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Invitation Program for ASEAN Journalists
July 16-19, 2024
Keizai Koho Center invited ASEAN journalists to Japan to promote mutual understanding between ASEAN and Japan. This year’s program focused on Japan-ASEAN cooperation to achieve sustainable development.
Mr. Poramet Tangsathaporn, Reporter of The Bangkok Post, Mr. Kharishar Kahfi, Editor of Jakarta Post and Ms. Dinh Thi Mai Linh, News Reporter of Viet Nam News participated in this year’s program. The journalists visited corporations, including Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, ITOCHU Corporation, AEON Co., Ltd. and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. They met with Dr, Yasuyuki Todo, Professor of the Faculty of Political Science and Economics of Waseda University, Mr. Masafumi Ishii, former Ambassador of Japan to Indonesia, and Mr. Tatsuo Fukuda, Member of the House of Representatives. They also had an opportunity to visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. At Kokushikan University, they participated in a symposium and over 200 students attended(Kokushikan University Website).
On July 19, the program ended with a symposium titled “Japan-ASEAN Cooperation to Achieve Sustainable Development.” Mr. Walter Sim, Japan Correspondent of The Straits Times joined the three journalists as panelists.
Mr. Tangsathaporn talked about Thailand-Japan relations, shedding light upon recent shifts in Thai foreign policies, including Thailand’s moves to join BRICs and OECD and the “Ignite Thailand” vision which aims to attract foreign investment by building itself into a regional hub in eight important industries. He also expressed Thailand’s need for Japanese investment in digital and green technology.
Mr. Kahfi spoke on Indonesia-Japan relations and stressed that future relations must evolve in a sustainable way. With the hope to develop clean energy and clean technology, Indonesia would greatly appreciate the transfer of technology, grants, and soft loans in those areas, he said. Mr. Kahfi also referred to the “ongoing success story” of the Jakarta Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) as an example of good prospects for future relations with Japan.
Ms. Linh spoke on the relations between Vietnam and Japan, emphasizing “cooperation towards a green future.” Vietnam is trying to engage deeply into the global value chain, she explained. With the goal of becoming a chip-making hub of the region, Vietnam is actively attracting FDI for the semiconductor industry and other high-tech industries while developing human resources for them, she said. Ms. Linh also foregrounded the Vietnamese government’s focus on accelerating institutional reforms and “improving the investment climate” as reasons for Japan to continue investing in Vietnam.
Mr. Sim mentioned the similarities between Japan and Singapore, stating that they are both “island countries with limited resources,” and the necessity those bring for the two countries to learn from each other in the energy sector, as well as in social issues such as low fertility rates and ageing. He also stressed that the two countries are reliable partners that respect the rule of law.
The symposium also included a keynote presentation on the past, present and future of Japan-ASEAN relations by Mr. Toru Takahashi, Senior Editorial Writer and Senior Staff Writer of Nikkei Inc., who was the moderator of the symposium. He stated that in order for Japan to be considered an “indispensable partner” by ASEAN countries, it is important for Japan to achieve strong economic growth again. Japan should have a strong will to achieve this and a firm determination to reform, and that is what will lead to ASEAN-Japan coexistence and co-prosperity, he said.
The symposium ended with a Q&A session from the audience, touching upon topics such as the challenges of investing in ASEAN countries.
Japan-ASEAN Cooperation to Achieve Sustainable Development:
Views of ASEAN Journalists
July 19, 2024
Speaker & Moderator: | Toru Takahashi | Senior Editorial Writer and Senior Staff Writer, Nikkei Inc. |
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Panelists: | Poramet Tangsathaporn | Reporter, Bangkok Post |
Kharishar Kahfi | Editor, Jakarta Post | |
Dinh Thi Mai Linh | News Reporter, Viet Nam News | |
Walter Sim | Japan Correspondent, Singapore Press Holdings |
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2023 Invitation Program for ASEAN Journalists
November 6-10, 2023
Keizai Koho Center invited ASEAN journalists to Japan to promote mutual understanding between ASEAN and Japan. Japan and ASEAN have worked closely together for peace, stability, development and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and this year marks the 50th Anniversary of Japan-ASEAN relations. This year’s program focused on the future of Japan-ASEAN relations and how Japanese corporations should respond to the geopolitical changes in the region and the fast development of ASEAN countries..
