Scholars from developing nations have deepened their learning through the links between JICA and universities. Today, they are playing active roles in either their home country or Japan.
At the Forefront of Diplomacy as a Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
Mr. Soe Han
Mr. Soe working as Permanent Secretary. As committee chair, his days are heavily scheduled.
Myanmar
Mr. Soe Han was part of the first intake of JDS scholars, and spent two years studying management at the graduate school of the International University of Japan in Niigata Prefecture. He was very surprised to see that Japan had full tertiary education facilities not just in the main cities, but also in rural areas. He really appreciated being able to learn about Japanese culture and lifestyles through interactions with local people. "I love snow, so I tried skiing, and also enjoyed sake, one of Niigata's famous local products," he says, fondly reminiscing on his time in the prefecture. Myanmar has one of the largest numbers of slots allocated under the JDS, and Fellows can receive not just tuition but support for their living expenses in Japan. Mr. Soe is grateful for all the support he received. "Student's majors are related to the needs of Myanmar, in areas that could help solve the problems Myanmar faces. After obtaining a master's degree, it is also possible for qualified scholars to continue on to a doctorate. The greatest asset I gained as a JDS scholar was the network I formed with other students, both from Japan and other countries. It is beneficial in building bilateral relations between Myanmar and Japan."
Mr. Soe was appointed Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Myanmar in 2019, and his days since then have been very busy. In February 2020, he served as representative of Myanmar at the Seventh Japan-Myanmar Human Rights Dialogue held in the Myanmar capital of Nay Pyi Taw. Also in 2020, he participated in online international conferences on COVID-19, reporting on Myanmar's preventative measures and the country's efforts to eliminate it. "As one of the responsible high-level officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I hope to successfully implement Myanmar's foreign policy and promote Myanmar's interests on the international stage," he pointedly notes. Incidentally, a female former JDS Fellow was appointed as Permanent Secretary to the Union Attorney General' Office in December 2019.
With his faculty advisor, on graduating from the International University of Japan in 2004.
Colleagues he met in Japan in his student days are now playing active roles around the world.
Mr. Soe Han
Born in Myanmar. Completed the Masters of Business Management at the International University of Japan in Niigata Prefecture from 2002 to 2004 as part of the first intake of JDS Fellows. In 2019, he became the first former JDS Fellow to be appointed Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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