Project Report on Group Invitation for Next Generation Experts in ASEAN (Cohort 1: Economic Security）

The Japan Foundation (JF）launched JFSEAP Program / Group Invitation for Next Generation Experts in ASEAN in 2024 and invited eight researchers and experts from ASEAN countries to Japan from Tuesday, February 25 to Monday, March 3, 2025.

Participants taking a commemorative photo in front of the projector screen

With the support of the project advisor, Dr. IGATA Akira, Project Lecturer at Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology the University of Tokyo, participants engaged with various stakeholders in Tokyo and Kyoto to explore economic security issues through lectures and workshops. Not only did the participants gain various insights on Japan’s economic securities issues, but Japanese stakeholders also learnt from the participants about their view on the economic situation in ASEAN countries and how Japan’s policies are viewed from ASEAN perspective, which enhanced mutual understanding among the regions. The program concluded with cultural visits in Tokyo and Kyoto, offering participants a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.

Schedule of visit to Japan
Monday, February 24 Arrival Tokyo
Tuesday, February 25
Day 1		 Program Orientation/Ice Breaking Session at JF and visit to Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Tokyo
Wednesday, February 26
Day 2		 Lecture at JBIC, JICA and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tokyo
Thursday, February 27
Day 3		 Lecture at Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo and field trip to private sector (Fronteo, Inc.) Tokyo
Friday, February 28
Day 4		 Workshop at Graduate School of Economics, Kyoto University and Networking Discussion at Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University Kyoto
Saturday, March 1
Day 5		 Cultural Tour in Kyoto Kyoto
Sunday, March 2
Day 6		 Research Day Tokyo
Monday, March 3
Day 7		 Workshop on Japan-Southeast Asia Cooperation on Economic Security, Tokyo Cultural Tour and Farewell Reception Tokyo
Tuesday, March 4 Departure  
About 11 participants taking a commemorative photo with the temple in the background
Cultural Visit: World Heritage Byodo-in in Kyoto
Participants speaking around a large table in a conference room
Workshop at Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo

After the program participants shared comments on the program such as "the visit to the private sector gave me a practical and grounded overview of just how firms are grappling with economic security” and “the insights on Japan’s economic security strategy will serve as a valuable reference for comparative studies on economic resilience and policy frameworks.”

We hope this program will enable participants to utilize the experience and knowledge they gain to play an even more proactive role as members of the new intellectual network among ASEAN and Japan, upon their return to their home countries.

Details of this program are available from the link below.

JF Official Website

The Japan Foundation - JFSEAP / Group Invitation Program for Next Generation Experts in ASEAN

Final Report by Participants

Overview and Objectives of the Program

This program invites a group of approximately 10 next generation researchers from think tanks and research institutions in ASEAN countries to Japan for about 10 days. Its aim is to foster an intellectual network between Japan and ASEAN.

Participants were introduced to various aspects of economic security policies in Japan through a series of lectures and discussions at universities, think tanks, multinational corporations, and government agencies and had the opportunity to share their perspectives on potential areas between Japan and ASEAN countries.

What We Do