ASJA – ASCOJA International Symposium is a series of conventions organized by the Asean Council Of Japan Alumni (ASCOJA) and supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, ASJA, ASCOJA. The first time it was held was in 2005 with a theme “International Symposium about Japan and Southeast Asia education (JASE 2015) “. In 4 years, there are 11 meetings were hosted in Vietnam (JAV held twice, with JASE 2015 and JASE 2018). This time, the twelfth convention takes place in Thailand; it is also the second time Thailand hosts this event. The next two conferences will happen in two countries (Cambodia this October and in Indonesia at the end of December). Representatives of the Japan Alumni of Vietnam (JAV) are Dr. Tran Thi Thu Thuy, Dean of the Faculty of Japanese Language, Hanoi Foreign Trade University, Member of the JAV Executive Committee and Ms. Huynh Vu Hien, Head of information Section and a member of the JAV Executive Board.
With the theme – Linguistic Ability and Cultural Competency for Human Resource Development in the Era of Globalization, this symposium in Bangkok attracted more than 150 participants and speakers. Jiro Sato, who is the Secretary-General of ASJA International attended and delivered the opening remarks.
Ms. Shinko Fukazawa – representative of JMHERAT (Japanese Mother Tongue and Heritage Language Education and Research Association) in Thailand delivered an interesting academic talk about the new concept (Inculturation and Language). This new theory is demonstrating how it is going to replace the old one (Multicultural and Multilingual).
In the discussion about teaching Japanese, representatives from five countries – Thailand, Lao, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, and Cambodia shared their view about the status and the educational program in their country. Dr. Tran Thi Thu Thuy gave a lecture about the new PBL model in teaching Japanese at Foreign Trade University. The improvement of this new teaching model is about giving students the opportunity to have experience in the real working environment in Japanese enterprises, to learn about the strengths and weaknesses of enterprises and to contribute ideas in helping enterprises work more effectively. The ultimate goal of the PBL model is to find suitable jobs for students as well as to improve the employability of Japanese firms. The speech went straight to the point of the main idea of the meeting and was highly appreciated.
In the panel discussion ‘The role of ASCOJA chapters to promote Asean and Japan Cooperation to Nurture linguistic ability and cultural competency of our young people of the 21st Century’, Dr. Tran Thi Thu Thuy commented that: “Besides cooperation with Japan, ASEAN countries should promote the role of ASCOJA, strengthen connection between countries, create a playground for young people to improve their language skills and cultural understanding”. Other representatives all agree with this idea, especially Mr. Jiro Sato (Secretary General of ASJA International), who gives it a high appreciation.
The host country – Thailand has successfully delivered a warm welcoming for all delegates, as well as organized the event smoothly. The warmth, hospitality and professional of Thai friends have left an unforgettable mark in the hearts of the participants.
The photo at “Welcome Dinner”
The photo at International Symposium
Photo of Representative of JAV with Mr. Sato