International Symposium

ABEST21 International 20th Anniversary Symposium

“Nurturing Human Resources
and Developing Competitive Education Programs
in the Global South”

Monday, 26 May, 2025, 12:30-17:00 (JST)
Elizabeth Rose Conference Hall, United Nations University Tokyo, Japan

In collaboration with the United Nations University, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, and Japan International Corporate Agency, ABEST21 International will host an international symposium. This event will explore strategies for nurturing human resources and developing competitive education programs in the Global South, ensuring future generations benefit from sustainable development initiatives. The symposium will also provide a platform for in-depth discussions on enhancing educational programs and fostering diverse, meaningful exchanges to shape a more inclusive and prosperous future.

1. Date and time

(Monday) 26 May, 2025 at 12:30-17:00

2. Venue

Elizabeth Rose Conference Hall, United Nations University 5-53-70 Jingumae Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8925, Japan

3. Organized by

ABEST21 International

4. Supported by

United Nations University

Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan

Japan International Cooperation Agency

5. Participants

University affiliate (Pre-registration required)

6. Participation Fee

Free

7. Schedule as of April 10, 2025

Moderator:

Professor Dr. Cheng Ming Yu
Faculty of Accountancy and Management, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia

12:30-12:40: Opening Remark:

Professor Emeritus Dr. ITOH Fumio, President and CEO, ABEST21 International
Aoyama Gakuin University, Japan

12:40-13:00: Keynote Speech

Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, Ph.D.
Rector, the United Nations University; Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations

13:00-13:10: Coffee break

13:10-13:40: Special Speech

Mr. YOSHIMOTO Hiroshi
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Ghana
Embassy of Japan in Ghana

13:40-14:30: Thematic Talks

(Planned)
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports Sciences and Technology of Japan

Mr. UEDA Daisuke
Human Development Department
Japan International Corporate Agency, Japan

14:30-15:20: Case Studies

Professor Rémy Magnier-Watanabe, Ph.D.
Program Chair, MBA Program in International Business, Graduate School of Business Sciences,
Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Japan

15:20-15:30: Coffee break

15:30-16:10: Special Dialogue

Business sector representative in Japan (planned)
Dean/Rector from universities in Ghana and South Africa (planned)

16:10-16:50: Panel Discussion

Coordinator:

Associate Professor Teguh Dartanto, Ph.D.
Dean, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia

Panelists:

Associate Professor Abdul Ghofar, DBA
Dean, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Brawijaya, Indonesia

Professor Dr. Hj. Nunuy Nur Afian
Dean, Faculty of Economics and Business, Univesitas Padjadjaran, Indonesia

Associate Professor HIROSE Yuta, Ph.D.
Graduate School of International Management, Aoyama Gakuin University, Japan

Professor Dr. Norzanah Mat Nor
Dean, Arshad Ayub Graduate Business School, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia

Professor Dr. Zafir Khan bin Mohamed Makhbul
Dean, Graduate School of Business, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia

16:50-17:00: Closing Remarks

Professor Dr. Ali Khatibi, ABEST21 International Vice President
Senior Vice President, Management & Science University, Malaysia

8. Registration

Registration deadline: Wednesday 7 May, 2025
Unregistered guests will be denied entry to the symposium for security purposes.

9. Contact

ABEST21 International
e-mail: abest21pr2024@abest21.org / website: www.abest21.org/

ABEST21 members Only page

ABEST21 Members only Page