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The ASEAN Secretariat invites creative talents from all ten ASEAN Member States to join an exciting competition to design the official character for the ASEAN Pavilion at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. This competition offers a unique opportunity for skilled individuals to visualise the spirit and identity of the ASEAN Community on a global stage.

The creator of the winning entry will receive an exclusive invitation to the ASEAN Day celebration at World Expo 2025 Osaka on 8 August 2025. This prestigious reward includes two round-trip flight tickets, providing the winner with a rare opportunity to celebrate ASEAN’s achievements in Osaka.

Participants are encouraged to design a character that captures the spirit of ASEAN by incorporating elements of culture, tradition, and modernity. The competition welcomes entries from individuals in Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam. The submission period will close on 3 April 2025 at 23:59 (GMT+7). For more detailed information, please visit: http://bit.ly/tor_apcharacter.

The ASEAN Pavilion will be open from 13 April to 13 October 2025.

ASEAN’s participation at the World Expo 2025 Osaka is supported through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF).

JENESYS2024 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 JENESYS2024 reported by the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE) in February 2025:

JENESYS Dispatch Pre-Program: Japanese Students Learned Soba Culture Dissemination in Malaysia

As a pre-program for JENESYS2024, the Malaysia-Japan Japanese Language and Culture Exchange” to be held from 11 to 18 February, Culture Link Malaysia SDN. BHD.  gave the online lecture to the Japanese students, the participants of the JENESYS program at their Soba restaurant, Gannendo Publika Kuala Lumpur.

Lao PDR-Japan Budo (Martial Arts) Exchange

Eight university and graduate students from Japan visited Lao PDR from 21 to 28 January for a special exchange program focused on “Budo (martial arts)” to celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Lao PDR and Japan. Through this program, the Japanese students had the chance to learn more about the deep ties between Lao PDR and Japan, while also contributing to promoting the beauty and appeal of Japanese martial arts in Lao PDR.

ASEAN-Japan Students Conference

JICE welcomed 106 university students from ASEAN countries, Timor-Leste, and Japan to participate in the Students Conference held from 14 to 21 January. The themes were “Maritime Security & Rule of Law,” “Climate Change & Energy,” and “Cultural Preservation & Education.” On 18 January, Japanese students joined the conference. For three days, through lectures and discussions on the themes, participants deepened their mutual understanding and strengthened their network of friendship and cooperation.

Thailand-Japan Friendship Exchange Program (Dispatch of Japanese High School Students

Nine high school students and one chaperone from Okinawa visited Thailand for the JENESYS2024 Thailand-Japan Friendship Exchange Program from 4 to 11 February. During the visit, the delegates had the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the relationship between the two countries through courtesy calls at the Embassy of Japan in Thailand and the Department of Children and Youth, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. They also had the privilege of listening to the three Thai JENESYS alumni’s experiences in Japan.

ASEAN-Japan Online Student Conference for Alumni

From 11 to 16 February, JICE hosted a JENESYS online student conference with alumni members. The program was divided into four theme groups: “Business (Economic Partnership),” “Poverty Eradication,” “Food Problems,” and “Rural Development.” Participants learned about these issues through lectures and discussed solutions for similar challenges faced by ASEAN and Japan. Through the lectures and discussions, participants created action plans and presented them to their peers. They also enjoyed a quiz match on Japanese pop culture and traditional culture.

Malaysia-Japan Japanese Language and Culture Exchange (Dispatch of Japanese University Students

Eight university and graduate students from Japan visited Malaysia for JENESYS2024 exchange program focused on “Japanese Language and Culture” from 11 to 18 February. During their visit, the Japanese delegates had the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the relationship between the two countries through courtesy calls at the Embassy of Japan in Malaysia, as well as a lecture by JICA Malaysia Office and University of Tsukuba, Malaysia.

