In a significant step towards strengthening educational ties between India and Japan, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has forged a partnership with Japan's Gifu University. This collaboration, marked by the signing of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) in March, underscores the commitment of both institutions to promote academic excellence and foster cultural exchanges.
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Consulate-General of Japan on Indo-Japan Education Collab
In a discussion with The Free Press Journal (FPJ), a representative from the Consulate-General of Japan in Mumbai emphasised, “Japan must improve its international compatibility of educational systems to meet global ones and ultimately enhance its international competitiveness from the standpoints of developing education, research, and human resources that can proactively contribute to the peace and prosperity of the world.”
He also noted that Japan, through the efforts of the Central Council for Education, has explored the need for a compelling mechanism. This mechanism aims to empower Japanese universities to establish collaborative programs and award academic degrees jointly with foreign universities. The focus is on ensuring the quality of degrees and programs offered, with appropriate measures for quality assurance in place.
Long-term collaboration Between Japan and India
According to the representative, “Gifu University and IIT Guwahati have a history of collaboration dating back to 2010. In 2019, they launched joint degree programmes at the master's and doctoral levels in three fields, including the Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology.”
This initiative aims to make collaboration between Japanese universities and foreign countries more structured and ongoing, particularly through double degree (DD) and joint degree (JD) programs. Explaining the goals of these joint degree programs, the representative referred to guidelines from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. These guidelines, while not mandatory, provide a framework for universities to ensure the quality of degrees and programs offered through such collaborations.
Student Gains from Collaborative Partnership
The representative highlighted numerous perks for students engaged in these programs, underscoring their significance.(i) Accessing advanced and enriched learning experiences not available at a single university.
(ii) Showing excellence by finishing educational programs provided collaboratively by universities from more than one country.
(iii) Cultivating globally valued careers in both the job market and academia.
(iv) Obtaining degrees from multiple universities in a shorter time and potentially at a reduced cost.
Moreover, the representative noted the growth in university MOUs between Japan and India. He said, “MOUs have also been signed between Indian and Japanese universities to promote academic and other exchanges. The number of university MOUs between Japan and India has increased from 143 in 2011 to 722 in 2020.”
Opportunity to Earn Certifications from Both Universities
In this collaboration, students are offered a unique opportunity to enroll in a joint program that awards certificates from both Japanese and Indian institutions. When asked about the potential benefits for students in enhancing their global competitiveness in the labour market, the representative provided a comprehensive response, highlighting the diverse advantages of the partnership.
"As outlined in the 'Guidelines for Building International Joint Diploma Programs Including Double and Joint Degree Program,' both universities are committed to enhancing their international compatibility of educational systems," the representative stated.
As per the representative, both universities are committed to enhancing the compatibility of their educational systems to align with global standards. This initiative aims to boost their international competitiveness by fostering the development of education, research, and skilled professionals capable of contributing to global peace and prosperity.
Moreover, the representative emphasized that students enrolled in joint degree programs at both universities will significantly enhance their global competitiveness in the job market.
Japanese Universities Sign MoUs with JGU
A top-level delegation from India, led by Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, the Founding Vice Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU), recently concluded a fruitful visit to Japan. Comprising deans and senior faculty members from JGU, the delegation prioritized strengthening academic partnerships, fostering intellectual exchange, and promoting cultural interaction between Indian and Japanese universities.
During their visit, the delegation from O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) embarked on a comprehensive tour across five major Japanese cities, including Tokyo, Yamanashi, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima. Their mission was to engage in meaningful discussions and exchanges with distinguished academics and leadership teams, including Presidents, Deans, and other senior officials, hailing from 14 esteemed Japanese universities. Among these institutions were renowned names such as the University of Tokyo, Temple University Japan, United Nations University, International Christian University, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Doshisha University, and Osaka Gakuin University.
This significant visit reached its pinnacle with the signing of seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and Student Mobility Agreements with seven prominent and leading Japanese universities.
University of Yamanashi
Yamanashi Gakuin University
Hiroshima University
Ritsumeikan University
Ryukoku University
Kwansei Gakuin University
Kansai Gaidai University
Statements After Successful Visit to Japan
On the success of the visit to Japan, Prof. (Dr) C. Raj Kumar, said: "Our visit to Japan had five major objectives.
