AY 2025

From January 26 to 30, 2026, a delegation from the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, an ASEAN campus member institution, visited the University of Osaka. The delegation comprised eight members, including Professor Tran Dai Lam, Director of the Academy's Institute of Materials Science. The purpose of the delegation was to deepen research exchanges as well as to promote future collaborative research and personnel exchanges in the fields of materials science, semiconductors, energy and the environment, and functional materials as part of the Osaka University ASEAN Campus initiative. The delegation toured relevant departments at UOsaka, gathering information and exchanging opinions (the photos are of the delegation's visit to the Co-creation Bureau).

On January 9, 2026, Dato Seri Setia Dr. Haji Norarfan bin Haji Zainal, President of Sultan Sherif Ali Islamic University, an ASEAN Campus member institution, and his delegation visited the University of Osaka. They had discussions with Kiyoshi Fujita (Director of the ASEAN Center for Academic Initiatives), Yoshinori Sumimura (Director of the Center for Overseas Operations), and Specially Appointed Professor Quamrul Hasan. Based on the achievements of academic and educational exchanges to date, they exchanged views on the establishment of future internship programs, international symposiums, and the development of young researchers through double degree programs with the University of Osaka. In addition to research exchanges in the field of pharmaceutical sciences, where the two universities have active exchanges, they also discussed the prospect of joint research in social sciences and marine sciences.

From December 27 to 30, 2025, students from the University of Osaka participated in the "Short-Term Exchange Program 2025" held at the University of Science Malaysia (USM), an ASEAN Campus member institution. During the program, students participated in hands-on learning activities with USM students, such as campus tours, visits to a fermented food factory, and workshops. It served as an opportunity to experience Malaysian culture and daily life.

On December 23, 2025, Yoshinori Sumimura (Director of the Center for Overseas Operations) participated in the 50th anniversary ceremony of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), an ASEAN campus member institution. During the celebration, he held talks with the academy's Vice President for International Affairs and other VAST officials.

On December 17, 2025, Specially Appointed Professor Quamrul Hasan (Institute for International Initiatives) and Professor Masayoshi Arai (Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences) visited Sultan Sherif Ali Islamic University, an ASEAN Campus member institution. During the discussion at the School of Agriculture, they exchanged views on topics such as launching new collaborative research projects and double degree programs.

On December 16, 2026, the OUICP/OUICP-S graduation and entrance ceremonies were held at the University of Technology Brunei, an ASEAN Campus member institution. From our university, Specially Appointed Professor Quamrul Hasan (Institute for International Initiatives) and Professor Masayoshi Arai (Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences) participated. From Brunei, attendees included Dr. Azman Ahmad (Permanent Secretary) of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Hazri Kifle (Vice Chancellor) of University of Brunei Darussalam, Dr. Saiful Omar (Assistant Vice Chancellor (Industry & Services)) of the University of Technology Brunei, and Dr. Arman Asmad (Assistant Rector) of Sultan Sherif Ali Islamic University. At the ceremony, a congratulatory message from Executive Vice President Yoichi Miyamoto was read by Specially Appointed Professor Hasan, and certificates of completion were presented to the 2024 graduating students. Additionally, the incoming students of 2025 were introduced, providing an opportunity for program participants to deepen their exchanges.

On December 15, 2026, Specially Appointed Professor Quamrul Hasan (Institute for International Initiatives) and Professor Masayoshi Arai (Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences) visited University of Brunei Darussalam, an ASEAN Campus member institution. Discussions were held on maintaining the cooperative relationship between the two universities and deepening exchanges, focusing on the double degree program with the University of Osaka, joint research, and student exchanges through OUICP and OUICP-S.

On December 4, 2025, Ms. NGUEN THI PHUONG (Planning Officer), Mr. VU VAN HOI (R&D Promotion Officer), and Ms. TRAN THI HUE (Educational Testing Officer) from Vietnam Japan University, an ASEAN Campus partner institution, visited the University of Osaka as part of their staff training program. During the meeting with Professor Yoshinori Sumimura Yoshinori and Specially Appointed Assistant Professor ZHANG YA of the Institute for International Initiatives, as well as the Department of International Affairs, explanations were provided regarding the ASEAN Campus Project and student exchange programs through the OUICP and OUICP-S. They also toured the Suita Campus, gathering information about campus life at the University of Osaka.