Introduction of JENESYS Alumni from Viet Nam, Bach Xuan Nguyen

Inspired by JENESYS, Bach Nguyen started his career in Japan after university. He joined JENESYS while he was still a college student, where he was impressed by the modern Japanese manufacturing industry and was inspired him to pursue a career in Japan.

ASEAN is excited to be part of this global celebration, joining over 150 countries and international organisations to showcase groundbreaking innovations, cultures, and solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.

Visit the ASEAN Pavilion from 13 April – 13 October 2025 at World Expo 2025 Osaka.

The ASEAN Pavilion at the World Expo 2025 Osaka is funded by the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF).

From 13-20 February 2025, 35 individuals from ASEAN Member States, Timor-Leste, ASEAN Secretariat, and AHA Centre completed the 16th ASEAN-ERAT Induction Course in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

This intensive 100-hour course included classroom sessions and a challenging simulation exercise that tested their ability to perform the core functions of ASEAN’s signature emergency response and assessment team.

The 16th ASEAN-ERAT Induction Course is supported by the Government of Japan through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF).

The Regional Training Course on the Liable Research Methods to Collect and Analyze Marine Debris and Microplastic was organised by SEAFDEC-TD and supported by the Government of Japan through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF). This training aimed to enhance the capacity of participants to address regional marine debris and microplastic issues. The course took place across three different locations: SEAFDEC Training Department in Samut Prakan for marine debris theory, Kasetsart University in Nakhon Pathom for microplastic sample analysis, and the Gulf of Thailand for practical fieldwork on marine debris data collection and microplastic sampling.

Around 80% of marine debris comes from unmanaged land-based waste, with 30% being plastic. This growing problem significantly impacts marine health, the economy, and human quality of life. BPSPL Padang, West Sumatra together with ASEAN country representatives, participated in the training, which was designed to strengthen regional efforts in tackling these environmental challenges.

The Senior Information Officer from the SEAFDEC Secretariat, Saivason Klinsukhon and the Information and Technology Officer from the SEAFDEC Training Department (TD), Yanida Suthipol, attended the Regional Technical Consultation on Fishing Capacity Profile and Implementation Status of RPOA-Capacity in the Asian Region.

The Consultation was organised by SEAFDEC Marine Fishery Resources Development and Management Department (MFRDMD) on 25–27 February 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with the attendance of representatives from the ASEAN Member States (AMSs) except Lao PDR and Singapore, resource persons from the University of Terengganu, senior officials from MFRDMD, and representatives from SEAFDEC Secretariat and TD.

The Consultation was conducted as one of the activities of the project “Implementation and Assessment of the ASEAN Regional Plan of Action for the Management of Fishing Capacity” supported by the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF).

In partnership with the Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research of Universiti Brunei Darussalam and with the support of the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF), the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity conducted the National Capacity Building Workshop on Migratory Waterbirds and Wetland Management from 17 to 21 February in Brunei Darussalam.

The five-day event was attended by field practitioners, educators, and representatives from the Department of Environment, Parks, and Recreation (JASTRe) of the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism and the Department of Museums of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports of Brunei Darussalam. Apart from discussions, field exercises were conducted to give the participants hands-on experience in bird identification and bird counting.

Last month, a workshop in Lao PDR brought together national and local government officials, community leaders, experts, and researchers to learn and share insights on waterbird monitoring techniques, wetland habitat management, bird survey findings, and the Flyway Site Network nomination process.

One of the highlights was a visit to Nong Khamsean village, where community leaders proudly showcased their vibrant wetland and highlighted the important role these wetland habitats play for both local communities and migratory waterbirds.

This activity is a part of the Improving Biodiversity Conservation of Wetlands and Migratory Waterbirds in the ASEAN Region – Phase II supported by the Government of Japan through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF).

On 14 February 2025, the ASEAN Secretariat had the pleasure of experiencing a vibrant food celebration hosted by the Mission of Japan to ASEAN. The event was commenced by by Ambassador KIYA Masahiko of Japan Mission and Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs, Nararya Soeprapto.