First, to introduce the Indian higher education system and universities to the key leaders of Japanese universities and policymakers of Japan; second, to create substantive opportunities for the students and faculty of JGU to collaborate with the leading Japanese universities; third, to build international partnerships with Japanese universities that will promote exchange programmes, joint, dual and pathways degree programmes and short-term study abroad programmes.
"Fourth, to collaborate with Japanese universities to promote research and scholarship through the advancement of faculty engagement by organising joint conferences and joint lectures leading to joint research projects and publications; and fifth, to promote collaborations among all stakeholders within Japan that includes government agencies, public institutions, private corporations, think tanks and research institutions with a view to establishing a strong intellectual presence and institutional imagination of India in Japan and for Japan in India."
Prof. Kumar further said: "I had the amazing opportunity to address the Members of Parliament at the Japanese National Parliament. Through our landmark visit to Japan, we have reaffirmed the profound significance of the India-Japan relationship in not only shaping the continuity of historical bilateral ties between the two countries but also ensured meaningful collaboration between JGU and the leading universities in Japan to contribute significantly to global academia."
He said: "Our collaborations with esteemed Japanese universities not only foster student mobility but also cultivate rich faculty-level engagements, enriching both nations' academic landscapes and advancing towards a more interconnected world."
A statement noted that this visit highlights the growing strategic importance of Japan for India in the realm of higher education.
Renowned for its excellence in innovation and research, Japan boasts world-class universities offering exceptional academic programmes. This makes Japan a highly attractive destination for Indian students seeking international higher education and exposure to cutting-edge advancements across diverse disciplines.
The MoUs and agreements comprise student mobility programmes including short-term study abroad programmes, semester exchange programmes, India immersion programmes for students from Japan to study at JGU, dual degree programmes; and faculty level engagements including joint teaching programmes, joint research projects, joint publications, joint conference and seminars to mention a few.
These initiatives will further strengthen and consolidate the strategic partnership between India and Japan in the higher education sector, the statement noted.
Prof. (Dr.) Akhil Bhardwaj, Associate Dean and Director, Office of International Affairs & Global Initiatives at JGU, said: "As we forge numerous meaningful partnerships with leading Japanese universities, we continue to expand JGU's rich tapestry of global institutional collaborations.
"These alliances not only enrich the academic landscape at JGU but also provide invaluable opportunities for our students to participate in transformative study abroad programmes in Japan, enhancing their skill sets and enriching their career pursuits. Our commitment to fostering international connections is unwavering, ensuring that every student at JGU is empowered to thrive in an increasingly global community."
Furthermore, During the visit, Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, leading a delegation from O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU), delivered a significant address to a caucus of over 20 distinguished members of the Japanese Parliament (National Diet). Notably, the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, and Science and Technology, Government of Japan, Masahito Moriyama, was among the attendees. The address delved into critical global issues such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), global governance, and India's national education policy, emphasizing the need to bolster bilateral relations between the two nations.
Additionally, Prof. Kumar and the JGU delegation engaged in fruitful discussions with the Indian Ambassador to Japan, Sibi George, and the Consul General of India in Osaka, Nikhilesh Giri, focusing on advancing India-Japan ties in higher education and research.
The delegation that went to Japan
Leading a distinguished faculty delegation from O.P. Jindal Global University to Japan, Professor Kumar was accompanied by prominent members including Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Professor (Dr.) Mohan Kumar, Dean of Strategic and International Initiatives, Professor of Diplomatic Practice & Director of Jindal Global Centre for G20 Studies, Professor Kathleen A. Modrowski, Dean of Jindal School of Liberal Arts and Humanities, Professor Padmanabha Ramanujam, Professor of Law & Dean of Academic Governance and Student Life, Professor (Dr.) Upasana Mahanta, Professor of Political Science & Dean of Office of Admissions and Outreach, Professor (Dr.) Vesselin Popovski, Professor of Law & Vice Dean of Jindal Global Law School and Executive Director of Centre for the Study of United Nations, JGU, and Professor (Dr.) Akhil Bhardwaj, Associate Professor & Associate Dean and Director of Office of International Affairs & Global Initiatives.
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