On January 18, Bangkok University President Dr. Mathana Santiwat paid a visit to Josai’s Kioicho campus to sign an academic exchange agreement with our university.

As a part of their mid-range plan of developing global human resources, Josai has made an effort to establish relations with a number of universities worldwide, particularly those located in Central Europe and other parts of Asia.
    Josai’s partnership with Bangkok University was born out of their mutual participation in the Asia Summer Program at Indonesia’s Petra Christian University last July, but with the signing of this academic exchange agreement, the connection is now official.
    Founded in 1962, Bangkok University is both Thailand’s oldest and largest private university. With ten schools in all, including economics, humanities, law, engineering, and fine arts, the university has an enrollment of about 28,000 students. Thai is not the only language of instruction, as the university is also replete with an international program with courses taught in English.

Upon arrival at our Kioicho campus, Dr. Mathana Santiwat first met with Chancellor Noriko Mizuta along with other members of Josai’s executive board.
    Before the signing, Chancellor Mizuta greeted those assembled by saying, “I hope that this most recent academic exchange agreement will contribute to a strengthening of Japan-Thailand relations through the mutual development of global human resources.” Dr. Mathana Santiwat then gave a few words, stating, “Given the numerous commonalities between our two schools in areas such as academic makeup and future goals, we can expect many collaborative programs in the future.”
    The official signing ceremony then took place. Afterward, Dr. Mathana Santiwat agreed to participate in the women’s leadership network, L-Win, along with female leaders from other Josai sister institutions.
    After providing a brief overview of Josai and Josai International Universities, a discussion was held regarding the future of their academic exchange.

After leaving the Kioicho campus, Dr. Mathana Santiwat then proceeded to visit the JIU campus where she was given a tour of each department, the international exchange lounge, the continuing education center, and other major campus facilities.

With this most recent agreement, we can expect many meaningful collaborative programs between the two schools in the near future.