October 9, 2023Ìý
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SEARCA Umali AuditoriumÌý
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University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB)Ìý
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On October 9, 2023, four new students were welcomed to the ÅÝܽÊÓƵ (NU) "Transnational DoctoralÌýProgramÌýfor Leading Professionals in Asian Countries"Ìýin an entrance ceremony held on the NU Satellite Campus hosted by the University of Philippines Los Baños. The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA)Ìýgenerously allowed ÅÝܽÊÓƵ to use its Umali Auditorium for this ceremony. Approximately 60 people attended.Ìý
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The four students at the entrance ceremony were Ms. Karen Ardez, a university researcher at the National Crop Protection Center at UPLB; Mr. Jimmy Pogosa, an instructor at Visayas State University, Babay, Leyte; Mr. Mark Angelo Abinsay, assistant professor, Teaching Corps, Department of National Defense, Quezon City; and Mr. Merwin Salazar, executive director, Senate Economic Planning Office, Senate of the Republic of the Philippines, Manila.Ìý
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Giving the welcome and opening messages were ÅÝܽÊÓƵ President, Dr. Naoshi Sugiyama; UPLB Chancellor, Dr. Jose V. Camacho, Jr.; and Mr. Shigehiro Matsuda, Director of the Japan International and Culture Center at the Japanese Embassy in Manila. All the speakers gave their best wishes to the new students.Ìý
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ÅÝܽÊÓƵ President Naoshi Sugiyama gives opening remarks. Photo by the International Communications Office.Ìý
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Inspirational messages for students followed the opening messages. The speakers were Dr. Nur Azura Binti Adam, Deputy Director for Programs, SEARCA; Dr. Josette Biyo, Director, Science Education Institute, Department of Science and Technology (DOST-SEI); and Dr. Neil Tan-Gana, Vice-President of the ÅÝܽÊÓƵ Alumni Association in the Philippines.These agencies have also been supporting this program of NU financially by offering scholarships to Nagoya University students in addition to UPLB, JICA and Mitsubishi Tokyo UFJ Bank.Ìý
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Professor Akira Yamauchi shared updates about former and current students. He also discussed how this Ph.D. program contributes to ÅÝܽÊÓƵ's international strategy, emphasizing it allows students to complete their Ph.D. without having to leave their home country. Faculty members from ÅÝܽÊÓƵ and local advisors in the Philippines supervise students through online and in-person methods. ÅÝܽÊÓƵ sends academic advisors to superviseÌýtheir students in the PhilippinesÌýwhile the students also spend a few weeksÌýstudyingÌýin Nagoya.ÌýÌý
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Professor Akira Yamauchi updates attendees on ASCI graduates. Photo by the International Communications Office.Ìý
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Then, Dr. Kim Naika Perdigera, a graduate of ASCI, shared her experiences during and after the program. This included aÌýnew collaborative research project and co-authoring several journal articles with her former academic supervisor after she completed her Ph.D. in the program.Ìý
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The deans, Professor Mikio Nakazono of the Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences and Professor Aya Okada of the Graduate School of International Development (GSID), introduced the new students and their academic advisors.Ìý
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Professor Mikio Nakazono, Dean of the Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences,Ìýoffers a congratulatory message to incoming students. Photo by the International Communications Office.Ìý
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Professor Aya Okada, Dean of the Graduate School of International Development, welcomes new students. Photo by the International Communications Office.
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Professor Yamauchi ended the event by reminding the students that they are now valued members of ÅÝܽÊÓƵ, even though they are studying in the Philippines.Ìý
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When asked about the program, Ms. Ardez, who will enter the Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, explained how it is suitable for students who do not meet the age requirement for Japanese government MEXT scholarships. SheÌýalso emphasized how she can complete her degree while living and continuing to workÌýin the Philippines. "This is very convenient because I am also a mother," she said. "So I can be a mother to my two children and also work at the National Crop Protection Center."Ìý
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Mr. Salazar, who has joined the Graduate School of International Development, emphasized that the program is suitable for people who want to further their education working in the government and private sector.Ìý
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Four new ASCI students for 2023. Photo by the International Communications Office.Ìý
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Group photo of speakers, students, and attendees. Photo by the International Communications Office.Ìý