NEWS

On Friday, September 20, 2019, the Fall Entrance Ceremony was held at B-con Plaza in Beppu City, welcoming 598 new students from around the world.

This Fall the University welcomes 465 undergraduate students (63 domestic and 402 international), 68 graduate students (4 domestic and 64 international) and 65 short-term and exchange students (zero domestic and 65 international) from 63 countries and regions. (as of September 20, 2019)

President DEGUCHI Haruaki welcomed the new entrants and offered encouragement: “On behalf of everyone at APU, I extend my sincere congratulations to all of you on your enrollment. I would also like to congratulate all of the parents and guardians of the new students and other members of the audience here for today's ceremony. I would like to talk to you about three topics today as you embark on your academic life here at APU. First, let's think about the meaning that the age of 18 holds. There are many countries in the world, and most of them consider 18 to be the age at which adulthood begins. Japan is also moving in this direction, having already lowered its voting age to 18.In other words, all of you here today are already adults. A human becoming an adult is akin to a wild animal leaving its parents to set out on its own. You must figure out how to live independently and make the money you need to eat and survive. In both your words and your actions, you have become independent.”

―――President Deguchi’s full comments can be found here.―――

TANVIR Md Rabiul Islam (College of International Management 3rd year, Bangladesh) addressed the audience on behalf of current students.

MENDIN Dorcas (College of Asia Pacific Studies, Liberia) and BROWN Jordan Michael (Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies, United States of America) then spoke on behalf of the undergraduate and graduate new entrants respectively.

Speaking on behalf of the new undergraduate students, Ms. MENDIN Dorcas shared her aspirations for the future: “Despite being from different backgrounds, classmates, it is my hope that we are empathetic enough to join in solidarity to support one another. Coming from Liberia, a country whose 14 years of civil war was brought to an end in 2003 through the efforts of the Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace movement, it is important to me that we recognize women’s limitless potential. Essentially, I look forward to the many difficult conversations we will have on how to shape the world into a space that provides equal opportunities for both women and men. Women’s empowerment is crucial to the growth and development of the universe! Empowered women can ultimately contribute to building a peaceful world…Dearest classmates, as we begin this journey, I urge you to invest time and energy into projects and ideas that interest you - things that you’re passionate about. Invite reflection into your space. Reflection is the key that opens the door to one’s advancement. Whenever we reflect, we call to mind our successes and growth areas. We make better analysis of ourselves. We emerge out of the shells of steadiness and into the gardens of endless stimulation. Constantly reflect on your purpose here and focus on cultivating the skills that will equip you to contribute positively to this ever-evolving world. We all have one thing in common - we are disruptors of the outdated order of things. We are potential global citizens! ”

Mr. BROWN Jordan Michael then spoke on behalf of the new entrants to the graduate school: “I want to use this opportunity to share four tips to help you maximize your time here at APU. Number one, Understand APUs motto. APU’s motto is “shape your world,” with that in mind, it’s appropriate that as APU students, we always consider things from a global perspective…Number two, You do not have to be the president or prime minister of your country to have an impact on the world. In reality it’s far easier than that. I would even argue that there’s something you can do daily that will ripple outward across the globe…Number three, To shape your world you have to be in the world. Instead of spending your time locked away in your room watching Netflix, get involved in the local and APU community. I encourage all of you to find a group or club that shares your interests. It’s impossible to change the world by yourself…Number four, Live in the moment…Without a doubt you will be met with challenges at APU. You’re going to miss your friends and family back home, assignments will keep you up late at night, and you may find yourself eagerly awaiting graduation. Face these challenges knowing that your time here at APU is limited. Make the best of each and every day you have here. Live in the moment. I look forward to shaping our world together.”

Many current students also came along to the ceremony to welcome the new entrants to APU and enjoyed the colorful performances that followed, including a traditional Indonesian dance and a Japanese dance performance.

The Entrance ceremony was streamed on Facebook Live.