The International Collaborative Education Promotion Division of the Gifu University Head Office for Glocalization (GHOGL) hosted the 1st Seminar under the theme of "JD Advantages" on April 26, 2018. With the advancement of internationalization and further enhancement of education and research activities as major goals, Gifu University is preparing for the opening of four international collaborative academic courses (Joint Degree Program for Master's and Doctoral Degree: JD) with the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati (IITG) and the National University of Malaysia (UKM) in AY 2019.

Mr. Daisuke Shibata from Kazusa DNA Research Institute was invited to be a guest speaker. He gave an address titled, "International Collaborative Food Science and Technology Course with IITG: Advantages and Expectations from Business Perspectives." He talked about merits and high expectations from the business community toward talented personnel cultivated under the collaborative courses with IITG, and an availability of global business-academia collaboration platform. He also introduced his views on world affairs, the future of Japan and posed the questions to his audience, "Why India now?" and "Why food sciences now?" He wrapped up his lecture by saying to the students, "Take the plunge and meet challenges."

Approximately 70 students, educational and administrative staff attended the seminar and they have realized the true importance of obtaining global insights through their participation in this enlightening seminar. The International Collaborative Education Promotion Division will continue to host a number of similar seminars in the future.