The conference took place from October 20th - November 3rd, 2019. This is the second year the program is organized to introduce Asian students about research and training program in Japan as well as offer them the chance to experience a short course in the land of the rising sun.

This year, the program was organized with the participation of more than 20 students from 5 universities including Kasetsart University (Thailand), Zhejiang University of Science and Technology (China), Peradeniya University (Srilanka) ), Saga University (Japan) and VNU University of Economics and Business.

With the cross-cutting theme of the program is "Sustainable development: opportunities and challenges in Asia". For the first time participating, a group of students from the VNU University of Economics and Business, including Nguyen Huong Thao (QH-2016-E International Economics) and Pham Minh Hoai (QH-2015-E Economics) has delivered presentation on the topic of Sustainable Tourism Development in Hoi An and participated in discussions about issues related to the Sustainable Development Goals with students from Japan and other countries in Asia.

 

Student groups present at the conference

Within the framework of the program, in addition to the conference, students also had the opportunity to visit and experience in the Hirata Chair manufacturing Co., Kyushu Forestry Company, Saga Waste Treatment Plant, Saga Wastewater Treatment Plant, and observe the process of using drones in agriculture in Saga. Through these field trips, students had the opportunity to learn about the production process, waste treatment process and the application of modern technology in production to improve productivity and limit negative impacts on the environment and make the most of raw materials.

 

International students have had the opportunity to participate in many rewarding field trip activities

In addition to lessons and field trips, students also had the opportunity to visit famous landmarks in Kyushu, Japan. Within the framework of the program, from October 31 to November 4, there was also the Saga International Balloon Fiesta. This is an annual program in Saga Prefecture, bringing together many famous air balloon pilots around the world.

 

Stunning images at the "Saga Balloon Festival 2019", one of the tourist attractions of Saga Prefecture, Japan.

In addition, students also had a field trip to learn about volcanic activity, how the Japanese responded to volcanoes and earthquakes at Aso Volcano Park in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, and visit the Peace Museum in Nagasaki Prefecture, which preserved images and relics from the atomic bombing of the city in 1945.

 

Students had memorable experiences at many famous places of Kyushu, Japan

Another special feature of the program is that students have the opportunity to experience Japanese culture and life in the homestay program. Students from Asian countries got the chance to experience Japanese culture, beliefs and lifestyles, while living with the locals.

 

International students visit and chat with the Dean of Faculty of Economics - Saga University

The program gave Vietnamese students valuable experiences and the chance to learn from the Japanese experiences in Sustainable development goals Through this program, Saga University also hopes that in the future, there will be more students from VNU University of Economics and Business to participate in cultural exchanges and learning at the university towards the goal of education internationalization.