ASCOJA-ASJA Consultative Meeting in Manila Opens (Jan 21, 2015)

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The Board of Governors of the ASEAN Council of Japan Alumni (ASCOJA) and officers of ASJA International meets at the AIM Conference Center in Makati City on 24 January 2015 for consultations on ongoing preparations for the 21st ASCOJA Conference to be held in Manila from October 2 to 4, 2015 and the recent proposal for the development of an ASCOJA online communication platform which has been forwarded by ASJA.

Twelve delegates from 8 ASCOJA chapter associations and ASJA Japan are attending, specifically:

Brunei Association of Japan Alumni (BAJA)

Dr. Fadil Galawat
Ms. Noraini HJ Shawal

PERSADA Indonesia

Dr. Dempsy Robby Kambey

Japan Alumni Organization of Laos (JAOL)

Mrs. Bouasone Vongthavone

Japan Graduates Association of Malaysia

Dr. Ooi Chee Keong
Dr. Goh Nge Seung

Myanmar Association of Japan Alumni

Dr. Myo Khin

Old Japan Students Association of the Kingdom of Thailand (OJSAT)

Dr. Samran Choodunagngern
Dr. Surawut Chuangchote

Japan Alumni of Vietnam (JAV)

Dr. Phan Trung Nghia

Asia Japan Alumni (ASJA) International

Sec. Gen. Jiro Sato
Ms. Chikako Hagihara

The Philippine Federation of Japan Alumni (PHILFEJA), the host organization, will deploy a 10-man delegation led by its President, Mr. Philip B. Sanvictores.  Other members of the PHILFEJA group are the members of the PHILFEJA Board: Prof. Gilda Uy, Mr. Domingo Go, Mr. Dan Rayo, Mrs. Eva Lawas; Mrs. Marilen Laurel-Loinaz and Mrs. Glenda T. Ferma, Project Manager and Deputy Project Manager respectively of the 2015 ASCOJA Working Team; PHILFEJA resource persons – Dr. Sylvano Dong-E Mahiwo, Dr. Amy Fajardo; and Ms. Cecile Tolentino (Sec. Gen.)

The Japan University Graduates Association of Singapore (JUGAS) and the Japan Alumni of Cambodia (JAC) are unable to attend due to unavoidable circumstances.  They however have been furnished meeting materials for information and reference distributed to all ASCOJA chapters prior to the meetings.

The Secretariat for this meeting is headed by Prof. Bernadette “Jen” Hieida.

The General Agenda of this special meeting follows:

January 23, 2015 (Friday)

18:00     : Assembly at AIMCC Lobby

19:00     : Welcome Dinner : Casa Armas, Greenbelt 2, Ayala Center


January 24, 2015 (Saturday) – Metro Pacific Room (3rd Floor, AIMCC)

9:00        : Call to Order / Recognition of Attendees

9:15        : ASCOJA Vision-Mission

  • Basic framework
  • Discussion on Vision-Mission Statements
  • Schedule

10:30     :Coffee break

10:45     :Continuation of Discussions re Vision-Mission

11:00     :21st ASCOJA Conference Manila

  • Theme / Date / Venue
  • Program Format
    • Keynote Speakers
    • Breakout Session Facilitators
  • General Schedule

12:00     :Lunch (Ramcar Room. AIMCC)

13:30     :ASJA Proposal to Develop an ASCOJA Online Communication Platform

  • ASCOJA Online Communications Platform
  • FY 2015 ASJA Budget Proposal

15:30     :Coffee break

15:45     :Continue Discussions / Other Matters

17:30     :Adjournment

18:30     :Attend the PHILFEJA Shin Nen Kai 新年会


Roster of ASCOJA Conferences: 1977 – 2018

As of August 2019

 