Guests were introduced to Osechi Ryori, a traditional Japanese New Year’s feast symbolizing happiness, peace, good luck, and prosperity. ASEAN-Japan Goodwill Ambassador on Food and Agriculture, Melody Laksani, also shared insights on the significance of this tradition.

The event also celebrated ASEAN’s diverse food culture, as ASEAN Member States showcased their iconic cuisines—bringing together flavors that reflect our shared heritage and unity.

On 17 January 2025, OECC hosted a training workshop in Phnom Penh, Cambodia to promote corporate greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting and reporting. This workshop was held as part of the PaSTI-JAIF project under the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF), aiming to enhance transparency of GHG emissions in the ASEAN region.

The promotion of transparency regarding climate change in Cambodia responds to the needs of the government facing a lack of activity data for industrial wastewater. With the cooperation of a major Cambodian beverage factory, OECC carried out a model project to calculate and report GHG emissions, including data on industrial wastewater.

In the future, OECC plans to follow up on how to present the calculated GHG emission data to the public from the perspective of improving corporate value and attracting investment. OECC will also continue to provide support to the government, including cooperation with various ministries and agencies, toward the establishment of a GHG accounting and reporting system.

As part of continuous capacity development activities, national focal points and select flyway site managers from Malaysia attended the National Capacity Building Workshop on Migratory Waterbird and Wetland Management in Selangor, Malaysia from 10 to 15 February.

The workshop featured lectures and field activities that were designed to train future trainers from the Jabatan Perhilitan Semenanjung Malaysia, Sarawak Forestry Corporation, Sabah Wildlife Department, and Malaysian Nature Society on skills such as bird identification and sampling of migratory waterbirds.

The capacity development event was organized by the ACB with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability of Malaysia, in partnership with NParks and the Malaysian Nature Society, with the support of the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF).

The 10th Meeting of the Ad Hoc Working Group to Develop the ASCC Strategic Plan (AHWG) took place on 15-16 February in Makati City, Philippines. The meeting was co-chaired by Undersecretary of International Relations Division (Culture) at the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Malaysia, Dr. Christina Yeo Ken Yin and Assistant Bureau Director of the Policy Development and Planning Bureau, Department of Social Welfare and Development of the Philippines, Hannah A. Giray-Carcido.

The meeting finalised the 2nd draft of the ASCC Strategic Plan by deliberating on the inputs from ASCC and relevant cross-pillar sectoral bodies, noting their concurrence and support to the provisionally agreed strategic measures. The meeting also exchanged views on the endorsement process of the ASCC Strategic Plan by SOCA in March.

This meeting is part of ongoing activities to support the development of the ASCC Post-2025 Strategic Plan Project funded by the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF).

Explore a sustainable future through innovation, technology, and collaboration at the World Expo 2025 Osaka. With 8 sub-themes divided into 3 key categories—Connecting Lives, Empowering Lives, and Saving Lives.

Be sure to visit the ASEAN Pavilion at the World Expo 2025 Osaka from 13 April – 13 October 2025.

The ASEAN Pavilion at the World Expo 2025 Osaka is supported through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF).

On 13 February, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, IKUINA Akiko, received a courtesy call by a group of young government officials from Cambodia and Lao PDR studying at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS), under the Master’s Degree Program funded by the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF). An overview of the meeting is as follows. This program was launched this fiscal year with the aim of narrowing development gaps within ASEAN and developing future leaders in the region.

1. Parliamentary Vice-Minister Ikuina stated that peace and prosperity in ASEAN, which is the “keystone” of the Indo-Pacific, are important for the region and the international community as a whole, and Japan has been closely cooperating with ASEAN, as a true friend of ‘‘heart-to-heart’’ connections, over the half century in a wide-range of fields. She expressed her expectation that they would serve as bridges between Japan and ASEAN and contribute to further progress of the Japan-ASEAN relations.

