On Thursday, February 13, 2025, “Seminar on Utilization of Highly Sophisticated Foreign Human Resources & Exchange Meeting with International Students” was held at the Regional Sustainability Space on the 3rd floor of the E.U. Regional Commons, Johoku Campus, Ehime University. The seminar was co-sponsored by the International Student Employment Promotion Program Office, Institute for International Relations, Ehime University, the Ehime Trade Information Center of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), and the Shikoku Economic Federation’s Industrial Promotion Committee, and supported by the Shikoku Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Shikoku Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Thirty participants from companies in the Shikoku region and Tokyo, and six foreign students participating in the foreign student employment promotion program attended.
After opening remarks by Industrial Development Committee Chairman Iwao Otsuka, the “Seminar on the Utilization of Highly Sophisticated Foreign Talent” featured lectures and case studies by two speakers. First, Ms. Junko Yashiro, Coordinator for Promotion of Highly Skilled Foreign Workers at the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), gave a lecture titled “Toward Employment, Retention, and Success of Highly Skilled Foreign Workers. In her lecture, she explained the merits of hiring highly skilled foreign human resources and the key points for hiring and retaining them, using specific examples.
Next, Mr. Gonichi Kiwada, President and Representative Director of Uwajima Project, Inc. gave a case study presentation. Based on his company’s experience in recruiting and training foreign personnel, he explained in detail the importance of accepting foreign personnel.
Greetings by Mr. Otsuka, Chairperson
Lecture by Mr. Yashiro
Case Study by Mr. Kiwada
The “Exchange Meeting with International Students” was followed by an exchange of opinions between the students of the International Student Job Placement Promotion Program and corporate executives. Corporate representatives asked not only questions related to jobs, such as majors at university and desired jobs after graduation, but also about daily life in Matsuyama, such as how to live in Matsuyama and how to spend holidays. On the other hand, the international students asked about their concerns about job hunting and career development, and a lively exchange of opinions took place.
Through this seminar, the understanding of the utilization of high-level foreign human resources in the Shikoku region was deepened, and mutual understanding between companies and foreign students was promoted. The Office of International Student Employment Promotion Programs will continue to work with local governments and economic organizations to support international students in their efforts to find employment and help companies recruit foreign students.
＜Institute for International Relations, Office of International Student Employment Promotion Program