NEWS

On Friday, September 22, 2023, the Fall Entrance Ceremony was held on the APU campus, welcoming 611 new students to the APU community. This spring, 549 undergraduate students from 44 countries and regions (34 domestic students, 515 international students) and 62 graduate students (2 domestic student, 60 international students) from 28 countries and regions enrolled. The number of exchange students and non-degree students accepted was 89 (9 domestic students, 80 international students) from 24 countries and regions.

In April 2023, APU opened its new College of Sustainability and Tourism, which is the first new college since the university’s establishment, as well as implemented reforms for its two existing colleges, the College of Asia Pacific Studies and the College of International Management. This new, three-college system is the New APU. This time, to celebrate the New APU, following the April entrance ceremony, a special event welcoming the new students was held at the Millennium Hall. The event included a special lecture and student group performances. Furthermore, on the campus grounds, various activities were organized, such as international student food stalls, food trucks, photo spots, and fireworks as part of special programs. It was evident that the new students thoroughly enjoyed these festivities.
In a special lecture, Mr. Yasuo Okamoto, Senior Counselor at Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP, an international lawyer in New York, gave a speech titled "Looking Back on My Journey to Becoming a Lawyer Inheriting Two Cultures."

During the welcoming remarks for the honored guests, we received a video message from Mr. Yasuhiro Nagano, Mayor of Beppu City. Additionally, Morse Caoagas Flores (College of Asia Pacific Studies, 2006, Philippines), an alumna representing the alumni association, who currently serves as a staff member at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), encouraged the new students to start creating their dreams and overcoming fear from today onwards.

During the ceremony, President Deguchi, along with words of congratulations, emphasized three things that students should strive for during their time at APU: first, to interact with many people; second, to study hard; and third, to learn from "people, books, and travel."
―――You can read the rest of his message here.―――

Putri Naila Dira (College of Asia Pacific Studies, 3rd year, Indonesia) made a speech as a representative of current students. She encouraged the new students, saying, " First, think backward: What are your goals? Second, do you know yourself well enough and understand every reason behind your actions?” and then “Explore and express, but don't forget to enjoy what you have your hands at the present moment." She also promised that friends, senior students, and faculty members would be there to support and collaborate them, welcoming the new students.

Baasankhuu Sainzaya (College of Sustainability and Tourism, Mongolia) made a speech as a representative of the new undergraduate students. She expressed her aspiration to become an expert in environmental issues, aiming to manage Mongolia's abundant resources sustainably. She mentioned her desire to engage in discussions with APU's faculty and peers and called on her fellow students to support each other in the face of challenges in the new environment, urging them to cherish the present time and create valuable memories while learning together.

Zhang Boshen (Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies, Ph.D., China) gave a speech on behalf of new graduate students. Having graduated from APU's undergraduate program, Zhang shared how his experiences in undergraduate class had stirred his heart, giving rise to a sense of purpose and a strong commitment to collaboration, innovation, and positive change throughout his university life. He encouraged the new students to be open to new perspectives, as true learning emerges from exchanging ideas. He emphasized that building good relationships with friends and teachers would be a source of inspiration and support for themselves.

(You can watch the ceremony video here.)