East-Kyushu Medical Valley Overseas Market Development Support Project— Leveraging APU’s Network to Support the Global Expansion of the Medical Device Industry —

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) was commissioned by Oita Prefecture to implement an overseas market development support project for medical-related devices as part of the “East-Kyushu Medical Valley Initiative.” In fiscal year 2024, APU conducted research and support activities focused on Thailand.
*Since fiscal year 2022, APU has also continuously supported overseas market development efforts related to this initiative in countries such as Vietnam and the Philippines.

The East-Kyushu Medical Valley Initiative aims to promote the concentration of the medical device industry and revitalize the regional economy across an area spanning from Oita Prefecture to Miyazaki Prefecture.
Under this project, APU participated upon commission from Oita Prefecture with the objective of supporting the overseas expansion of medical device manufacturers within the prefecture by leveraging APU’s international network.

Project activities included on-site visits to medical institutions and related facilities in Thailand, as well as the creation of business matching opportunities with local companies. Through these efforts, the project team worked to identify market needs and establish cooperative frameworks within the Thai medical device market. The field research confirmed continued market growth driven by population aging and increasing healthcare demand, highlighting Thailand as a promising destination for companies based in Oita Prefecture.

A key feature of this project was the utilization of APU’s alumni network.
Alumni working in the medical and healthcare sectors in Thailand played a vital role in coordinating with local institutions, gathering information, and expanding professional networks, thereby serving as an important bridge between Japanese companies and local stakeholders. In addition, networking events attended by other alumni provided opportunities to share practical insights into market characteristics and local conditions, creating new relationship-building opportunities for participating companies.

Through initiatives that leverage its international network in this way, APU supports the global expansion of regional industries while also working to develop new models of international collaboration among industry, academia, and government. Moving forward, APU will continue to serve as a bridge between the region and the world, grounded in its global human network that includes its alumni.