[AY2025] Activity at Oversea Centers

On January 15, 2026, 60 high school students, 11 faculty members, and international affairs staff from Suankularb Wittayalai School in Thailand visited the University of Osaka.
This visit was part of an educational program conducted in collaboration between the School and Thammasat University, aiming to observe UOsaka's educational and research activities and explore future career paths. The seminar, held in the Suntory Memorial Hall of the Graduate School of Engineering, featured an introduction to the university by Specially Appointed Assistant Professor Kanjamapornkul Sathida (Institute for International Initiatives), a career path seminar by Associate Professor Sastia Prama Putri (Graduate School of Engineering), and an introduction to the center by Professor Kosuke Honda (International Center for Biotechnology). Following the seminar, participants toured laboratories and interacted with UOsaka students to deepen their understanding of UOsaka research activities.

On November 13, 2025, Ninshu Ma (Director of the East Asian Center for Academic Initiatives) and others visited Southeast University. They had a discussion with Wang Cheng (Director of the International Student Office), and Ms. Zhao Yishu (of the same office) on the current university exchange activities and exchange views on future student and academic exchanges.

From November 10 to November 15, 2025, the University of Osaka participated in the Yangtze River Delta Global Learning Fair 2025, held at the University of Science and Technology of China, Nanjing University, and Zhejiang University. We set up a booth at the host universities’ venues, where Ninshu Ma (Director of the East Asian Center for Academic Initiatives) and others introduced UOsaka's education and research programs to a total of approximately 200 visitors at the three universities, as well as providing specific consultations regarding study abroad opportunities available. During the event, we also had meetings with representatives from each university and gave them an introduction of UOsaka.

Photo Left: Nanjing University Global Study Fair
Photo Top right: University of Science and Technology of China
Photo Bottom right: Zhejiang University Global Learning Fair

On October 29, 2025, we participated in the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Study Abroad Fair. Approximately 50 visitors, primarily students interested in studying abroad or pursuing further graduate school education in engineering and science fields, visited our booth. Ninshu Ma (Director of the East Asian Center for Academic Initiatives) and others answered questions from visitors and introduced the university's appeal.

On October 28, 2025, the UOsaka Shanghai Alumni Association was held in Shanghai. Following opening remarks by Ninshu Ma (Director of the East Asian Center for Academic Initiatives), participants introduced themselves and shared updates on their recent activities. 21 participants, including students currently on exchange programs at universities in Shanghai, were in attendance. The event was a great success and concluded in a warm atmosphere, featuring career advice from alumni to current students.

On October 23, 2025, Ninshu Ma (Director of the East Asian Center for Academic Initiatives) and others visited Tongji University and had discussions with Prof. Chen Yili (Director of the Domestic Student Office) and Prof. Jia Liangjiu, where opinions were exchanged on promoting future academic and student exchanges.

On October 22, 2025, Ninshu Ma (Director of the East Asian Center for Academic Initiatives) and others visited Fudan University and had discussions with Prof. Zhu Yifei (Director of the Domestic Student Office) and Prof. Heping, where opinions were exchanged on academic and student exchanges, followed by a tour of the university's Center for Japanese Studies. On the same day, they also visited East China University of Science and Technology, where they met with Prof. Deng Zhonghua (Vice Director of the International Student Office), had introductions of both universities, and discussed the prospect of future collaboration.

On October 21, 2025, Ninshu Ma (Director of the East Asian Center for Academic Initiatives) and others visited Shanghai Jiao Tong University and had a discussion with Chen Hailei (Deputy Director of the International Student Center) on an academic exchange seminar to be held between the two universities. They also met with Professor Zhang Di, Professor Liu QingLei, Professor Song Fang, and Professor Su Yishi of the School of Metallurgical and Ecological Engineering at the university to discuss cooperation for further development of student exchanges.

