The 3rd JAPAN-ASEAN Universities Exchange Meeting
～Deepening inter-university cooperation between Japan and ASEAN through talent circulation and co-creation～

Event Report

The Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), a National Research and Development Agency, held the 3rd Japan-ASEAN University Exchange Meeting: Deepening collaboration between Japanese and ASEAN universities through talent circulation and co-creation on August 22, 2026, at the Hotel Metropolitan Edmont Tokyo in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo.

Japan and ASEAN have built a multilayered cooperative relationship over the years. However, in addressing shared challenges such as the rapid advancement of science and technology, changes in the education and research environment, and the realization of a sustainable society, there is a growing need for universities to further deepen their strategic partnerships and people-to-people exchanges.

This exchange meeting brought together leaders from leading universities in Japan and the ASEAN region to discuss promoting international collaborative research in areas of mutual priority, the international mobility and development of early-career researchers, and establishing inter-university networks and collaborative frameworks to support science and technology cooperation. Through these discussions, the meeting aimed to strengthen cross-regional university partnerships and foster long-term, sustainable intellectual networks.

During the opening ceremony, JST President HASHIMOTO Kazuhito expressed his appreciation for the participation of presidents and vice presidents from 15 universities and one organization (the ASEAN University Network) representing 10 ASEAN countries, including Timor-Leste, which officially joined ASEAN in October 2025, as well as 20 universities from Japan.
He further expressed his hope that the exchange meeting would serve as an opportunity for new discoveries and co-creation for both Japan and ASEAN. He also stated JST’s commitment to continuing its active support for strengthening collaboration between the two regions.

In addition, TAKEDA Norimasa, Deputy Director-General, Science and Technology Policy Bureau, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), referred to the NEXUS Program (Networked Exchange, United Strength for Stronger Partnerships between Japan and ASEAN in Science, Technology and Innovation) and the Sakura Science Program. He stated that “through these initiatives, we hope to further accelerate knowledge co-creation and innovation between Japan and ASEAN,” and expressed his expectation that academic exchange and collaboration between the two regions would continue to expand and deepen.

In the keynote address, TAKADA Junichi, Executive Vice President of the Institute of Science Tokyo and Deputy Executive Director of NEXUS, took the stage. Drawing on his own experience, he spoke about the importance of (1) advancing research excellence and accelerating innovation, (2) developing the next generation of globally minded talent, and (3) strengthening research and educational infrastructures.
He also introduced the NEXUS program and the AUN/SEED-Net (ASEAN University Network/Southeast Asia Engineering Education Development Network) as key initiatives for achieving these goals. Emphasizing the significance of academic and research collaboration between Japan and ASEAN, he highlighted their role in fostering sustainable partnerships and promoting regional innovation.

During the subsequent roundtable discussions, participants were divided into two groups to explore the topic of “Exploring New Possibilities for International Collaboration in Research and Human Resource Development.” The discussions were facilitated by OHTAKE Naoto, Executive Vice President of the Institute of Science Tokyo, for Group A, and YASHIRO Tomonari, President of Tokyo City University, for Group B. Participants engaged in active exchanges of views on how to further advance university collaboration between Japan and ASEAN.

The discussions highlighted a range of challenges to strengthening inter-university cooperation. These included institutional issues, such as differences in academic calendars and admission schedules, as well as practical challenges related to the administrative procedures required to establish university agreements. Participants also exchanged views on approaches to collaboration with industry.

Participants emphasized the need to streamline cooperation by standardizing procedures, including those relating to credit transfer, and by sharing best practices among universities to facilitate the smoother implementation of collaborative programs. In addition, a variety of proposals were put forward to promote stronger partnerships between academia and industry.

At the networking reception attended by all participants, the commitment to further advancing inter-university partnerships and academic and research collaboration between Japan and ASEAN was reaffirmed in a warm and convivial atmosphere. The reception featured, among other highlights, a witty and engaging address by NASU Yasutomo, President of Okayama University, which helped foster lively exchanges among participants and strengthened mutual understanding and connections across the region.