Inside the World of JICA Students (Part ⑧)

At JICA Tokyo, we regularly feature JICA Scholars. We will sequentially share interview articles with international students conducted by Japanese university students participating in the JICA Internship Program.

Inteviewer: SHIMADA Uka (International Christian University)

I interviewed Mr. SHOHAN Md Shariful, who is currently studying for his MBA at GLOBIS University as a JICA long-term Participant! I asked Mr. Shohan, who plays an active role at the Ministry of ICT in Bangladesh, about his life in Japan and his academic experience.

The JICA program was a life-changing opportunity for me. Japan is one of the world’s leading nations in advanced technology, and I have always been fascinated by its rich culture and society.
Having worked in the ICT sector at a government agency in Bangladesh, I believed that studying in Japan through this program would allow me to further enhance my professional skills and make a greater contribution to the development of my country in the future. That is why I decided to apply.

I majored in Computer Science at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and gained experience as a software engineer. Currently, I am pursuing an MBA in Japan, taking on subjects such as business strategy, marketing, accounting, finance, and leadership—fields I had never explored before.
Although my days are filled with assignments and reports, they are intellectually stimulating and rewarding. Through the MBA program, I have learned the importance of “maximizing results with limited resources,” a mindset that I believe will be a significant step toward contributing to my country’s progress.

My life in Japan has just begun. While my focus is on academics, I hope to find time to travel and experience Japan’s culture and traditions more deeply.

For me, JICA is a bridge—connecting Japan and Bangladesh, and linking two cultures. Thanks to JICA, I have had the invaluable opportunity to learn about Japan’s culture and technology firsthand. It opened the door to a new world, allowing me to understand Japanese ways of thinking, business practices, and social systems.
Through my studies in Japan, I have gained not only knowledge of culture and technology but also a global perspective and confidence. JICA has given me the chance to build an international network and broaden my horizons—an experience that will remain a priceless asset throughout my life.

After returning home, I plan to rejoin a government agency in Bangladesh and contribute to strengthening ICT and digital governance. Cybersecurity and digital security policies are critical issues for Bangladesh today. By combining the MBA knowledge I acquired in Japan with my engineering experience, I aim to develop and implement strategic policies that deliver maximum results with limited resources.

The true charm of Bangladesh lies in its natural beauty and the warmth of its people. The lush green landscapes and encounters with kind, friendly locals will leave unforgettable memories. Even if the language is different, you can enjoy meaningful connections from the heart.

Shohan’s dedication to his studies in Japan for the sake of his country, while actively serving in a government ministry back home, is truly inspiring. His words—“maximizing results with limited resources”—resonated with me as a valuable mindset for my own student life.
During my internship at the JICA Bangladesh Office, I was impressed by the country’s large population and vibrant youth, giving me the sense that Bangladesh is a nation poised for remarkable growth. I sincerely hope Shohan will continue to apply his learning from Japan to drive progress in the ICT sector and beyond.