On December 1, 2025, Ms. Saowalak Chutikulworawi (International Coordinator, International Affairs Office) from King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), an ASEAN Campus Partnership institution, visited the University of Osaka and had discussions with Kiyoshi Fujita (Director of the ASEAN Center for Academic Initiatives), Specially Appointed Assistant Professor KANJAMAPORNKUL SATHIDA, and staff of the Department of International Affairs. They exchanged information on UOsaka-wide exchange programs, study abroad programs at KMUTT, dormitories, and scholarship systems, as well as discussed promoting student exchange through short-term study abroad programs.

On November 28, 2025, an orientation was held for students starting the OUICP program in the 2025 academic year. Approximately 30 students participated using the metaverse space introduced by the UOsaka ASEAN Campus Project. During the orientation, explanations regarding the necessary preparations for taking online classes and procedures for traveling to Japan were given by the faculty and staff of the Institute for International Initiatives and staff of the International Student Affairs Division, Department of International Affairs. Participating students also introduced themselves and joined a Q&A session, providing an opportunity to deepen their connections before arriving in Japan. The students will begin their study abroad program online in December 2025 and will travel to Japan around March or July 2026, depending on their respective programs, to conduct research activities at the University of Osaka.

On November 18, 2025, the UOsaka ASEAN Campus SDGs Co-creation Forum “Planetary Health and Methane Innovation” was held at Osaka ATC Green Eco Plaza. Participants from UOsaka included Professor Yoshinori Sumimura, Guest Professor Akira Kondo (both from the Institute for International Initiatives), and Professor Kei Ohkubo (Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives). The forum provided a venue for cross-disciplinary presentations and discussions on societal issues such as planetary health and methane innovation. Approximately 100 people participated both in person and online, and the event was a great success.

On October 29, 2025, Dr. Mohammad Hilmy Baihaqy bin Hj Awg Yussof (Director of the Centre for International and Public Relations) at Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University (UNISSA), an ASEAN Campus member institution, visited the university of Osaka. He had discussions with Kiyoshi Fujita (Director of the ASEAN Center for Academic Initiatives), Yoshinori Sumimura (Director of the Center for Overseas Operations), Specially Appointed Professor Quamrul Hasan, and Specially Appointed Assistant Professor KANJAMAPORNKUL SATHIDA. It provided an opportunity to exchange views on the halal industry in Brunei and Japan. Director Sumimura also gave an introduction to OUICP and OUICP-S, followed by discussions regarding future program development, such as student and research exchanges with UNISSA in the field of halal science and opportunities for UNISSA students to pursue doctoral studies at the University of Osaka.

On October 20, 2025, Associate Professor Dr. Wilfred Espulgar from De La Salle University, an ASEAN Campus Partnership institution, visited and had discussions with Kiyoshi Fujita (Director of the ASEAN Center for Academic Initiatives), Yoshinori Sumimura (Director of the Center for Overseas Operations), and Yosuke Shimazono (Lecturer). Discussions focused on future collaboration within the ASEAN Campus initiatives, along with information exchange on research projects and student exchange events between the two universities.

On October 10, 2025, Dr. Supreedee Rittironk (Associate Professor, Vice Rector for International Affairs) from Thammasat University, an ASEAN Campus partner institution, visited and held discussions with Kiyoshi Fujita (Director of the ASEAN Center for Academic Initiatives) and Professor Yoshinori Sumimura. Director Fujita introduced our university, while Professor Sumimura explained OUICP and OUICP-S, the university-wide exchange programs. Vice Rector Dr. Supreedee Rittironk gave an introduction to Thammasat University, and discussions were held regarding student exchange through short-term study programs hosted by both universities.

On September 23, 2025, Professor Yoshinori Sumimura (Institute for International Initiatives) visited the University of Malaya. Discussions were held at the university’s Faculty of Pharmacy regarding future collaborative research projects with the University of Osaka. Additionally, an OUICP-S program briefing session was held, introducing participants to our university's policies on collaborative research and educational exchange, as well as collaboration opportunities within the ASEAN Campus initiative, followed by an exchange of views.

