[In the Eyes of an Intern] Long-Term KCCP Research Presentation Ceremony 2022: The First In-Person Closing Ceremony in 3 years!

Japanese graduations are usually a Spring event, but this summer is when the Long-Term JICA Knowledge Co-Creation Program (KCCP) participants concluded their graduate-school days in Japan.

On September 13th, 2022, the Research Presentation Ceremony (RPC) 2022 took place at JICA Yokohama Center, marking the first long-term KCCP closing ceremony since the outbreak of the pandemic. Of the 6 participants, 5 participated in-person and 1 joined online, and the ceremony proceeded in hybrid style. The international participants from Cambodia, India, Myanmar, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam will soon return home to their respective countries after studying in Japan for 2 to 3 years and completing their master's or doctor's degree.

In Part I of the RPC 2022, the KCCP participants presented the research they conducted during their time at a Japanese university.

Research topics showed great diversity, ranging from anti-biofouling surface science1, drone images and deep learning method2, and linear algebraic computation for logic programming3, to structural degradation during high-temperature fatigue4, toxicity analyses in arid regions5, and urban walkability6 (see below for full title). During the discussion after the presentations, the researchers exchanged their thoughts enthusiastically regardless of their field of expertise.

For its long-term KCCP, JICA offers opportunities to study at a Japanese university for a higher degree. The program is aimed towards young administrators, researchers, and businesspeople, and supports the acquisition of skills and knowledges that contribute to development in their country. The graduates that completed the program this summer conducted research at, and received their degrees from, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (Innovative Asia 2019), Keio University (The Project for Strengthening the Capacity of Research Activities of Uzbek-Japan Innovation Center of Youth), Tokyo City University (SDGs Global Leader Course 2020), Tokyo Institute of Technology (The Project for Future Researchers at IITH 2019), Tokyo University (IITH 2018), Yokohama National University (Sustainable Urban Development 2020).

The KCCP participants will return home and apply the knowledge nurtured during their studies in Japan to their affiliated ministry or research institute. There is no doubt that the participants will become crucial actors in their country's future.

Part II of the RPC 2022 was the completion certificate awarding ceremony. JICA Yokohama Center Director General Mr. Nakane awarded the certificates, and the participants received it with full smiles on their faces after having reached the end of their long journey in Japan.

In his congratulatory speech, Mr. Nakane emphasized that obtaining a degree in Japan is not the final destination of the long-term KCCP. Rather, one must shift their gaze further ahead beyond the program, and consciously connect their experience in Japan to the betterment of their home country.

From the participants, there were many words of appreciation towards JICA officers' consideration for their health under the pandemic, as well as flexible support towards obtaining their degree.

As a JICA intern participating in the event, I was made aware that this long-term program places importance in human connection and empathizes with its participants.

It is my sincere hope that, through the JICA Long-Term Knowledge Co-Creation Program, highly skilled and educated individuals will continue to emerge as tomorrow's leaders to guide their country's growth.