Overseas and Branch Offices of Kyushu University

■ International Strategy

Geographically close to other Asian nations, Kyushu University has a long, distinguished history of cultural exchange with Asia, and with the Korean Peninsula and China in particular. Since it first opened its doors, Kyushu University has professed itself to be a university open to Asia.

The power of Asian countries has been on the rise in recent years, due to rapid economic growth in East Asian countries. Bearing in mind Japan's role as an Asian country ("Japan in Asia"), Kyushu University has been strengthening its cooperative links with major universities in Asia. The University's goal is to enhance its position in the region, and to improve the overall presence of Asia as a region between the polarities of North America and Europe.

In addition, drawing on the distinctive base of Asian social, cultural, and historical diversity, and making use of the human and intellectual resources offered by Kyushu University, research results are transmitted from Asia to the world, along with the University's own appeal. To enhance Kyushu University's presence as a base for world-class knowledge, an Asian values strategy.what could be called an "Focusing on Asia".is advancing the University's international cooperation and exchange activities.

■ The Overseas Offices

As Kyushu University continues to apply these standards to establish its position in Asia, the University also recognizes the necessity of communicating information from Asia to Europe and North America, and of obtaining the latest information from those regions. In April 2004, Kyushu University independently established overseas offices in four key cities in Europe, North America and Asia: (1) London, (2) California (Silicon Valley), (3) Munich, and (4) Seoul.

Information from each of these offices is continuously being collected by the Office for the Planning and Coordination of International Affairs, and can be used as effective data for planning strategies and tactics for future international exchange activities.

1. London Office (Director:Tadashi Yamada)

The London Office manages information exchange activities for members of the Kyushu University Alumni Association in Britain.

The London Office provides periodic reports on higher education in Britain, on links between business and academia, and on the current state of British education and research. In addition, the Director of the London Office is intimately involved in the management of the University, participating as a member of the President's Advisory Board, and developing new proposals to form a strategic base for education and research, using experience and knowledge gained in Britain.

2. California Office (Director:Masato Matsuo)

The California office, which houses the U.S. Kyushu University Alumni Association, operates as an officially recognized corporate body in the State of California, and is expected to function as an organization to provide aid and support for Kyushu University The director of this office is intimately involved in the management of the University and participates as a member of the President's Advisory Board.

3. Munich Office (Director:Hikaru Tsuji)

The Munich Office cooperates in providing overseas training for University personnel, and promotes and supports collaborative research between Kyushu University and universities in Germany. This has included mediation on behalf of Kyushu University for an academic and cultural exchange agreement with Technische Universitat Munchen, and for collaborative research with law and dentistry schools.

In addition, the Director of the Munich Office is intimately involved in the management of the University, participating as a member of the International Exchange and Planning Council of Kyushu University, and making mid- and longterm strategic planning reports as an advisor to the President (Director of the Organization for the Planning and Coordination of International Affairs).

University staff (right) paid a courtesy visit and exchanged ideas and opinions with Mr.Thomas May,Chancellor of Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Muchen (center), and Mr.Tsuji, Director of the Munich Office (left).

4. Seoul Office (Director:Park Kuan-sun)

The Seoul Office cooperates in the organization of Kyushu University Alumni Association meetings in Korea, and facilitates exchange between alumni.

The Director of the Seoul Office, who was originally affiliated with Samsung, also carries out information collection and other activities related to international collaboration between Kyushu University and Korean industries.

■ Branch Offices

Kyushu University has established branch offices at universities overseas in order to promote and support academic exchange, student exchange and collaborative research, as well as to disseminate and collect academic information. There are currently two branch offices: one at Seoul National University in Korea, and one at Universitas Gadjah Mada in Indonesia.

Two specially appointed professors (Hong,Yoon - sik, Seo, Hyum - seop) are based at Seoul National University, and one is based at Universitas Gadjah Mada. These professors submit periodic reports on current trends in research and education.

Regular reports are submitted from the Seoul National University branch office regarding recent trends in Korean education. Special events were organized this past year to commemorate "Japan-Korea Friendship Year 2005." The special appointed professors based at this office worked to organize lectures by Mr. Kim Jong-pil, former Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea, and Professor Soe Hyun-seop, which were well received both inside and outside the university.

Seoul National University Branch Office

Lecture by Mr. Kim Jong-pil, Former Prime Minister, Republic of Korea [2005.6.7]	President Kajiyama had a talk with Lee Hae-chan, Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea (right), through the arrangement of Professor Hong, Yoon-sik (left) [2005.6.14]