On September 23, 2025, Professor Yoshinori Sumimura and Specially Appointed Assistant Professor KANJAMAPORNKUL SATHIDA, both of the Institute for International Initiatives, visited the University of Science Malaysia. They held discussions with Dr. Siti Masayu Rosliah Abdul Rashid (Senior Lecturer at the School of Distance Education), exchanging views on collaborative research with our university. They also visited the UOsaka ASEAN Campus Office located on the university's main campus.

On September 22, 2025, Professor Yoshinori Sumimura and Specially Appointed Assistant Professor KANJAMAPORNKUL SATHIDA, both of the Institute for International Initiatives, participated in the first Core University Meeting (Research Presentation Session) for the “Japan-Southeast Asia Joint Research Center for Plastic Resource Circulation,” held at the University of Science Malaysia as part of “Core-to-Core Program” of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science. This project, led by Professor Hiroshi Uyama (Graduate School of Engineering), aims to build a research foundation to address challenges in plastic waste processing and resource circulation in ASEAN countries, in collaboration with universities across ASEAN and Japan. The conference provided an opportunity to share research findings on plastic resource circulation and exchange opinions toward collaborative research and social implementation with ASEAN countries, building networks among researchers and deepening collaboration among researchers.

From September 17 to 27, 2025, the “UOsaka ASEAN Campus Career Advancement English Program in Brunei” was held at the Brunei Darussalam University, an ASEAN Campus member institution, where eleven students participated. Over the course of approximately 10 days, participants learned English conversation and presentation skills while interacting with local students. Fieldwork included a visit to Ulu Temburong National Park, deepening their understanding of Brunei's culture and nature. The program concluded with final presentations where each participant shared their experiences of the study abroad program.

On September 18, 2025, Specially Appointed Professor Quamrul Hasan and others of the Institute for International Initiatives visited the Brunei Darussalam University. They visited the Faculty of Science and the Office of Assistant Vice-Chancellor, where they exchanged opinions on student and research exchanges through the OUICP and double degree programs, as well as the prospects of collaborative research in the field of life sciences. They also discussed the development of the English language training program implemented at the university.

On September 17, 2025, Specially Appointed Professor Quamrul Hasan and others of the Institute for International Initiatives visited the University of Technology Brunei. During a meeting with the staff in charge of the university's education and research exchange, they exchanged views on future student exchanges through OUICP, as well as the prospects of establishing future educational programs and collaborative research in the fields of engineering, pharmacy, and information science.

On September 17, 2025, Specially Appointed Professor Quamrul Hasan and others of the Institute for International Initiatives visited Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University. They visited the Halan Thayyiban Research Centre and exchanged views with faculty and staff about building future educational and research exchanges. They also toured the university’s joint laboratory established with the University of Osaka and discussed with OUICP alumni and prospective students.

On September 4, 2025, a delegation from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) visited the University of Osaka. The delegation consisted of nine members, including Commissioner Dr. Ricmar P. Aquino, Ms. Elma C. Paz (Education Program Specialist II and Desk Officer), and Dr. Jose V. Camacho, Jr., (President of the University of the Philippines Los Baños). From UOsaka, Professor Yoshinori Sumimura (Institute for International Initiatives), Lecturer Yosuke Shimazono, and Specially Appointed Professor Eiichi Tamiya (SANKEN) introduced the ASEAN Campus Project and exchanged information regarding UOsaka’s educational and research activities in the Philippines.

Three graduate students in the double degree program between Mahidol University, an ASEAN Campus member institution, and the International Center for Biotechnology (ICBiotech), completed their activities at the University of Osaka and were presented with certificates of completion by Professor Kohsuke Honda and Professor Kazuhito Fujiyama of ICBiotech.

On August 26, 2025, faculty and students from Hanoi University of Science and Technology, a UOsaka ASEAN Campus partner institution, visited the ICBiotech to participate in a short-term study abroad program and discuss future exchanges. This invitation of Hanoi University of Science and Technology faculty members was supported by the OU Master Plan Realization Acceleration Project.

KMUTT's Presidential Dialogue and Education Fair was held at King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), a partner institution of the UOsaka ASEAN campus, for two days from August 24 to 25, 2025. Representing UOsaka, Kiyoshi Fujita (Director of the ASEAN Center for Academic Initiatives), Specially Appointed Assistant Professor Kanjamapornkul Sathida, and Professor Kazuhito Fujiyama of the International Center for Biotechnology (ICBiotech) had discussions with President Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suvit Saetia (second from left in top photo) and KMUTT faculty members (bottom photo), who are UOsaka graduates.

