Sugimoto, Professor in the Graduate School of Medicine and Professor Kazuyoshi Ikuta (Research Institute for Microbial Diseases). Attendees from universities in ASEAN countries included Ratna Sitompul, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine (University of Indonesia), Agung Pranoto, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine (Airlangga University), Ahmad Hamim Sadewa, Professor in the Faculty of Medicine (Gadjah Mada University), Puwat Charukamnoetkanok Assistant to the President for International Relations (Mahidol University), Chirayu Auewarakul, Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Medicine (Mahidol University, Siriraj Hospital), Vorasruang Thongsukh, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Medicine (Mahidol University, Ramathibodi Hospital), and Nuthapong Ukarapol, Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Medicine (Chiang Mai University). Attendees from universities in ASEAN countries delivered presentations and contributed to an active discussion. Greater understanding of the program was instilled and future cooperation was encouraged.

The workshop conducted on January 31^st was fully arranged by students from Kobe University and the University of Indonesia. Students took care of everything from pre-departure preparations and planning to meetings and practice prior to the workshop and even conducted the workshop itself. From Kobe University, Toshiaki Kato, a student in the Graduate School of Medicine (2^nd year in the doctoral program) and Suzuka Ozaki, a student in the Graduate School of Health Sciences (1^st year in the master’s program), both of whom are participants in the Credited Program, gave presentations. Presentations were also given by seven previous participants in the seminar program: Saki Takei, Yoshino Hasegawa, Nin Ma, Li Li Zhang, and Nur Imma Fatimah Harahap, all of whom are students in the Graduate School of Medicine, and Hiromi Minato and Yuki Nakanishi, both of whom are students in the Graduate School of Health Sciences. Yuka Ohori, a student in the Graduate School of Medicine of Osaka University, also gave a presentation. From the University of Indonesia, the students Meutia Ayuputeri Kumaheri, Mirari Prasada Judio, Hartiyowidi Yuliawuri, Dwi Hilda Putri, Ariel Pradipta, and Denni Joko Purwanto also gave presentations. In addition to the student presenters, the workshop was attended by many students and personnel associated with the University of Indonesia. During the workshop, participants engaged in enthusiastic discussions, and once the workshop concluded, certificate of completions were awarded.

The next workshop is scheduled to take place at Mahidol University (Bangkok). Many graduate students and undergraduates who are interested in research and medical care from universities in ASEAN countries are expected to participate in the program.