On October 3, 2025, Professor Andrej Zwitter (Chair of Governance and Innovation) and Mr. Tim Zwaagstra (Senior Policy Adviser, International Strategy & Relations) from the University of Groningen visited us and had discussions with Kenji Matsuno (Director of the European Center), Associate Professor Saori Obayashi, and others from the Institute for International Initiatives. They exchanged opinions on the development of future online education programs and the prospects of collaborative research, as well as information on expanding student exchanges through exchange programs.

From September 20 to 21, 2025, we participated in "Study in Japan Fair 2025 (Taiwan)" hosted by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), held in Taipei. Ninshu Ma (Director of the East Asian Center for Academic Initiatives) and others answered questions from visitors regarding degree programs, entrance exams, scholarships, etc., and introduced the appeal of our university.

On September 18, 2025, Ninshu Ma (Director of the East Asian Center for Academic Initiatives) visited National Taiwan University. He had discussions with Ms. Patricia Yang (Director of the Global Student Affairs Office) and Ms. Ellie Liou (of the same office) on the current university exchange activities and exchanged views on future student exchange programs.

From September 8 to 9, 2025, KANJAMAPORNKUL SATHIDA (Specially Appointed Assistant Professor) and Risa Nakamura (Specially Appointed Assistant Professor) from the Institute for International Initiatives visited Chulalongkorn University and King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi in Thailand. At Chulalongkorn University, they met with faculty members from the Faculty of Arts and Faculty of Science, including Global Alumni Fellow recipient Dr. Suwabun Chirachancai (Professor, Center of Excellence in Bioresources to Advanced Materials). At King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, they engaged in discussions with Assistant Professor Dr. Surapong Rattanakul and staff in charge of international exchange.

Top photo: Chulalongkorn University
Bottom photo: King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi

On September 7, 2025, “Study in Japan Fair 2025 (Thailand)” hosted by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) was held in Bangkok, followed by “TNI Japan Education Fair 2025” at Thai-Nichi Institute of Technology on September 8. Representing UOsaka, among others, were Kiyoshi Fujita (Director of the ASEAN Center for Academic Initiatives), KANJAMAPORNKUL SATHIDA (Specially Appointed Assistant Professor), and Risa Nakamura (Specially Appointed Assistant Professor). Approximately 120 students visited our university's booth at the JASSO Study in Japan Fair, and about 100 students visited our booth at the “TNI Japan Education Fair 2025,” where they engaged in lively Q&A sessions regarding UOsaka's admissions system and university life.

Top photo: Study in Japan Fair 2025 (Thailand)
Bottom photo: TNI Japan Education Fair 2025

On August 25, 2025, KANJAMAPORNKUL SATHIDA (Specially Appointed Assistant Professor, Institute for International Initiatives) participated in a study abroad fair event, held as part of the “PRESIDENTIAL DIALOGUE & EDUCATION FAIR 2025” organized by King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi. Approximately 100 participants, mainly students interested in studying abroad or pursuing further education in engineering, visited UOsaka's booth. It provided an opportunity to share information about our research programs and campus life.

On August 25, 2025, Ninshu Ma (Director of the East Asian Center for Academic Initiatives) visited Seoul National University and met with Professor Dongil Kwon (Materials Science and Engineering) and Associate Professor Do-il Yoo (Agricultural Economics and Rural Development). They exchanged views on promoting future academic and student exchanges.

On August 23 to 24, 2025, we participated in the “Japan Study Abroad Fair (South Korea)” hosted by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) in Busan and Seoul. Ninshu Ma (Director of the East Asian Center for Academic Initiatives) and Professor Tak Yon-Soo (SLiCS) answered questions from visitors to our booth and introduced the university’s appeal. At both venues, interest in our university was high, providing an opportunity to reaffirm the diversity and depth of demand within South Korea for studying in Japan.

Photo: Front row center and back row right are interpreters

On August 24, 2025, UOsaka held a study abroad information session at Morning Edu, a cram school in Seoul preparing students for entrance to Japanese universities. The event was conducted in a hybrid format, combining in-person attendance and live YouTube live streaming. Students from their first to third year of high school aiming for undergraduate admission received a 30-minute introduction to UOsaka, followed by a Q&A session.

