ITOCHU Corporation and Kyushu University Co-host Training Program for Omani Government Officials

A delegation of Omani government officials participating in ITOCHU Corporation’s Japan Training Program (IOLP) visited Kyushu University as part of their study tour. The program aims to provide insights into Japan’s industrial policies and technological innovations, fostering leaders who will contribute to Oman’s sustainable development.

On October 27, the group visited the Aqua-Bioresource Innovation Center (ABRIC) in Karatsu, where Professor Kohei Ohta from the Faculty of Agriculture introduced research on the full-cycle aquaculture of “Karatsu Q-Saba,” smart aquaculture using ICT, and alternative feed development to reduce environmental impact. The delegation also toured the facility.

At Ito Campus, Associate Professor Ryota Keeley Alexander from the Faculty of Engineering delivered a lecture on the 'Inclusive Wealth Index (IWI)' and the application of ESG indicators to achieve a sustainable society, engaging in discussions about new approaches to comprehensively evaluating natural, human, and produced capital. In the afternoon, the group moved to the Chikushi Campus, where Professor Yuriko Hayabuchi from the Research and Education Center for Offshore Wind (RECOW) presented Japan's offshore wind technology development, policy recommendations through industry-academia-government collaborations, research on next-generation wind turbines and floating structures, and initiatives to develop specialized talent through educational programs.

On October 29, Professor Masamichi Nishihara from the International Research Center for Hydrogen Energy delivered a lecture titled ‘Hydrogen Energy to Realize a Carbon Neutral Society,’ exploring the role of hydrogen in achieving a carbon-neutral society and the potential of hydrogen-based energy systems, considering the current energy environment.

The training program was organized in collaboration with ITOCHU Corporation and Kyushu University’s Global Strategies Office, under the leadership of Research Associate Professor Yutaroh Oki, as part of the J-MENA project by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).

Through partnerships with industry, the project promotes education, research, and human resource development, while strengthening ties with the Middle East and North Africa region and expanding academic exchange. The program provided a valuable opportunity to share knowledge for building a sustainable future. We sincerely thank all those who contributed to making this program possible.