In recent years, Japan has been promoting the development of an environment in which international students can play active roles in Japanese companies and local communities, in response to labor shortages caused by the declining birthrate and aging population, as well as to foster innovation.

With this context in mind, the GTI Consortium Symposium 2025 was held under the theme “Employment of International Students in Japanese Companies.” Through presentations by universities in ASEAN countries, Japanese companies engaged in recruiting international talent, and international graduates currently working in Japanese companies, the symposium deepened discussions on the current situation, challenges, and future possibilities.

The symposium opened with remarks from Dr. Jun Yamada, President of SIT and Representative of the GTI Consortium. This was followed by a guest address from Mr. Yoshiho Yukita, Associate Director Office for Technical Cooperation and Talent Partnership
Trade Policy Bureau Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).

In the case study session, Assoc. Prof. Unggul Wasiwitono  Director of ITS Global Engagement at Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), Indonesia, introduced the current employment situation of international students in Indonesia and the university’s career support initiatives.

Next, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Thanh Huyen, Directorof Student Affairs Department at Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST), Vietnam, shared examples of collaborative activities with Japanese companies.

From the perspective of Japanese industry, Mr. Yasutake Kojima, Manager, Planning & International Relations Department International Affairs Headquarters, East Japan Railway Company (JR East), presented the company’s international expansion and initiatives related to global career positions.

In addition, Mr. Jeremia Pungus, a graduate of the Master’s Program at SIT’s Graduate School of Engineering and Science, spoke from the viewpoint of an international student about his job-hunting experiences in Japan and the insights he gained through the process.

The symposium was held in a hybrid format, both on-site and online, and welcomed a large number of participants.