The young government officials from Cambodia and Lao PDR expressed their gratitude for the long-standing support of Japan for the development of ASEAN.

Special Advisor to the President on Digital Innovation at ERIA, Hiroshi Ishikawa, highlighted Japan’s ongoing commitment to supporting the ASEAN region through various institutions such as the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and others.

He emphasized that a common thread among these initiatives is investment in human capital and infrastructure—key pillars that drive ASEAN’s sustainable growth. By strengthening these foundations, Japan continues to play a crucial role in fostering long-term prosperity across the region.

The Trade Competition Commission of Thailand (TCCT) has organized the Interface Workshop between the Competition and Health Sector Regulators (Online) on 21 January 2025 as part of the ASEAN Competition Action Plan (ACAP) 2025 Deliverable 4.2.1. The workshop aims to explore critical intersections between competition law and health sector dynamics, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussions will cover a comprehensive overview of how competition and the health sector evolved under the pressures of the global health crisis, addressing both challenges and opportunities for reform.

The workshop brings together over 60 participants from both competition authorities and health regulators including the ASEAN Experts Group on Competition (AEGC), Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC), ASEAN Health Cluster ASEAN Health Cluster 2 on Responding to All Hazards and Emerging Threats Members, and ASEAN Health Cluster 3 on Strengthening Health Systems and Access to Care Members.

This Workshop is part of the project on the Technical Assistance to Strengthen Competition Law Enforcement in ASEAN (AJCEP Phase 3) which is supported by the Government of Japan through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF).

The Philippine private sector gained recognition for its efforts to promote regional economic cooperation and integration and narrow the development gap in the ASEAN, as the ASEAN Business Advisory Council Philippines (ABAC PH) chaired by Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion, recently garnered the First Place in the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF) Visibility Award 2024.

The award was in recognition of the ASEAN Mentorship for Entrepreneurs Network (AMEN), a region-wide entrepreneurial mentoring program that provides formal training to MSMEs of the ASEAN Member States (AMS).

“The compelling human stories shared, highlighting the positive impact of the AMEN trainings on MSMEs in the region, have resonated with a wide audience,” JAIF said in its letter to ABAC PH. The letter also stated that ABAC PH’s exceptional efforts in promoting JAIF support through various media channels, such as newspaper articles and social media, have significantly contributed to raising awareness JAIF’s initiative.

ASEAN Mentorship for Entrepreneurs Network (AMEN) is supported by the Government of Japan through JAIF.

From 13-17 January 2025, the AHA Centre in collaboration with the Thailand Department of Disaster Prevention & Mitigation (DDPM) co-organised a training in Bangkok, Thailand, focused on enhancing humanitarian logistics management and Customs, Immigration, & Quarantine (CIQ) procedures for disaster preparedness and response.

Attended by 34 participants from the ASEAN Member States, ASEAN Secretariat, and AHA Centre, the training is a vital component of the Disaster Emergency Logistics System for ASEAN (DELSA).

Representative from the Mission of Japan to ASEAN, MORI Nobuo, further highlighted the commitment of collaboration between ASEAN and Japan to enhance ASEAN’s capacity in disaster management through projects such as DELSA. The DELSA Phase IV Project, supported by the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF), continues to foster partnerships and knowledge sharing to enhance humanitarian response efforts across the region.

The ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE), supported by the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF), officially set the kick-off meeting for the Enhancement of Clean Energy Technology Ecosystem and Its Connectivity in ASEAN on 16 January 2025. This meeting aims to officially establish Project Steering Committee (PSC), by introducing the project activities and timeline, discussing the PSC roles and electing its Chairpersons. The kick-off meeting was attended by 31 participants, comprising the nominated PSC members, ASEAN Energy Efficiency and Conservation Sub-Sector Network (EE&C–SSN) Focal Points, Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) of Japan, JAIF Management Team, United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), and ASEAN Secretariat. The attendance demographics were 68% male and 32% female.

