The GSPS/GRIPS Online Alumni Reunion was held in a hybrid format on the 18th May, 2024.
146 current students, alumni, faculty, and staff from 25 countries, including Japan, attended.
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After the opening remarks by President Professor Ota, Vice President Professor Takada shared news from GRIPS.
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Then Professor Yoko Iwama gave a lecture, "What's New in Japan and the World?" (Director of Strategic Studies Program)
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The lecture was followed by presentations by alumni from two countries.
First, from Sri Lanka, Mr. Janaka Sampath Fernando (International Development Studies Program 2012) gave a talk about "The Education System in Sri Lanka." Mr. Fernando is currently senior lecturer, head of the Department of Business Economics, and director of the Postgraduate Centre for Business Studies at University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
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Next, Mr. Waruna Sri Dhanapa (International Development Studies Program 2007) gave a presentation entitled, "From Knowledge to Practice: My Professional Engagements after the Graduation from GRIPS." Mr, Dhanapa is currently additional secretary (Regional Administration Reforms), Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils & Local Government; and acting director general, Data Protection Authority.
Then Mr. Tharindu Dharmasena (Public Finance Program (Customs) 2017) gave a presentation entitled, "Sri Lanka Customs Report." Mr. Dharmasena is currently deputy director of Sri Lanka Customs.
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Then, from the Philippines, Commodore Jay Tristan Tarriela (GRIPS Global Governance Program (G-cube, Ph.D.) 2021) gave a presentation entitled, "Transparency Strategy in the West Philippine Sea." Commodore Tarriela is currently deputy chief of staff, spokesperson, Philippine Coast Guard.
After that, Alumni from the Philippines shared photos commemorating reunions from 2006 until 2024.
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The event ended with a joint photo shoot with in-person and online participants.
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