APAC Focus Strengthens Ties in Japan Ahead of Upcoming Symposium

On behalf of APAC Focus, our Program Director & Research Lead, Bryan, recently visited Japan to prepare for the upcoming APAC Focus, IGCS & DUOLOGY Co. Ltd’s symposium, "Arts, Creatives & Humans | Empowering Artistic and Creative Partnerships Across Hong Kong, Japan, and the Asia Pacific Region."

During his three-day visit, and with special thanks to our advisor Shoko Saeki's arrangement, he had the honor of meeting Prof. Hon. Keizo Takemi, Chair of the Asian Population and Development Association (APDA) Japan, former Minister of Health, Labour, and Welfare of Japan government, and former Deputy Chairperson of the General Assembly of the Liberal Democratic Party. Their exchange was both meaningful and inspiring, covering the symposium’s objectives alongside pressing issues relating to human security across Asia, with particular attention to Japan and Hong Kong. Importantly, Prof. Takemi extended his support for the symposium.

He also met with Mr. Kosei Kobayashi, Managing Director of the International House of Japan (IHJ), and Ms. Chen Erin, Head of Asia Development of IHJ, to explore opportunities for academic and intellectual exchange between Hong Kong, Japan, and the wider Asia-Pacific region. We are especially grateful for our Director’s nomination by Mr. Kobayashi and Ms. Chen to join the IHJ as a member. This affiliation with such a distinguished center of international understanding and cultural exchange will enable APAC Focus to strengthen cross-border dialogue and foster fresh opportunities for collaboration between Hong Kong and Japan.

These strategic engagements reinforce APAC Focus’s mission to connect communities across Asia and to empower creative and intellectual partnerships ahead of its landmark symposium in Tokyo.