On August 8, 2025, the short-term study abroad program "Field Study Abroad S" began at Mahidol University, an ASEAN Campus member institution, with 16 students from the Graduate School of Engineering, Department of Biotechnology. With the cooperation of their Department of International Affairs, an orientation was held at the Salaya Campus.

On July 31, 2025, “Introduction to the University of Osaka for OUICP Students: Thinking about future career in the ASEAN Campus network” was held for students who are currently in Japan under the Osaka University International Certificate Program (OUICP). This was the second session for the academic year, and students participated. Faculty members of the Institute for International Initiatives provided information on admission to the University of Osaka and our scholarship programs available. Subsequently, during the Q&A session, senior students shared their experiences, and students received advice from faculty members regarding their research plans and future careers.
Top photo: Group photo
Bottom photo: Counselling session with faculty members and senior students

From July 1 to July 4, 2025, Professor Kazuhito Fujiyama of the International Center for Biotechnology visited Mahidol University, a UOsaka ASEAN campus, and King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), a partner institution of the UOsaka ASEAN campus. They discussed and exchanged information about future educational and research activities.
Top left: With staff of the international Affairs Office at Mahidol University, taken at the ASEAN Center for Academic Initiatives
Top right: Visit to the International Affairs Office at KMUTT
Bottom right: Discussion with Dr. Watanalai Panbangred, Global Alumni Fellow (at Faculty of Science, Mahidol University)
Bottom left: Discussion with alumni regarding research activities (at Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University)

On July 4, 2025, an orientation was held for OUICP students having arrived in Japan. The program faculty and staff introduced the program and explained the enrollment procedures, marking the start of their two-month study abroad. OUICP summer exchange students plan to conduct research activities and fieldwork in their respective fields of expertise from July to August.

On June 13, 2025, Professor Kazuhito Fujiyama of the International Center for Biotechnology attended and delivered a lecture at THE 5TH ASEAN MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE AND ANMICRO MEETING, held at the Airlangga University, a partner institution of the UOsaka ASEAN campus.

On June 11, 2025, from Gadjah Mada University, Professor Yoyok Wahyu Subro and Professor Wega Trisunaryant, the title winner of Global Alumni Fellow 2025, visited the University of Osaka and met with Professor Yoshinori Sumimura, Specially Appointed Assistant Professor ZHAN YA, and Specially Appointed Assistant Professor KANJAMAPORNKUL SATHIDA of the Institute for International Initiatives. They listened to the explanation of the UOsaka ASEAN Campus Project and exchanged information about it. Furthermore, they also had a discussion on the theme of future exchanges between UOsaka and Gadjah Mada University, where they exchanged opinions on the prospect of research and student exchanges in fields such as disaster prevention.

On Friday, May 30, 2025, a delegation from the University of the Philippines paid a courtesy visit to our university. The delegation consisted of 40 people, including President Angelo Jimenez, Principal Jose Camacho, Jr., and principals from three other schools, including Los Baños. The Consul General of the Republic of the Philippines in Osaka also participated.
In the meeting, held at the Suntory Memorial Hall on the Suita Campus, Dean of the Graduate School of Engineering Takeshi Omasa and President Angelo Jimenez gave greetings, followed by introductions of our university's Graduate School of Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering Science, and Graduate School of Science.
Next, Director of the ASEAN Center for Academic Initiatives Kiyoshi Fujita gave an introduction on the UOsaka ASEAN Campus Project, Director of the Center for Overseas Operations Yoshinori Sumimura introduced OUICP, and interviews were held with international students from the Philippines.
Top photo: Group photo
Bottom photo: Interviews with students

From May 26th to 27th, 2025, staff members from Mahidol University, a UOsaka ASEAN campus, visited the University of Osaka. The visitors were Ms. Nattika Phunyatera and Ms. Napaporn Jindapol, both from UOsaka International College.
During their visit, they toured the Suita and Toyonaka campuses and met with faculty and staff from the Center for Overseas Operations of the Institute for International Initiatives and the Career Center to gather information and exchange opinions about our university's efforts in career support activities. In addition, students from the Graduate School of Engineering gave a campus tour, providing an explanation of student life and research activities.

