Gifu University Organization for Promotion of Glocalization (GU-GLOCAL) hosted "Gifu Joint Degree Symposium 2019" at Nagaragawa Convention Center (Gifu City) on October 7 and 8, 2019.

While enrolled at the home and host universities, the Joint Degree (JD) programs allow students to study and engage in research activities at the affiliated overseas university. After successful completion of the programs, a single degree shall be granted jointly by both institutions to the individual. Four JD programs (Master's and PhD) were launched with the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG) and the National University of Malaysia (UKM) in April 2019. In commemoration of the start of JD programs, "Gifu Joint Degree Symposium 2019" was held, which was attended by approximately 220 people from universities, public bodies, local municipalities and local industries both in Japan and abroad.

On October 7, JD opening ceremony was held. In his opening speech, President of Gifu University, Hisataka Moriwaki said, "I sincerely hope that graduates of JD programs can contribute to sustainable development in regions in the near future." His speech was followed by the congratulatory messages from Prof. Dr. T.G. Sitharam, Director of IITG and YBhg. Prof. Ir. Dr. Mohd Hamdi Abd Shukor, Vice-Chancellor of UKM and a gift exchange.

After President Moriwaki presented commemorative gifts to two special guests, Prof. Gautam Biswas FNA, former director of IITG and Mr. Shri Ramnganing Muivah, Secretary of North East Council of Indian Government, a video message from the Federation of Industry & Commerce of North Eastern Region (FINER, India) started.

The keynote speech session began with Mr. Kuniaki Sato, Director, Office for International Planning, Higher Education Bureau, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) under the title, "International Joint-Degree; What for, and where to go?" Three speeches were also delivered by guest speakers in the same session.

Later, video messages from the first JD students (a total of 18) studying at IITG and UKM drew a lot of attentions from the audience. The ceremony was closed with remarks from Dr. Fumiaki Suzuki, Director of GU-GLOCAL (Vice President, Executive Director for International Affairs and Public Relations, Chair of Symposium Organization Committee).

On October 8, an academic session titled "Gifu International Symposium for Sustainable Development 2019," and a panel discussion, "Towards sustainable development of regions by collaboration of the academia/industry alliances - Acceleration of food industries and related industry sectors in India and Malaysia -" were held. In the panel discussion, with Mr. Shinichi Miwa, Specially Appointed Professor of GU-GLOCAL as a moderator, 14 representatives from businesses, governments, academia and banking sector made their presentations on JD programs from their own perspectives (expectations, outlooks, etc.).

In the question and answer session, many questions were raised including possibilities of JD's international contribution, supply of funds, etc. and active discussions continued between the speakers and the audience for some time. A great turnout for the two-day symposium exhibited people's keen interest in JD programs.