On September 6, the Technological University of Panama and Chiba University launched the seventh edition of their short online program as part of the University Internationalization Program, coordinated by the Japan Association for Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (JAPOLAC).

This three-week synchronous program, conducted entirely in English, provides Japanese students with a unique opportunity to acquire practical knowledge that extends far beyond the classroom. It focuses on delivering practical and relevant knowledge, fostering a deeper understanding of Panama’s strategic importance.

A key feature of the program is the deep exploration of the Panama Canal, from its historical inception to the contemporary challenges of water management and climate change. Through this, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the canal’s crucial function in global trade and logistics, highlighting its enduring importance in an increasingly interconnected world.

In addition to this, the program examines Panama’s position as a global logistics hub. Lessons on supply chain management, international transportation, and the intricate mechanisms of world commerce provide students with essential knowledge about the flow of goods and services across borders, and Panama’s role in facilitating this movement.

The program also addresses pressing environmental issues through a segment on sustainable forest management. Students will learn about Panama and Central America’s proactive policies in response to environmental challenges, showcasing the region’s significant contributions to global conservation efforts.

To foster cross-cultural exchange, a dedicated segment encourages meaningful interaction between Japanese and Panamanian students, promoting mutual understanding and enriching their global perspectives.

JAPOLAC’s short online programs are thoughtfully designed to offer Japanese students not only practical insights into Latin American and Caribbean countries but also to inspire them to explore these regions further through study and travel opportunities.

Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, participated in several working meetings at Chiba University to review academic programs conducted in collaboration with various universities across Latin America and the Caribbean.

The meetings included representatives from the International Students Division, the Faculty of Horticulture, and the Faculty of Engineering.

Since 2021, JAPOLAC and Chiba University have launched a series of short online programs aimed at introducing the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean to Japanese university students. These programs, delivered in English by professors from Latin America and the Caribbean, provide a platform for international academic exchange.

To date, Chiba University has successfully implemented these online programs in partnership with Panama Technological University, the University of Technology of Jamaica, and the University of Santiago de Chile.

JAPOLAC has also collaborated with Chiba University to promote Controlled Environment Agriculture in Latin America and the Caribbean, a pioneering technology advanced by CU.

Currently, JAPOLAC and Chiba University are exploring opportunities to expand academic collaboration into other areas, such as semiconductors and immunology.

Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, participated in the Patricia Vlieg concert commemorating 120 years of diplomatic relations between Panama and Japan. The event was jointly organized by the Embassy of Panama and the Min-On Concert Association.

The evening commenced with opening remarks by H.E. Carlos Pere, Ambassador of Panama, Mr. Shunichi Tokura, Commissioner of the Japan Cultural Agency, and Mr. Koji Yamaguchi, President of the Min-On Concert Association. The audience included members of the diplomatic corps, prominent Japanese personalities, and the general public, who were captivated by the unique combination of songs from Japan and Panama.

Patricia Vlieg is a distinguished Panamanian music educator, performer, and cultural ambassador, renowned for her multifaceted talents as a singer, pianist, guitarist, composer, arranger, and music researcher.

She has enchanted audiences across Japan with her interpretations of Japanese songs during extensive tours in major cities such as Tokyo, Kobe, Nagoya, and Hamamatsu. Her performances have taken place at prestigious venues including the Okura Hotel, Hotel Gajoen, the Bunka Center, and the Min-On Cultural Center. Her fluency in Japanese and her ability to seamlessly blend diverse musical styles have led to notable collaborations with distinguished Japanese artists.

Patricia Vlieg’s musical artistry transcends borders, creating platforms for intercultural dialogue and fostering a deep appreciation for Panama’s intangible cultural heritage while broadening global understanding of diverse cultural traditions.

Currently, she is pursuing a master’s degree in peace studies in Japan, further enriching her intellectual contributions to the promotion of cultural understanding and world peace.
 

Dr. Ritter Díaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, participated in the reception held on the occasion of the official visit to Japan by the First Vice President of Costa Rica, H.E. Mr. Stephan Brunner Neibig.

In his opening remarks, the First Vice President expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Japan for the invitation, underscoring the visit’s vital role in advancing the shared objectives of the bilateral agenda. Representing the Japanese government, H.E. Yoshifumi Tsuge, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, welcomed First Vice President, affirming the deep and enduring ties between Japan and Costa Rica, while highlighting the significance of this visit.

Dr. Díaz conveyed his sincere appreciation to the Ambassador of Costa Rica, H.E. Alexander Salas, for the kind invitation to the reception and extended his best wishes for the success of the official mission to Japan.

During the event, Dr. Díaz had the opportunity to exchange greetings with the First Vice President and distinguished members of the delegation, including H.E. Dr. Arnoldo André, Minister of Foreign Relations and Worship; H.E. Manuel Tovar, Minister of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica; and Mrs. Laura López, General Manager of the Foreign Trade Investment Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER).

The following day, Dr. Díaz attended a business luncheon organized by the Minister of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica and PROCOMER, addressed to the Japanese business community.

The First Vice President’s visit also included the signing of memoranda of cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan. Additionally, the First Vice President and his delegation participated in the annual Peace Memorial Ceremony in Hiroshima, where they paid solemn tribute to the victims of the atomic bombings.
 

Dr. Ritter Díaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, had the honor of attending Ecuador’s Independence Day celebration.

The reception commenced with welcoming and opening remarks by H.E. Cesar Montaño, Ambassador of Ecuador, and H.E. Yoshifumi Tsuge, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan. Both highlighted the strengthening of relations between Ecuador and Japan across various fields.

During the event, Dr. Díaz extended his sincere greetings and congratulations to Ambassador Montaño, reaffirming JAPOLAC’s commitment to supporting the promotional efforts carried out by the Ecuadorian diplomatic mission in Japan.

The reception was further enlivened by a vibrant showcase of traditional Ecuadorian music, dance, and an exhibition of Ecuadorian products, including chocolate and the renowned Ecuadorian hat made of fine toquilla straw.

The event counted on the presence of distinguished members of the diplomatic corps, Japanese authorities, and prominent figures from the Japanese community.

One of JAPOLAC’s key objectives is to support the work of Latin American and Caribbean embassies, including the Embassy of Ecuador, which is an honorary member of JAPOLAC.