Keio University collaborated in hosting a two-day Asia-Pacific Regional Seminar organized by the Erasmus Mundus Support Initiative, held at its Mita Campus. The Erasmus Mundus program has a longstanding tradition of fostering international collaborations among higher education institutions, facilitating student exchanges between Europe and other global regions. Approximately seventy participants, representing governmental bodies and universities from Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, attended the seminar either in person or online. Notable attendees included representatives from the European Union Delegation to Japan, the European Commission, and various universities.
From Japan, officials from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and representatives from institutions participating in MEXT's EU-Japan Inter-University Exchange Project were present. Keio University was represented by Vice-President Yukihiro Ikeda and Professor Norihisa Miki. Professor Miki highlighted the Japan-Europe Master on Advanced Robotics (JEMARO) program as a collaborative effort between Keio University and European universities, illustrating the challenges and benefits of such partnerships.
During the seminar, Professor Miki delivered a keynote speech discussing the educational disparities between Japan and Europe, drawing from his experiences with JEMARO. The second day featured a panel discussion with international students from Mexico and Germany, who shared their firsthand experiences in the JEMARO program, generating considerable interest among attendees.
The seminar concluded with participants exchanging views and suggestions on enhancing collaboration between the Asia-Pacific and Europe. Overall, the event provided a platform for fruitful discussions on promoting international exchanges and cooperation in higher education.
