On July 27, Dr. Ritter Diaz, the Representative Director of JAPOLAC, delivered a lecture at the Sensitization Session for FOODEX 2024. The session was organized by the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporter Association (JMEA) in collaboration with the Embassy of Jamaica in Japan.

The primary objective of this informative session was to equip Jamaican exporters and relevant
government agencies with essential insights into the Japan 49th International Food and Beverage Exhibition (FOODEX 2024), the Japanese market, and the potential benefits it offers.

During his presentation, Dr. Diaz shed light on key aspects of the Japanese consumer behavior, the Japanese market dynamics, and the intricacies of the import system. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of government's support for Jamaican export companies and explained JAPOLAC’s role in facilitating business collaborations between Japanese and Latin America and Caribbean companies.

A notable addition to the session was the participation of a representative from the Japan Management Association, the organizer of FOODEX 2024, who provided an overview of the upcoming exhibition.

This event garnered the enthusiastic participation from over 30 export companies from
Jamaica.

The Ambassador of Jamaica to Japan, H.E. Shorna-Kay Richards, and representatives from Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) were also in attendance, making it a truly engaging and interactive gathering.

 

Dr. Ritter Diaz, the representative director of JAPOLAC, participated in an online coordination meeting for the lecturers of the International Career Seminar (ICS) organized by Utsunomiya University.

The primary objective of the ICS is to provide students with a comprehensive global perspective to pursue international careers, focusing on essential concepts such as “Globalization” and “Glocalization.” These concepts highlight the increasing importance of global issues within local communities.

The ICS is a three-day seminar conducted in English, covering subjects such as International Business, International Cooperation, Multi-cultural Society, and Japan, as well as Cross-cultural Understanding/Communication.

The seminar features lectures by professors from Utsunomiya University and guest lecturers who possess extensive global experience in higher education, international business, and other related fields.

It is worth noting that this is the second year that the Director of JAPOLAC has been invited to deliver a lecture on International Business from the perspective of commercial diplomacy.

Dr. Ritter Diaz, representative director of JAPOLAC, organized a meeting with H.E. Robert Takata, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic, with the purpose of informing about the scholarship program offered by Japan Aviation High School to outstanding high school students from various countries.

This program provides an excellent educational opportunity for foreign high school students who have demonstrated exceptional skills in sports and arts.

One of the main objectives of JAPOLAC is to promote international education between Japan and the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, with the aim of fostering cultural understanding between both regions.

 

On May 30th, Dr. Yoshihiro Ishitani, professor from the Faculty of Engineering at Chiba University, delivered an online lecture on semiconductors to 82 professors, researchers, and students at Panama Technological University (PTU) to share his research and experience in this field.

The lecture was conducted in collaboration with JAPOLAC, which supports PTU in establishing academic and research partnerships with Chiba University in various fields, including semiconductors.

JAPOLAC is committed to promoting international education between Japanese universities and those in Latin America and the Caribbean.

One of JAPOLAC’s key objectives is education in artificial intelligence, recognizing the significant changes brought about by the digitization of human activities and the recent emergence of large language models like ChatGPT, which have generated considerable global concern.

Semiconductors are crucial for the development of artificial intelligence, making it a matter of national security for several advanced countries. Japan holds an important position in the global semiconductor industry, particularly in the manufacturing of semiconducting materials and chipmaking equipment.

The Board of Directors of JAPOLAC convened a special session at Kiyomura Corporation to provide a report to the president of the company, Mr. Kiyoshi Kimura, on the past, present and future activities of the association.

Mr. Kiyoshi Kimura also serves as Honorary Director of JAPOLAC and has been a strong supporter of the activities of the association since its inception in 2020.

In attendance at the meeting was also Mr. Fuku Suzuki, a TV personality from Nippon Television (NTV) who is currently working on a program about the activities of the President of Kiyomura Corporation, including his involvement with JAPOLAC.