The Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) established the “Asian Human Resources Fund” to develop human resources who will become bridges between Tokyo and Asia. As part of the fund, since FY2008 the Tokyo Metropolitan University (TMU) has accepted students from various Asian countries as candidates to its doctoral programs. This year, 22 students, whose majors were water issues, food safety and infrastructure policy, etc., successfully completed their three or four years of research in Tokyo. These students will now graduate with doctorates in their chosen fields. Upon the conclusion of their studies and both in appreciation of their hard work and in wishing the graduates every future success; the students were invited to a ceremony celebrating their achievements with attendance of Mr. Nobuhiro Maeda, the Vice-Governor of Tokyo, on September 11th at the TMG Building.

In his opening remarks, Vice-Governor Maeda stated; “In addition to putting great effort into researching topics such as water, food safety and a range of issues that directly confront Asia, to live in Japan, which is a foreign country for you, must have been sometimes difficult. I would like to congratulate you on the completion of your studies from the bottom of my heart, I also feel very fortunate to meet such gifted students as you, all of whom have such bright futures. Going forward, even after you return to your home countries, I hope that you will devote yourself to your research fields and continue working toward your respective goals. I also hope you become a bridge connecting Tokyo and Asia, thus opening the way for the development of Asian countries”.

In responding to these opening remarks, Dr. Dady, a representative of the students, made a speech in which he stated: “It was an extremely fortunate experience to receive the Asia Human Resources Fund scholarship to study in Tokyo. We would like to thank you for this opportunity and we also want to contribute to development of our chosen fields of research both in our home countries and in Tokyo”. He concluded; “One day, as a sign of gratitude, we hope to be able to give back something to Tokyo”.

After the speeches, Vice-Governor Maeda presented a souvenir paperweight engraved with an image of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings. This was followed by a commemorative photograph that was taken along with TMG executives and academics in charge of the program.

After the meeting with the Vice-Governor, the students visited the Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Center to learn about the city’s disaster prevention measures. This was followed by free talk event held between TMG staff and the students. Many of the students mentioned that, compared to big cities around the world, they marveled at how “clean Tokyo is” and how “transportation system is so efficient”. They also commented that “Japanese people are so kind”, and expressed their gratitude to the TMG staff and the people of Tokyo who, in establishing the Asia Human Resources Fund, had supported their study in Tokyo. Moving forward, the students indicated they hope at some stage to be able to use their knowledge and experience to provide feedback to both Japan and Tokyo.

In order for the graduates to grow into their roles of being bridges between Japan (Tokyo) and other countries (various cities), they will need to re-double their efforts. TMG also hopes to continue supporting Tokyo’s friends in other Asian countries who are working on the research frontlines in different fields.

Finally, the following website contains information regarding the research themes of the students who both studied and who are now studying in Tokyo through the Asia Human Resources Fund. There is also additional information regarding the fund itself. Please feel free to browse through the information.

l