JENESYS2025 aims to promote mutual trust and understanding among the peoples of Japan, ASEAN Member States, and Timor-Leste, to build a basis for future friendship and cooperation, as well as to encourage an understanding of various aspects of Japan. The project is supported by the Government of Japan through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF). This is the highlight of JENESYS2025 reported by the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE) in March 2026:

Voices of JENESYS Essay Contest Winners: Aung Si Kyaw

JENESYS alumna Aung Si Kyaw-san has received the Excellence Award for the essay “How JENESYS Sparked My Global Connection and Vision for Empowering Community.” His experience during the discussion of peace with participants from diverse backgrounds through JENESYS is something he still treasures deeply. It also inspired him to pursue studies in Japan and continue supporting young people in his country.

"I never expected to receive an award in the essay contest. I applied simply because I wanted to share how JENESYS has truly transformed my life. Being selected for the Excellence Award is an incredible honor, and I am truly grateful," said Aung Si Kyaw.

JENESYS2025 ASEAN Online Alumni Meeting

JENESYS ASEAN Alumni were invited to join Alumni meeting from ASEAN countries to join JENESYS online program: JENESYS2025 ASEAN Online Alumni Meeting on 25 March. The theme for the meeting: Exclusive Japanese Language Lesson for Alumni

JENESYS Phase III – Japan-ASEAN Network of Exchange for Sustainable Partnership

30 young leaders from Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan came together for JENESYS Phase III, an exchange program designed to strengthen Japan-ASEAN collaboration for a sustainable future. Throughout the two-week program in Japan and Thailand, they gained insights by learning from ministries, companies, real social entrepreneurs, visiting research facilities, and engaging in multi-country discussions that inspired future ASEAN–Japan collaboration.

Online Japan-Visit Advanced Program for ASEAN-JAPAN Alumni

JICE and the participants welcomed Shimpei Kawachi, President of STUDIO SHIKUMI INC., as the instructor for our online Japanese sword experience session.

His family has been crafting Japanese swords for about 400 years, and he is the 16th‑generation successor, working to preserve and convey the value of Japanese swords, which are no longer made as weapons in Japan but are crafted solely as works of art.

In this session, he introduced how Japanese swords are crafted and how to appreciate them as works of art.

JENESYS2025 Japan-ASEAN Online Alumni Meeting:

The participants had the pleasure the receive lectures from the Japan Foundation and Cultural Experience “Minyo.” The guest speakers from the Japan Foundation introduced a variety of online resources and programs offered by the Japan Foundation, giving participants valuable insights on how to strengthen their connection with Japan.

Voices of JENESYS Essay Contest Winners: Maguhyop, John Roger

JENESYS alumna John Roger has received the Excellence Award for the essay “Change for the Better!” He worked as an international programs officer coordinator at a school in Manila.

"When I participated in JENESYS, we participants were called ambassadors of goodwill and peace.” We were told that we had a responsibility to share our experiences in Japan with others and to have a positive influence on those around us. I put this sense of mission into the title of my essay," said John Roger.

It brought John Roger tremendous joy to provide his students with the kind of firsthand cultural experiences that he had personally encountered.

ASEAN- Japan Alumni Study Program

The first-ever in-person JENESYS ASEAN Alumni Reunion for residents in Japan was a resounding success.

Gathering in Tokyo, alumni who had previously had little opportunity to connect—despite living in the same country—finally came together. Through the “Alumni Cafe” and collaborative fieldwork in six teams, they quickly bonded over shared experiences and aspirations, building deep and lasting friendships.

The insights and connections gained through this reunion will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for a more sustainable and vibrant JENESYS alumni community.

Timor-Leste-Japan Japanese Language and Cultural Exchange

Six Japanese university students visited Timor-Leste from 10 to 27 March 2026, under the theme of Japanese language and culture exchange. As part of the school exchange, they visited the National University of Timor-Leste, the country’s first and only national university, and introduced Japan and the Japanese language. Hands-on activities such as aikido and calligraphy actively engaged many students.

The program also included learning about grassroots international cooperation from PARCIC, a Japanese NGO active in Timor-Leste for over 20 years, and a warm homestay experience that offered insight into local daily life and culture.