Ms. Mintra Adair, Journalist and Content Creator of The Nation, Mr. Andre Arditya, Editor of The Jakarta Post, Ms. Le Thi Mai Huong, Business Editor of Viet Nam News and Mr. Ovais Subhani, Senior Corresponden of The Straits Times participated in this year’s program. The journalists had discussions with experts of various fields and policymakers. They also visited corporations, including Nissan Motor Corporation, Mori Building, OMRON Corporation, KYOCERA Corporation and NGK Insulators. They met with Mr. Akiyoshi Koji, Chairman of Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd. and Vice Chair of Keizai Koho Center and Keidanren and discussed the global strategies of Japanese businesses and the importance of Japan’s relations with ASEAN countries.
On November 10, a symposium titled “Japan-ASEAN Cooperation Amid the Changing International Situation: Views of ASEAN Journalists” was held at Keidanren Kaikan, Tokyo. Mr. Masafumi Ishii, former Ambassador to Indonesia and Special Adjunct Professor of Gakushuin University presented the keynote speech. Bearing in mind the de facto division of ASEAN countries, he stated that while Japan should maintain an ASEAN first policy, it is necessary to introduce a more tailored approach by prioritizing ASEAN countries. He also pointed out that Japan should strengthen cooperation in areas where Japan can do best, such as human resource development, high quality infrastructure, AI, DX, and high value-added and resilient supply chains and emphasized the importance of expanding areas of cooperation from economy to security in order to promote common strategic objectives, including a rule-based order and a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The journalists then presented their views on Japan-ASEAN relations and participated in a panel discussion. They shared their concern that due to the growing influence of China, Japan’s overall presence in ASEAN is weakening, despite the continuous Japanese investment in the ASEAN region. They discussed that further investments in ASEAN and exchange among young people could help reinforce the Japan-ASEAN relationship.
Japan-ASEAN Cooperation Amid the Changing International Situation:
Views of ASEAN Journalists
November 10, 2023
Panelists: | Mintra Adair | Journalist and Content Creator, The Nation |
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Andre Arditya | Editor, The Jakarta Post | |
Le Thi Mai Huong | Business Editor, Viet Nam News | |
Ovais Subhani | Senior Correspondent, Singapore Press Holdings | |
Keynote & Commentator: | Masafumi Ishii | Special Adjunct Professor, Gakushuin University (former Ambassador to Indonesia) |
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2019 Invitation Program for ASEAN Journalists
November 22-24, 2019
Keizai Koho Center invited ASEAN journalists to Japan to promote mutual understanding between ASEAN and Japan.
Mr. Azman Ujang, Chairman of the Malaysian National News Agency (BERNAMA), Ms. Nareerat Wiriyapong, Asia Focus Editor of Bangkok Post, Mr. Robertus Benny Dwi Koestanto, Writer of Kompas and Mr. Walter Sim, Japan Correspondent of The Straits Times, Singapore Press Holdings participated in the program. The journalists had discussions with experts of various fields and visited corporations.
On November 21, the symposium “Past, Present and Future of the Japan-ASEAN Relationship” was held at Keidanren Kaikan, Tokyo. The journalists participated as panelists and Mr. Masataka Fujita, Secretary General of the ASEAN-Japan Centre served as commentator. They agreed that it is important to continue to strengthen the Japan-ASEAN partnership amidst the rapidly changing economic environment. The ASEAN journalists also expressed their strong expectations for Japan, saying that Japan needs to be more confident and heighten its voice and presence on the international stage.
Past, Present and Future of the Japan-ASEAN Relationship
November 21, 2019
Panelists: | Azman Ujang | Chairman, Malaysian National News Agency (BERNAMA) |
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Nareerat Wiriyapong | Asia Focus Editor, Bangkok Post | |
Robertus Benny Dwi Koestanto | Writer of Kompas | |
Walter Sim | Japan Correspondent, Singapore Press Holdings | |
Commentator: | Masataka Fujita | Secretary General, ASEAN-Japan Centre |