Student Blog

2 min read

Building Connections Through Business and Investment

When people hear the word Egypt, the first images that often come to mind are the pyramids. APU student Saif hopes people will also discover the innovative, ambitious side of his country, one that is connected with Japan.

Saif says that Egypt and Japan have shared close ties for decades. Through cooperation with JICA, more than 60 Egyptian-Japanese Schools (EJS) have introduced educational approaches inspired by Japanese values like teamwork, responsibility and respect.
“I want to help build even stronger connections,” he says.
Saif chose to study International Marketing. His goal is to help change the global perception of Egypt, the wider Middle East and North Africa region, not only as history-rich tourist places, but also as destinations for business, innovation and investment.
As the only Egyptian participant in UNIQLO's Global Marketing Program, Saif gained valuable experience learning about business strategy and global marketing. His efforts to strengthen ties between Japan and the MENA region were later recognised with APU's Ando Momofuku Award. Beyond his studies, he actively shares the attractions of Egypt through presentations at elementary schools and community events. Through these activities, he hopes to deepen understanding between Egypt and Japan and encourage people to see a different side of his country.

“The pyramids tell the story of where Egypt has been,” he says. “I want people to discover where Egypt is going.”

Speaking with Saif reminded me that learning about a country goes way past its landmarks or history. Through his passion for building connections between Egypt and Japan, I came to see Egypt as a nation looking confidently toward its future.

Saif Sherif Aly Mostafa Mohamed
Nickname: Saif
3rd-year student, College of International Management

(Originally published in the morning edition of Oita Godo Newspaper on August 19, 2026)

Tanatsiwa Christabel Dube

I am passionate about storytelling and community building. As a writer and entrepreneur, I enjoy sharing stories that inspire people and highlight meaningful experiences, especially the unknown and unsung ones. As an SPA, I hope to share the spirit of APU with a wider audience and help others find their voice in the same way I continue discovering mine.