No. Date Host Chairman Venue Theme
1 8-12 Jun 1977 PHILFEJA Leocadio de Asis Manila Inauguration; Organizational Meeting:
2 27-30 Jun 1978 PERSADA Hasan Rhaya Jakarta
3 31 Oct – 5 Nov 1979 OJSAT Bonchitra Katerainak Bangkok
4 21-25 Jan 1981 PHILFEJA Leocadio de Asis Manila Towards a More Meaningful ASCOJA
5 23-26 Sept 1983 JAGAM Raja Dato Nong Chik Kuala Lumpur Look East
6 26-27 Jul 1985 JUGAS Fan Kai Chang Singapore ASEAN-Japan Relationship Towards the 21stcentury
7 27-29 Aug 1987 PERSADA Kusnaeni Jakarta Japan and ASEAN in the Next Decade
8 30 Sept – 3 Oct 1989 OJSAT Phaisith Phipatanakul Bangkok
9 27 Feb – 3 Mar 1991 PHILFEJA Diampo J. Lim Manila Strengthening ASCOJA in the Nineties
10 29 Apr– 3 May 1993 JAGAM Tan Ping Chang Kuala Lumpur Solidarity via ASCOJA
11 28 Sept – 1 Oct 1995 JUGAS Chin Siew Gim Singapore Kokoro to Kokoro
12 18-20 Sept 1997 PERSADA Jhi. Mamuaya Jakarta Heart to Heart
13 24-27 Nov 1999 OJSAT Mongkol Tanjapatkul Bangkok ASCOJA in the 21st century
14 17-22 Jul 2001 PHILFEJA Albert Zeñarosa Manila ASCOJA-ASJA: a Dynamic Partnership in the 21st  Century
15 25-28 Sept 2003 JAGAM Dato Dr. K.L. Siow Kuala Lumpur Future Cooperation Between ASEAN and Japan
16 8-10 Sept 2005 JUGAS Lai Kim Fatt Singapore ASEAN-Japan Partnership Scaling New Heights & Riding New Challenges
17 5-7 Sept 2007 PERSADA Ismadji Hadisumarto Jakarta Integrated and Community-Based Waste Management
18 5-7 Nov 2009 MAJA Aung Kyaw Yangon Bridging Japan and ASEAN Countries Through Better Education
19 24-26 Feb 2012 OJSAT Wirach Wijarn Bangkok ASCOJA in the Next Decade: Toward the Emerging Issues and Opportunities
20 6-8 Sept 2013 JAV Nguyen Ngoc Binh Hanoi ASCOJA Towards the Cooperation and Development of ASEAN and Japan
21 2-4 Oct 2015 PHILFEJA Philip Sanvictores Manila ASCOJA in an Integrated ASEAN
22 30 Sept– 2 Oct 2016 JAGAM Dr. Ooi Chee Keong Kuala Lumpur ASEAN and Japan: Bridging Ties in Trade, Tourism and Technology
23 8–10 Sept 2017 BAJA Brunei Enriching ASEAN-Japan Relations through Culture, Education and Economy
24 19–21 Oct 2018 JAC Siem Reap Strengthening ASEAN Relations through Tourism: The Role of ASCOJA

 

 Roster of ASCOJA Conferences 1977 – 2015


Vision-Mission Project Launched (Dec 16, 2014)

ASCOJA was established in 1977, 32 years after the end of World War II mainly by a special group of wartime foreign students in Japan known as Nanpou Tokubetsu Ryugakusei 南方特別留学生 or “Nantoku (ナントク)”.  Literally, the group was called ‘Special Foreign Students from the South’.

In 1977, ASEAN was then a 5-nation economic and political organization, holding only its 2nd Summit in Kuala Lumpur.  It was also the first time Japan was invited to participate in the ASEAN Summit.  That year, ASEAN signed an Agreement on Preferential Trading Arrangements.  It was also that year when the Fukuda Doctrine of “Heart-to-Heart 心と心 relations“ was first asserted by Prime Minister Takeo Fukuda in Manila while on a tour of ASEAN states.  ASCOJA heartily embraced the Fukuda Doctrine, finding the Doctrine’s commitment to peace, mutuality and equality closely aligned to its central motivation.

Fast forward to 2015:

ASCOJA will hold its 21st Conference in Manila, with its charter membership increased to the 10 countries that now comprise the ASEAN.  The end of the Pacific War would mark its 70th anniversary.   The number of Japan alumni from Southeast Asia would be in the hundreds of thousands. The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) would be launched, which is envisioned to create an integrated region block that will be one of the largest, fastest growing areas in the world.

