Front row- The 5 public servants who were selected for the JDS program to do their 2 years masters studies at top universities in Japan.
Second batch of public servants head to Japan for study under JDS program
Five more government officials have left to Japan to pursue two-year Master’s degrees studies under the Japan Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) program.
Toward the end of last month, the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination (MNPDC) with the JDS project team hosted a send-off lunch for the second batch of scholarship recipients.
The departing scholars comprises of two officers from the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT), one officer from the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination (MNPDC), one officer from the Ministry of Forestry and Research (MFR) and one officer from the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI).
Speaking at the luncheon, MNPDC Deputy Secretary, Mr. Roy Mae, congratulated the departing scholars and wish them well.
“Today marks a significant milestone in your professional and academic journeys. You were selected not only for your academic capacity, but for your demonstrated potential to lead, innovate and contribute meaningfully to our nation’s development upon your return,” Deputy Secretary Mae said.
He said Japan is renowned for its discipline, innovation and rich cultural heritage therefore the second batch of the JDS program must embrace every opportunity.
Mae reminded the scholars that they carry with them the hopes and aspirations of their respective offices, families and country.
He thanked the Government of Japan, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the JDS Program team for their commitment to building the capacity of public servants in the Solomon Islands.
Counsellor of the Embassy of Japan in Solomon Islands, Mr. Maruo Katsumasa, congratulated the new fellows and expressed enthusiasm for the growing partnership.
“We are delighted to send off another five talented young officials and leaders to universities in Japan as our second batch. I am proud to see this historic commitment take a concrete form following the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10) in 2024,” Counsellor Maruo said.
He said JDS fellows will be admitted to top-tier universities in Japan.
Counsellor Maruo urged recipients to maximize their time abroad to drive national growth upon their return.
“Make the most of the advanced knowledge and expertise you will gain to drive the socio-economic development of Solomon Islands.
Over the next two years, I hope you will deepen your understanding of Japanese society and culture so that when you return, you will play a vital role as a bridge between Japan and Solomon Islands,” Counsellor Maruo said.
He encouraged the departing fellows to engage in daily research, enjoy discovering Japanese culture firsthand and stay actively connected to the JDS alumni community.
JICA Resident Representative, Mr. Kawasaki Mitsuyoshi, proposed a toast at the luncheon to celebrate the milestone achievement of the fellows.
Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Public Service, Mr. David Suirawa, urged scholars to be good ambassadors in Japan.
The JDS program is a Japanese grant aid initiative since 1999 that was designed to cultivate civil servants for future policy-making while building multi-layered, people-to-people networks in developing countries.
The first batch of Solomon Islands public servants to travel to Japan under this program was in 2025.
Applications for the third batch for the JDS program will open around August–September of this year.
MNPDC Chief Planning Officer (Multilateral), Marlon Keni, is one of the recipient of the JDS programme.
MNPDC Deputy Secretary, Roy Mae, speaking at the send-off luncheon at Mendana hotel last Friday.