Closing Ceremony of Second Short Online Program Delivered by the University of Technology, Jamaica to Chiba University

On September 29th, the closing ceremony of the second short online program delivered by the University of Technology, Jamaica to students of Chiba University took place, under the coordination of the Japan Association for the Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (JAPOLAC).

During the closing ceremony, Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, extended his congratulations to the administration and professors of the University of Technology, Jamaica, as well as to the students, professors, and staff at Chiba University for the successful
completion of the program.

The program covered various subjects, including the geography, history, and culture of Jamaica, ecology and climate change, an overview of Jamaica’s energy sector, and cultural interactions
between Japanese and Jamaican students.

As a result of the online program, the University of Technology, Jamaica, and Chiba University are finalizing an Agreement for Academic Exchange and Cooperation. They are also currently
negotiating another agreement for student exchange to further enhance the academic and research collaboration between both universities.

The closing ceremony counted on the distinguished presence of Her Excellency Shorna-Kay Richards, Ambassador of Jamaica to Japan; His Excellency, Yasuhiro Atsumi, Ambassador of Japan to Jamaica; Dr. Kevin Brown, President of the University of Technology, Jamaica, and Dr. Hiroaki Ozawa, Vice-President for Education of Chiba University.

Closing Ceremony of Fifth Short Online Program Delivered by the Panama Technological University to Chiba University

On September 26th, the closing ceremony of the fifth short online program delivered by Panama Technological University to students of Chiba University took place, under the coordination of the Japan Association for the Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (JAPOLAC).

During the closing ceremony Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, extended his congratulations to the administration and professors of Panama Technological University, as well as to the students, professors, and staff at Chiba University for the successful completion of the program.

Dr. Diaz emphasized that digital education is no longer merely a response to temporary challenges accelerated by the coronavirus pandemic; it has evolved into a permanent dimension in education, both locally and internationally, enabling universities, professors, and students to conduct their academic activities in a more cost-efficient manner.

The closing ceremony also counted on the distinguished presence of His Excellency Carlos Pere, Ambassador of Panama to Japan; His Excellency Hideo Fukushima, Ambassador of Japan to Panama; Honorable Margelia Palacios, Deputy Director of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama; Dr. Hiroaki Ozawa, Vice-President for Education at Chiba University; and Mrs. Mabel Del Cid, Director of International Relations at Panama Technological University, representing Dr. Omar Aizpurua, President of the university.

JAPOLAC Coordinated an Online Meeting between the Embassy of Panama to Japan, Niigata University of Health and Welfare and the Panama National Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

JAPOLAC coordinated an online meeting on September 14 between the Embassy of Panama to Japan, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, and the Panama National Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (INMFRE).

The purpose of the meeting was to introduce Niigata University of Health and Welfare (NUHW) to the Embassy of Panama in preparation for an upcoming educational visit by specialists from the Panama National Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (INMFRE) as part of the Sakura Science program. Additionally, the meeting aimed to foster a closer relationship between the Embassy and NUHW to facilitate future academic cooperation between Japan and Panama in the field of health.

Under the hosting and supervision of NUHW, four Panamanian specialists from INMFRE will participate in a 7-day seminar on “Japan’s Approach to Aging,” which will include a tour of private and public facilities near the University. Participants will also share their knowledge and experience regarding “Initiatives for the Elderly in Panama.”

Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, expressed gratitude to the three participating institutions, emphasizing that this collaboration represents a significant step towards promoting academic, research, and professional exchanges between Japan and Panama.

This initiative aligns with JAPOLAC’s objectives of promoting practical exchanges between Japan and countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, particularly in areas crucial for human development, such as healthcare.

The meeting was attended by H.E. Carlos Pere, Ambassador of Panama; Dr. Masatoyo Nishizawa, President of NUHW; Dr. Mineo Oyama, Vice President for Education of the university; Dr. Masayoshi Kubo, Director of the International Center; Dr. Gladys Rumbo, Director of INMFRE; and four specialists from the institute who will soon be travelling to Japan.

GRULAC Film Festival

JAPOLAC joins the collaborative effort to announce the upcoming GRULAC Film Festival organized by the Association of Heads of Mission of Latin America and the Caribbean in Japan (GRULAC). The Film Festival is scheduled to take place from September 29th to October 1st, 2023 and will take place at the LIBRA HALL, conveniently situated at Minato Park Shibaura 1F, 1-16-1, Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo.

The festival promises a captivating lineup of movies representing the rich and diverse cultures of Latin America and the Caribbean. Admission is free of charge.

JAPOLAC encourages the Japanese public and foreign residents in Japan to seize this unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant cultures of Latin America and the Caribbean through the magic of cinema.

Opening Ceremony of the Fifth Short Online Program (SOP) Delivered by the Panama Technological University to Chiba University Students

On September 5th, the fifth short online program, organized collaboratively by the Technological University of Panama, and Chiba University, was successfully implemented as part of the University Internationalization Program initiated by the Japan Association for Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (JAPOLAC).

During the opening ceremony, Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, thanked both universities for their effort in organizing the virtual academic program, which has been well-received by the students of Chiba University.

This three-week synchronous online program is designed for 29 Japanese students and is conducted entirely in English. It offers an overview of Panama, including the Panama Canal, the logistics hub and forest engineering in Central America. Additionally, the program features a dedicated segment for fostering cultural exchange and interaction between Japanese and Panamanian university students.

JAPOLAC’s short online programs are designed to provide practical knowledge about Latin American and Caribbean countries (LAC) to Japanese university students. These programs seek to encourage students to explore and engage with the LAC region through educational pursuits and on-site experiences.