Notes from the President

On May 18 we had the honor to welcome Prime Minister ABE to the APU campus. During his stay he met and exchanged opinions with a group of APU students. On May 17, the day before his visit to APU, the Prime Minister delivered his “Economic Growth Speech” during which he spoke of taking Japanese universities to the global stage and mentioned APU as an exemplar for Japanese international universities. “Tomorrow”, he said, “I will visit this university”. While he was with us, he met with a group of APU students (five international, one domestic) and asked about their reasons for choosing APU, their student life, their goals for the future, and more. He also offered a few warm words of encouragement. 

Later that month, I had the privilege to accompany the Prime Minister on May 24-27 during his visit to Myanmar as a member of his economic mission. During my time in Myanmar I had the opportunity to meet with the President of Myanmar, the Minister of Education, the Minister of Tourism, as well as over forty CEOs of major Japanese companies. Being able to take part in this mission, I believe, is a testament to the blood, sweat and tears of our faculty and staff over the last 13 years, and illustrates that the significance of APU in the Japanese tertiary sector truly has been recognized. 

Over the years we have accepted over 150 students from Myanmar. Professor and Pro-Rector of the Yangon Institute of Economics, Dr. Sandar Oo, is a graduate of the APU Graduate School and has a sharp academic mind. Another alumnus has also served as counselor at the Myanmar Consulate in Nanning, China. In February this year a total of 96 APU alumni gathered for the launch of the APU Alumni Association’s Myanmar Chapter. Meeting with the group of Japanese CEOs made me realize the aspirations they have for us and the region. As President I hope that we can continue to produce outstanding graduates that can open up a new future for Asia and meet the expectations of Prime Minister ABE and the Japanese business sector. 

The Golden pagodas towering above the streets of Yangon characterize Myanmar as a Buddhist country. The eyes of the bustling people in the streets were alive with energy and one felt the light and winds of change rising up through the city and leading the nation towards a promising future as it makes its way out from the shadows of the military regime and towards democratization.

News article about Prime Minister ABE visits APU