This initiative seeks to accelerate transformative energy-climate solutions by driving investments and fostering business growth within the cleantech innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem (CIEE) across AMS. Supported by the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF), this two-year program, running from Q4 2024 to Q2 2026, aims to strengthen capacity-building efforts to achieve a low-carbon future. The programme is overseen by PSC from the ASEAN EE&C-SSN and METI Japan, with ACE serving as the implementing agency in partnership with UNIDO. The programme’s main beneficiaries include Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), key stakeholders within the CIEE, ASEAN Energy Focal Points, academia, and the broader public.

For more information, please visit ASEAN Accelerator Programme page.

In AHA Centre’s latest highlight video, discover the challenges and key takeaways shared by ASEAN-ERAT Members who participated in the Level 2 Course on Information Management 2024.

AHA Centre thanked the Social Welfare Department of Lao PDR for hosting the course and the Government of Japan for its support through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF).

Watch the full video here.

SEAFDEC/secretariat, Tomoko Nakazato, Fumiya Takahashi and SEAFDEC/IFRDMD, Toru Shimoda exchanged views with Ambassador KIYA Masahiko of Japan Mission on recent activities of 3 JAIF projects “Stock assessment of tropical eel”, “ASEAN Regional action plan of Management of fishing capacity” and “Monitoring and Reduction of Marin Debris of fisheries” under ASEAN Japan MIDORI cooperation plan. Through JAIF, Japan is supporting ASEAN’s efforts to integrate toward the establishment of an ASEAN Community. In these projects, Japanese Specialists are working to achieve sustainable fisheries resource management and marine debris reduction in the ASEAN region.

1. SEAFDEC: Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center
2. IFRDMD: Inland Fishery Resources Development and Management Department

Relive the exciting moments of the ASEAN-ERAT Level 2 Course on Rapid Assessment held in September 2024 in Vientiane, Lao PDR!

Watch the thrilling journey of 13 ASEAN-ERAT members from the ASEAN Member States and the AHA Centre as they become Rapid Assessment Specialists.

The course was hosted by the Social Welfare Department of Lao PDR and supported by the Government of Japan through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF).

Watch now on YouTube.

Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, IKUINA Akiko received a delegate of about 100 university students from 10 ASEAN Member States (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam) and Timor-Leste, who are participating in the “JENESYS2024 ASEAN-Japan Students Conference”.

Parliamentary Vice-Minister Ikuina started by giving welcoming remarks to the delegation in their own languages, and stated that it was a valuable experience for future leaders from different countries to meet together and exchange views openly, and that she hoped they would become “lifelong friends”. The two student representatives of the delegation expressed their gratitude for their visit to Japan through JENESYS and their expectations and enthusiasm for participating in the ASEAN-Japan Students Conference and for strengthening ASEAN-Japan relations further. At the end of the courtesy call, Ikuina, guest and the delegation took photos together to commemorate the program.

Japan’s Friendship Ties Programs JENESYS 2024 is supported by the Government of Japan through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF).

The Ninth Meeting of the Ad Hoc Working Group to Develop the ASCC Strategic Plan (AHWG) took place on 14-15 January 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand. The meeting was co-chaired by the Under Secretary of International Relations Division (Culture) at the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Malaysia, Dr. Christina Yeo Ken Yin, and Director of the Policy Development and Planning Bureau (PDPB), Department of Social Welfare and Development of the Philippines, Hannah A. Giray-Carcido.

The meeting reviewed and deliberated on key insights from stakeholder engagement activities as well as recommendations from ASCC and cross-pillar sectoral bodies. The meeting also exchanged views on the next steps, including timeline of the Strategic Plan’s developments and arrangements for the succeeding AHWG meetings, with the aim of finalising the ASCC Strategic Plan for the adoption by the ASEAN Leaders in May 2025.

This meeting is part of ongoing activities to support the development of the ASCC Post-2025 Strategic Plan Project funded by the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF) 3.0.

