JAKARTA, 24 February 2026 - The Graduation Ceremony for fifteen Attachment Officers (AOs) from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Viet Nam, and Timor-Leste was held on 24 February 2026 at the ASEAN Secretariat. During the one-year programme, the AOs were assigned to various divisions, where they deepened their understanding and strengthened their skills in regional cooperation.

In congratulating the graduating AOs, the Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN, YONETANI Koji, commended their achievements. He expressed confidence that the knowledge and skills they acquired, along with the strong sense of belonging to ASEAN fostered through the programme, will serve as a powerful “bridge” for promoting mutual understanding and strengthening cooperation within ASEAN upon their return to their home countries and throughout their future careers.

The ceremony was also attended by the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn; four Deputy Secretaries-General (DSGs) of ASEAN; members of the IAI Task Force from ASEAN Member States; ASEAN Secretariat divisions that hosted the AOs; and the Director and staff of JMT.

Since 2001, Japan has supported 135 officers through the Attachment Programme. Recognised as one of the flagship initiatives under the IAI framework, the programme has contributed to ASEAN integration while also playing a vital role in enhancing ASEAN–Japan cooperation.

Attachment Officers with Ambassador YONETANI Koji, and JMT Representatives during the Graduation Ceremony in the ASEAN Secretariat.

© Mission of Japan to ASEAN