Forum Topics

  In the 46th IATSS Forum, there were 18 participants from 9 Southeast Asian countries. In addition, one Japanese participant joined the group in the middle of the program. In spite of our concerns about the outbreak of swine influenza which might have obstructed the program, all 19 participants successfully attended the Completion Ceremony without incident.
  During 55 days of the training based in Suzuka City, the participants visited a variety of cities, such as Oita, Nagasaki, Kyoto, and Tokyo. Despite their tight schedule and hard work in seminars, field study, Group Study, study tours, and cultural exchange events, all of the participants made a great effort to achieve their objectives and targets, as well as to share the things that they had learned. As a result, they fruitfully completed the program.
  The participants all had different lifestyles, cultural and professional backgrounds; however, throughout the program, they shared their experiences and opinions in a variety of fields and deepened their understanding. They also established precious friendships and mutual trust as a team. We believe that these firm bonds of friendship built in Japan among participants as well as with the lecturers, Japanese volunteers and other people who have supported this program will remain in the heart of each individual even after their return home.