The General Lecture, titled “Advancing Fishery Sciences: Insight and Innovations from Experts,” took place on Monday, 13 January 2025, at Jakarta Technical University of Fisheries. The event was organized by SEAFDEC collaborated with the Agency for Marine and Fisheries Extension and Human Resources Development of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, reflecting the commitment to promoting the Blue Economy as part of Indonesia’s vision for a golden future. The event reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to advancing fisheries science and encouraging collaboration between academia, practitioners, and policymakers.

The speakers emphasized sustainable practices as a cornerstone for securing fisheries resources for the future and provided actionable steps for integrating scientific approaches into real-world fisheries challenges.

Attendees, both in-person and via Zoom in total 900 participants, engaged in dynamic discussions and gained practical knowledge on sustainability and innovation in fisheries.

This project is supported by the Government of Japan through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF).

SEAFDEC, in collaboration with the JAIF-supported project, hosted the Training Workshop on CPUE Analysis and Stock Assessment from 10 to 13 January 2025, in Jakarta. This workshop is part of the project “Development of Stock Assessment Methods and Strengthening of Resource Management Measures for Tropical Anguillid Eel in Southeast Asia” supported by the Government of Japan through Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF).

Tropical anguillid eel resources play a significant role in global fisheries, serving as a source of consumption and international trade. In Southeast Asia, the rising demand for these resources has heightened the need for sustainable management. However, efforts to develop effective management measures have been hindered by a lack of comprehensive information on eel biology, catch data, and aquaculture practices. The workshop addressed these challenges by reviewing and analyzing sample catch data, environmental data, and CPUE (Catch Per Unit Effort). It also discussed methods for estimating abundance trends and developing appropriate management measures. Additionally, the workshop aimed to update regional policy guidelines to support the conservation and sustainable management of tropical anguillid eel resources.

Deputy Secretary General of SEAFDEC, Tomoko Nakazato visited the Marine and Fisheries Human Resources Development and Extension Agency. She was welcomed by the Chairman, Dr. I Nyoman Radiarta, who also serves as SEAFDEC’s Alternate Council Director for Indonesia. The visit coincided with the “In-house training workshop on CPUE Analysis and Stock Assessment” for the JAIF-supported project entitled “Development of Stock Assessment Methods and Strengthening of Resource Management Measures for Tropical Anguillid Eels in Southeast Asia,” which will be conducted from 10–13 January 2025.

The event underscores SEAFDEC’s commitment to advancing the sustainable management of anguillid eel fisheries and encouraging regional collaboration to ensure the long-term sustainability of vital fisheries resources. Dr. Nakazato recognized the important role of support from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries in strengthening IFRDMD’s contribution to SEAFDEC’s overall mission.

From 14 to 21 January, approximately 100 students from 10 ASEAN Member States and Timor-Leste will visit Japan to participate in the “ASEAN-Japan Students Conference” under Japan’s Friendship Ties Programs “JENESYS”.

The delegation will participate in the ASEAN-Japan Students Conference to be held in Tokyo from 18 to 20 January. Under the common theme of “What we (students) can do for peace, stability, growth, and prosperity in the Asian region”, students from the ASEAN region and Japan will discuss “Maritime Security and Rule of Law”, “Climate Change and Energy”, and “Cultural Preservation and Education”, and present a “Declaration of Action Plan”.

Prior to participating in the conference, the delegation will visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and will be divided into three groups to visit regions including Shizuoka, Miyagi, and Tochigi Prefectures, where they will have the opportunity of university visits, theme related site-visits, and homestays, etc., to experience the charm of Japan and its regions from various perspectives.

Through this exchange program, it is expected that the youths of ASEAN and Japan will deepen their mutual understanding and that the network of friendship and cooperation between the next generation of ASEAN and Japan will be strengthen.

Japan’s Friendship Ties Programs JENESYS 2024 is supported by the Government of Japan through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF).

The schedule of JENESYS2024 ASEAN-Japan Students Conference can be accessed here.