Where does ASCOJA fit, or find itself in all these – 38 years since its founding.  The world has changed much at an increasingly fast pace.  The future looks even more opaque.  What is the role of students who have studied, are now studying and who will in the future be studying in Japan in the context of a new, integrated ASEAN?  What opportunities should ASCOJA seize?  What challenges would it face?  How should ASCOJA continue to capitalize on the Fukuda Doctrine, its commitment to peace and strong relations based on mutual confidence, mutual respect and mutual trust still strikingly relevant today.

Concerned that ASCOJA may drift into oblivion, worse into insignificance if these realities are not properly addressed, the late ASCOJA Chairman Benjie Laurel (Governor for the Philippines) in perhaps his last act for ASCOJA, pushed for the crafting of a new Vision and Mission for ASCOJA.  This was conveyed by Mr. Philip Sanvictores, Chairman Laurel’s personal emissary to the ASCOJA Governors Meeting held in Tokyo in March 2014.  PHILFEJA has thus spearheaded a ASCOJA Vision-Mission Project and is being impelled by Mr. Sanvictores who has since assumed the Presidency of PHILFEJA, concurrently serving as ASCOJA Chairman for the unexpired term of the late Chairman Laurel.

The ASCOJA Vision-Mission Project is based on a framework crafted by PHILFEJA members from the University of the Philippines designed to elicit inputs from the 10-member ASCOJA Board when it meets in Manila in January 2015.  Mr. Sanvictores said he hopes the ASCOJA Board of Governors can approve the new ASCOJA Vision and Mission statements during the Council Meeting to be held immediately prior to the 21st ASCOJA Conference.


ASCOJA Governors to meet in Manila in January 2015 (Dec 11, 2014)

The ASCOJA Board of Governors will hold a special meeting in Manila on January 24, 2015 at the AIM Conference Center.  This meeting is being called by PHILFEJA President Philip Sanvictores, concurrently ASCOJA Chairman, in order to discuss the proposed joint ASCOJA-ASJA Project to Develop an Online Communication Platform envisioned to ease inter-chapter communication, while promoting intercultural and people-to-people interaction among especially among young ASEAN nationals and Japanese.  The meeting will also tackle various matters concerning the 21st ASCOJA Conference which is being organized by PHILFEJA and will be held in Manila in September or October 2015.

Governors from all ASCOJA Chapters are expected to attend the meeting.  ASJA International will likewise send a delegation to the meeting.  A welcome dinner will be tendered in honor of the visiting Governors and ASJA officials on January 23.  The meeting, which will take up the entire day, will conclude with the PHILFEJA Shinnen Kai 新年会to be held at the Philippines-Japan Friendship Hall, Dominion Building, Makati.  The 2015 PHILFEJA Shinnen Kai is specifically timed to coincide with the ASCOJA meeting to enable PHILFEJA, ASCOJA and ASJA members to meet and interact with each other.

This activity is being organized by the PHILFEJA Secretariat led by Secretary-General Cecile Tolentino with the support of Special Project Managers, Mrs. Marilen Loinaz and Mrs. Gennie Ferma.  Event Managers are Ms. Kelly Biscarra and Ms. Gen Hieida.


PHILFEJA Participates in the 28th ASJA Board Meeting (Mar 28, 2014)

The 28th Board of Directors Meeting of ASJA (Asia Japan Alumni Association) International was held on March 28, 2014 at the Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan.  PHILFEJA sent a four-person delegation led by Mr. Philip B. Sanvictores who represented Mr. Benjamin C. Laurel, PHILFEJA President concurrently Chairman of both ASJA and ASCOJA (ASEAN Council of Japan Alumni).  The other members of the Delegation were Ms. Cecile P. Tolentino (PHILFEJA Secretary-General), Ms. Marilen Laurel-Loinaz and Ms. Gennie T. Ferma (Administrator and Deputy Administrator respectively of the Philippines-Japan Friendship Foundation).  Also in attendance as an observer was Mrs. Patricia Maribel C. Sanvictores.

ASJA Directors from all 10 ASEAN countries, each representing chapter associations of ASCOJA were in attendance.  ASJA, on the other hand was represented by Amb. Takashi Tajima, Director for Japan and Mr. Jiro Sato, Secretary-General.  Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education, Sports, Culture, Science and Technology (MEXT), the Toshiba Foundation International, and the National Institute for Youth Education (NIYE) were also present.

