25 years ago, I left my home country, Vietnam, in order to study in Japan. Funnily enough, I now realize that I have been in Japan for longer than I actually lived in my home country. During my studies here, I have been lucky to acquire much knowledge and experience, having participated in many community activities and organizations while engaging in education and research at various universities. While working at the university, I have become aware of just how little interest Japanese students showed in international society and just how few opportunities exist for researchers to exchange information in the international arena. This is not an uncommon sentiment among researchers and educational agencies in both Japan and Vietnam.

 

Asia has always held a particularly important position in the world economy. As a Vietnamese and an Asian working in the field of research and education, I have given much thought to how we can learn from students and scientists in other parts of the world in a long-term and effective way, specifically in areas of cultural exchange, international academia, and educational research. Consideration of these issues have led me to the firm conviction that I, with my core values and experience of Japanese and Vietnamese culture, am in a position to assist the international community to develop such educational and academic exchanges. To this end, we have decided to establish the “Asia Future Association”.

 

Over the last 25 years of my living and studying in Japan, Japan and Vietnam, the two countries which I hold dearest to my heart, have become indispensable partners. In 2023, the two countries will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationsas well as the 50th anniversary of the Japan-Asean pertnership. Based on this strong relationship, I am determined to use this special anniversary to help the development of Asia countries. Specifically, I would like to contribute to the development of strong human resources in Vietnam and other Asian countries for whom cultural, educational and academic exchange plays an essential role. We all share the aspiration for a developed and prosperous Asia, and I hope that you will join and support us on our journey to construct strong bridges to connect those who will shape the future of Asia. Together, we can build a better world.

 

 Nguyen Thuy　　
Associate Professor, Chiba University of Commerce
Chair and Representative Director, Asia Future Association