(photos of the meeting between the visitors from Italy and faculty and staff from our university)
Top left: Center for Overseas Operations
Top right: Center for International Education and Exchange
Bottom right: Career Center
Bottom left: Tour at the Suita campus

Since May 1, 2025, OUICP-S students participating in “Global Frontier in Japan” have been conducting Practical Study Abroad at the University of Osaka, taking lectures in relevant departments, visiting laboratories, and carrying out off-campus fieldwork based on their respective research themes.
Additionally, through participation in the “Inochi Forum Action Panel SDGs + Beyond – ASEAN & Mongolia –,” held on May 14 at the University of Osaka Nakanoshima Center, students explored specific challenges related to the SDGs and deepened their understanding of efforts towards “life” by a virtual tour of the pavilion“Future of Life” at the Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai.
Based on these activities, a presentation meeting was held on May 21, where they exchanged information and opinions regarding the approximately three-week study abroad program.

Top left: presentation meeting
Top right: Forum at the University of Osaka Nakanoshima Center
Bottom right: Laboratory visit to the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Studies
Bottom left: Lecture at the International Center for Biotechnology

On April 21, 2025, the "International Seminar on Cultured Meat" was held at University Sains Malaysia, UOsaka ASEAN campus, with the participation of Specially appointed Professor HASAN Quamrul of the Institute for International Initiatives and Professor Matsusaki Michiya of the Graduate School of Engineering from the University of Osaka. This seminar was held jointly with the University Sains Malaysia as part of the UOsaka ASEAN Campus SDGs Co-Creation Forum "Halal Innovation." The seminar featured lectures and discussions on the theme of cultured meat, followed by an inspection tour at a related research institute (Cell AgriTech Sdn. Bhd.).

Top left photo: Group photo of seminar participants
Top right Photo: Lecture by Prof. Matsusaki
Bottom right photo: Inspection tour at the research institute

On May 2, 2025, a post-arrival orientation for OUICP-S students was held. Faculty and staff members in charge of the program gave an explanation about campus life and the procedures for starting study abroad, providing an opportunity for the participating students to deepen exchange with each other. After the orientation, the students visited the Center for International Education and Exchange (IRIS), where the IRIS staff gave a presentation on student exchange activities. The students participating in OUICP-S's “Global Frontiers in Japan” program will spend approximately three weeks, while those participating in the “Frontier Engineering” program will spend approximately two months, respectively conducting research activities, fieldwork, and internships in their respective research fields.

Top photo: Orientation
Bottom photo: Visit to IRIS

On April 25, 2025, “Introduction to the University of Osaka for OUICP Students: Thinking about future career in the ASEAN Campus network” was held for students who are currently in Japan under the Osaka University International Certificate Program (OUICP), with approximately 20 students participating. Faculty members of the Institute for International Initiatives provided information on studying at the university, and senior students shared their experiences, giving OUICP students an opportunity to think specifically about their future careers. At the socializing session, participating students asked many questions, as well as engaging in a lively exchange of opinions and information with senior students and faculty members.

Top photo: Group photo
Bottom left: Socializing session between faculty members and students
Bottom right: Senior students sharing their experiences

From April 14th to 15th, 2025, Professor Hiroshi Uyama (Graduate School of Engineering) and Specially Appointed Assistant Professor KANJAMAPORNKUL SATHIDA (Institute for International Initiatives) visited University Sains Malaysia. They exchanged opinions with Prof. Dr. Mariatti Jaafar and others from the university on the "Research Hub Creation Project: Japan-Southeast Asia Joint Research Center for Plastic Resource Recycling" adopted by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).

On April 11th, 2025, Prof. Dr. Habibah A Wahab, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation of University Sains Malaysia and others visited our university. We held a small workshop on joint research and young researcher exchange programs, co-hosted by the R3 Institute for Newly-Emerging Science Design and the Institute for International Initiatives. Based on a total of seven presentations from both universities, there was an active discussion on future collaborative activities on the ASEAN campus.

On April 7, 2025, Professor Irma Isnafia Arief (left in photo) and Professor Cahyo Budiman (right in photo) visited UOsaka from IPB University, a UOsaka ASEAN Campus partner institution. During their stay, they conducted research activities at the International Center for Biotechnology (ICBiotech).