2014.0327_PBS & PM Abe

PHILFEJA President Mr. Philip B. Sanvictores with H.E. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

Prior to the meeting, the ASJA Directors called on H.E. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the Official Residence of the Prime Minister in Nagatacho.  Thereafter, the group called on Mr. Teisuke Kitayama, Chairman of the Keizai Douyu Kai at the Sumitomo Mitsui Bank head office in Otemachi.

2014.0327_ASJA SMBC 6 Group Pic

ASCOJA delegates with Keizai Douyakai Chairman Mr. Teisuke Kitayama at his office at the Sumitomo Mitsui Bank Headquarters

A Welcome Dinner followed at the Comet room 43rd floor of the Keio Plaza Hotel where Mr. Sanvictores delivered a speech on behalf of Mr. Laurel.

The following day, Friday 28 March 2014, Mr. Sanvictores, representing Chairman Benjamin Laurel, presided over the ASJA International Board Meeting.  The meeting tackled various matters including the Proposed ASJA Budget for FY2014, new guidelines for the selection of ASJA Government Scholars, reports on various ASJA activities as well as the extension of the term of the ASJA Secretary-General.  The matter concerning the selection of the ASJA Chairman in order to allow Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam to serve was also tackled.  It was agreed after extensive discussions that for the next three years (2014-2017), the ASJA Chairmanship will have a one-year fixed term to be rotated among the said three countries following normal balloting procedures of ASJA.

The ASJA meeting was followed by a special meeting of the ASCOJA Board of Governors which was also chaired by Mr. Sanvictores on behalf of Mr. Laurel.  The meeting mainly discussed the report of Dr. Ngo Binh of the Japan Alumni of Vietnam (JAV) on the results of the 20th ASCOJA Conference held in Hanoi in 2013, preliminary plans of PHILFEJA for hosting the 21st ASCOJA Conference in 2015, and the plan to craft a new Vision and Mission for ASCOJA in time for ASCOJA 2015.

The meeting was temporarily suspended with a courtesy call on Mr. Akio Mimura, Chairman and Mr. Toshio Nakamura of the Japan Chamber of Commerce at its head office in Marunouchi.  During the courtesy call, Mr. Sanvictores noted that the __ Annual Joint Meeting of the Economic Cooperation Committees of the Philippines and Japan was recently held in Manila earlier in the month.

JCCI 5

ASCOJA Governors and ASJA Officers called on the Chairman of Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), Mr. Akio Mimura on March 28, 2014 at the JCCI Headoffice in Marunouchi, Tokyo.

 

Upon the resumption of the ASCOJA Governors Meeting, representatives from the National Institute for Youth Exchange (NIYE) and Toshiba International Foundation (TIF) gave presentations on respective programs being offered to ASCOJA youth delegates for Autumn 2014 and March 2015.

After the ASCOJA Meeting, Mr. Sanvictores addressed the ASJA scholars who had just completed their studies.  Three graduates from Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia were presented certificates of completion.  As the presiding ASJA Chairman, Mr. Sanvictores read each citation before handing out the certificates to them.

This was followed by the rendering of reports from 18 current ASJA Scholars about their ongoing activities.  There were two Filipinos in that group of scholars.

The day ended with a farewell reception which was attended not only by the ASCOJA delegates but also officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education, Sports, Culture, Science and Technology, NIYE, Toshiba Foundation and Assemblyman Tatsuo Fukuda, son of former Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, grandson of former Prime Minister Takeo Fukuda.  Mr. Sanvictores spoke to the youthful Assemblyman Fukuda about the long relationship between his illustrious grandfather and father with the Philippines-Japan Society and the ASCOJA, citing their personal relationships with the late Ambassador Jose S. Laurel III, founder of the Philippines-Japan Society and also his father, Ambassador Benjamin F. Sanvictores.

Also at the reception, ASJA International presented Plaques of Appreciation to ASJA Directors from Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar Thailand and Cambodia for their service as members of the ASJA Board of Directors.  Shown in the follow photos is ASJA Acting Chairman Philip Sanvictores (representing Chairman Benjamin C. Laurel), presenting the plaques to Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Binh of Vietnam, Mr.U Myint Wai of Myanmar, Admiral Wicharn Wijarn of Thailand, Mr. Dang Rono of Indonesia (represented by Mr. Ismadji Hadjisumarto) and Mr. Hen Sua of Cambodia (represented by Mr. Chou Heng).


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