On August 22, 2025, Ninshu Ma (Director of the East Asian Center for Academic Initiatives) visited Pusan National University and met with Lee Chang-Hwan (Dean of International Affairs). They exchanged opinions on promoting future academic and student exchanges. In addition, he also met with Kim Myung-Hyun (Professor of Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering) and our graduate An Gyubaek (Professor at Chosun University) to discuss cooperation for further developing student exchanges.

On August 13, 2025, Beijing Alumni Association Reunion was held in Beijing. Ninshu Ma (Director of the East Asian Center for Academic Initiatives) delivered opening remarks and reported on recent developments at the university. The event was a great success, with over ten graduates from the School of Law, Foreign Studies, Engineering Science, and Engineering in attendance.

On August 13, 2025, Ninshu Ma (Director of the East Asian Center for Academic Initiatives) visited Peking University. He met with Professor Zengyi Chang (School of Life Sciences and Director of the Center for Protein Science) and Professor Yuguo Ma (Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of the Ministry of Education), exchanging views on future academic exchanges.

On August 12, 2025, Ninshu Ma (Director of the East Asian Center for Academic Initiatives) and Lisa Nakahara (Specially Appointed Assistant Professor) visited Tsinghua University. After discussing with Haiyan Zhao (Professor of Mechanical Engineering), a contact person of Tsinghua University for the inter-university agreement, they exchanged views on future student exchange programs with Nannan Liu (Associate Dean of the Office of International Affairs). They also introduced our university with Ming Zhou (Professor of Mechanical Engineering) and others in attendance.

On August 10, 2025, Ninshu Ma (Director of the East Asian Center for Academic Initiatives) and Lisa Nakahara (Specially Appointed Assistant Professor) visited Beijing University of Technology. They exchanged views on future student exchange programs with Shujun Chen (Vice President); Zhijie Chen (Deputy Director of the International Office); Jian Lin (Professor of the College of Materials Science and Engineering); and students from the university.

On August 4, 2025, a total of 13 students from Tsinghua University's School of Civil Engineering, including both undergraduate and doctoral students, visited the laboratory of Professor Atsutomo Nakamura in the Graduate School of Engineering Science. Associate Professor Enkhtur Ariunaa from the Institute for International Initiatives and two Global Student Ambassadors introduced our university.

From July 24 to 28, 2025, Kenji Matsuno (Institute for International Initiatives) and others visited the University of Manchester. The delegation visited the School of Arts, Faculty of Science & Engineering, and the University Centre for Academic English, where they exchanged opinions on research collaboration with UOsaka and information on the prospect of student exchange through short-term programs.

On July 23, 2025, Kenji Matsuno (Director of the European Center for Academic Initiatives) and Ninshu Ma (Director of the East Asian Center for Academic Initiatives) visited Imperial College London and had a discussion with Professor Ricardo Martinez-Botas and Professor Li-Liang Wang. They discussed research exchanges and the prospect of collaborative research between the two universities.

On July 22, 2025, Kenji Matsuno (Director of the European Center for Academic Initiatives) and Ninshu Ma (Director of the East Asian Center for Academic Initiatives) visited University College London and had a discussion with Professor Jeom-Kee Paik and others. We introduced UOsaka’s activities and exchanged opinions with them about future academic exchanges between the two universities.

On June 30, a delegation led by President Komsan Maleesee paid a courtesy visit to the University of Osaka and had discussions with Director of the ASEAN Center for Academic Initiatives Kiyoshi Fujita, Specially Appointed Assistant Professor KANJAMAPORNKUL SATHIDA, and Professor Kazuhito Fujiyama of the International Center for Biotechnology. They discussed the prospects of future international collaboration with the university and the development of exchange activities.

