2. Keynote Speeches and the Special Guest Speech First, Prof. Dr. Naris Chaiyasoot, Rector of the Thammasat University, made a keynote speech entitled "Globalization, Capitalism, and Higher Education." "It is our responsibility as Asian educational leaders, to promote globalization with the balance of inheritance of cultural tradition, although there is a possibility that universities' globalization, commercialization and capitalism may bring negative aspects such as loss of cultural identity by standardization, commercialization of education and research, and threats to academic freedom." President Sugioka of Kyushu University also made a keynote speech on the importance of constructive partnerships between universities, that embody genuine globalization, local government and industry. He said: "I think that cooperation among Asian universities, local government and industry has the possibility to enrich Asia. I believe that we hold Asian values in common and that would support this possibility." Closing the opening session, Mr. Kouichi Yoshimoto, Director General of the Kyushu Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry, made a special guest speech entitled "Accelerated Cooperative Relationship with Asia" and explained the close relationship in the field of economic activities between Kyushu and Asia. He said: "Now is the time when the importance of industry-university cooperation should be highlighted. Industry-university cooperation has played a great role for the prosperity of American economy. We are focusing on the Asian universities expecting their contributions, and willing to support them." 3. Group Session and Panel Presentation The Conference then split into two major discussion groups: the Natural Science Sub-Group and the Literature and Social Science Sub-Group. The participants reported their situation and experience at their own universities and there was a fruitful exchange of views. Next to the Conference room, a room was assigned for a panel presentation. Fourteen industries made panel presentations and attracted the participants' attention during lunch time and the intermission.

4. Welcome Reception At the conclusion of the first day, Mr. Wataru Aso, Governor of Fukuoka Prefecture, made an address at the welcome reception and said: "Fukuoka Prefecture is promoting many projects with Asian countries. We expect universities to play an active role in cooperation between Fukuoka Prefecture and Asian countries. Fukuoka was chosen as the most beautiful city in Asia by ASIAWEEK magazine. Enjoy Fukuoka though your stay is not long. I hope cooperative relationship fostered by this Conference will contribute to Asian and world prosperity." 5. Summary of Group Session The second day of the Conference was assigned to the reports from Fukuoka City and Kitakyushu City on their trial on the industry-university cooperation, and a summary of the Group Sessions. Dr. Muraoka, Professor of the Faculty of Engineering Sciences, made a summary of the Natural Science Sub-Group and said: "The problem of the 21st century is the three Es: Economy, Environment, and Energy. To face such this challenge, it is necessary for us to form a network of Asian universities." Prof. Dr. Ago, Chairman of the Conference, made a summary of the Humanities and Social Science Sub-Group and said: "To confront the negative aspects of globalization, research cooperation between Asian universities is indispensable. We should respect each other and strive for mutual understanding." On the theme of the "pursuit of university-government-industry collaboration" the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) introduced their programs. They support research activities in Asian countries and encourage exchange of researchers and students. Participants asked many questions about the details of their programs. 6. Closing Session President Sugioka summarized the Conference as follows. "Following up last year's Conference, this year we have dis-