U of R in Japan: Strengthening Partnerships, Growing Research and Academic Opportunities

In early November, a University of Regina delegation organized by UR International embarked on a mission to Japan aimed at strengthening partnerships and expanding academic and research opportunities. Led by President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Jeff Keshen, the delegation included Mr. Haroon Chaudhry, Associate Vice-President (International) and Chief International Officer); Mr. Michael Liu, Manager of International Relations & Partnerships; Dr. Thomas Hadjistavropoulos, Professor of Psychology, Research Chair, and Director of the Centre on Aging and Health; and, Dr. Greg Mack, Director of Research Partnerships & Innovation. 

The U of R delegation visited four high schools in Osaka and Kyoto, as well as four universities and a research funding agency in Tokyo. Mr. Chaudhry highlighted the broader vision behind such missions, saying, "We are keen to broaden the international student community in our university – through active student recruitment, meaningful engagement with partner institutions, our province’s international education strategy, and through efforts to enhance student satisfaction and institutional reputation." 

U of R International Student of Distinction Scholarship

During the high school visits, U of R signed international recruitment Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with Naniwa High School, Kobe Ryukoku High School, Nissei High School, and Kyoto Koka High School. These agreements support U of R’s strategic initiative to attract high-achieving Japanese students by offering the U of R International Student of Distinction Scholarship. Additionally, the collaboration may extend to short-term English language and cultural programs, with plans to host students from each partner institution. The U of R delegation also met with scholarship candidates and presented U of R’s programs to senior students, further enhancing U of R’s presence as a preferred destination for Japanese students. 

The team met also met with representatives from Dokkyo University and Seijo University to sign MOUs and Student Exchange Program Agreements, enhancing opportunities for faculty and student exchanges, joint research projects, and visiting scholars. A tour of the University of Tokyo’s Center for Nuclear Research and a meeting with Tokyo Metropolitan University further solidified research partnerships in physics, engineering, and psychology. 

A highlight of the mission was a reception and presentation at the Embassy of Canada in Japan, organized in collaboration with the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Development Japan Office and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan. The reception welcomed more than 50 representatives from Japanese and Canadian institutions. Those gathered, heard from Dr. Hadjistavropoulos, keynote speaker, delivering an engaging presentation on pain assessment in dementia, which highlighted U of R’s research expertise and garnered significant interest. 

Strengthening U of R reputation around the world

Japan remains a leading partner for U of R in student mobility, with U of R proudly hosting more than 2,000 Japanese students in degree, visiting, exchange, and ESL programs over the past decade. Japan is also a priority for U of R research initiatives, with this mission strengthening U of R’s reputation in Japan and beyond. 

This mission represents a significant step in U of R’s international engagement strategy, fostering strong connections with Japanese institutions and creating new opportunities for students and researchers in both countries. 

Reflecting on the success of the mission, President Keshen emphasized the crucial role international collaborations play in the U of R’s continued growth. “As we celebrate the U of R’s 50th anniversary as a degree-granting institution, it is important to remember that much of our development and reputation has centred on international partnerships,” says Dr. Keshen. “It was a privilege for me to engage with students, faculty, and staff from different high schools and universities in Japan recently. The educational and research partnerships that we are exploring, and in some cases have already finalized, will be of great benefit for students and faculty from both countries for years to come.”

Find out more about the International Student of Distinction Scholarship here!

Banner photo: U of R delegation with Kobe High School students in Japan. Photo credit: UR International.