On June 19, 2025, a delegation led by Rik Van de Walle, President of Ghent University, Kingdom of Belgium, paid a courtesy visit to the University of Osaka and had a discussion with Beverly Anne Yamamoto (Regional Director of the North American Center), Kenji Matsuno (Director of the European Center), and Associate Professor Saori Obayashi of the Institute for International Initiatives. During the discussion, presentations were given about Ghent University and the University of Osaka, as well as about Ghent University's HINT.GENT (Health Intelligence Network.Gent) and UOsaka AIDE Initiative (Artificial Intelligence Driving Empowerment), followed by a lively discussion about the potential for future collaboration.

On June 10, 2025, Dr. Franka van den Hende from the Centre for Internationalisation of Education at the University of Groningen visited the University of Osaka and discussed with Kenji Matsuno, Director of the European Center for Academic Initiatives. They exchanged opinions on the future development of student exchange programs between the University of Groningen and the University of Osaka, as well as information about the campuses and educational programs of both universities.

On Friday, May 30, 2025, Professor Francesco Saita (Dean for International Affairs) and Director Sonia Albertazzi (International Relations) of Bocconi University in Italy visited Matsuno, Director of the European Center for Academic Initiatives (Institute for International Initiatives), for a discussion. They exchanged information on the majors striving to strengthen international collaboration at Bocconi University and the details of courses taught in English. Director Matsuno also provided an overview of UOsaka study abroad programs and talked about the degree programs taught in English. In addition, they had a tour of the facilities at the Toyonaka Campus.

On May 22, 2025, the University of Osaka welcomed the following visitors from the University of Nevada, Reno: Prof. Jill S. Heaton, Professor of Geography and Senior Vice Provost; Prof. Mehmet Tosun, Chief International Officer, Director of the Ozmen Center for Entrepreneurship, Director of International Programs, and Professor of Economics Prof. Gi Woong Yun, Dean and Professor and Fred W. Smith Chair at the Reynolds School of Journalism; Paige Flippin, Admissions and Recruitment Officer; and Mr. Akio Abe, PhD student.

First, they had an interview with Professor Yasuhiko Sentoku of the Institute of Laser Engineering, who is a tenured professor at the university. Then, a meeting was held with Professor Sachihiko Kondo of the Institute for International Initiatives, Specially Appointed Assistant Professor CSENDOM ANDREA, Yanagihara, Head of the International Student Affairs Division, and Shinohara, administrative personnel of the same division, where lively discussions took place regarding the potential for future international exchange between the two universities.　

On May 12 and 14, 2025, 56 students and 5 faculty members from Suankularb Wittayalai School in Thailand visited the University of Osaka. On the 12th, at the Suita Campus, Kiyoshi FUJITA, Regional Director of the ASEAN Center for Academic Initiatives (Institute for International Initiatives), gave an introduction of the University of Osaka, followed by a tour of laboratories at the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Engineering, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, and International Center for Biotechnology. On the 14th, at the Toyonaka Campus, they attended a mock class at the International College and visited laboratories at the Graduate School of Economics and Graduate School of Engineering Science.

Left photo: Introduction of the UOsaka by Kiyoshi FUJITA, Regional Director of the ASEAN Center for Academic Initiatives
Top right photo: Laboratory visit
Bottom left photo: A mock class

On April 1, 2025, Professor Marco Salemi (Emerging Pathogens Institute Interim Director; Holloway Professor in Experimental Pathology) and Assistant Professor Carla Mavian (Dept. of Pathology, College of Medicine Associate Director of International Relations and Surveillance Emerging Pathogens Institute) from the University of Florida visited us. In the morning, in attendance of Beverly Anne Yamamoto (Regional Director of North American Center, Institute for International Initiatives), they discussed with Specially Appointed Professor Yoshiharu Matsuura (Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research (CiDER)), and in the afternoon, they had a discussion with Professor Hiroyuki Noumi, Professor Takatsugu Ishikawa, Professor Atsushi Tamii, Assistant Professor Kotaro Shirotori, and Specially Appointed Assistant Professor Ken Suzuki (all from Research Center for Nuclear Physics) on the possibility of future international exchange between the two universities.