ECU welcomed a delegation of Japanese journalists to the Mount Lawley campus.
Edith Cowan University (ECU) was delighted to welcome a delegation of Japanese media journalists, sponsored by the Australian Embassy in Tokyo at the end of May.
With the aim of highlighting the Japan-Australia relationship in Western Australia, the Embassy organised a week-long media tour to Perth, with a visit to ECU's Mount Lawley campus as one of its highlights.
Journalists from Japanese mainstream media included Mr Daisuke Narahashi from Yomiuri Newspaper, Mr Ryo Sasaki from Asahi Newspaper, Mr Mitsuyoshi Hirano from Mainichi Newspaper, Ms Aoi Kobayashi from Jiji Press, and Mr Hiroki Katayama from Gas-Energy Newspaper.
The delegation also included accompanying officers, Mr Shun Sogabe from the Australian Embassy in Tokyo, Ms Momoko Toyama from the Government of Western Australia, Tokyo Office, Ms Richelle Gornik from the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation.
Japan-Australia relationship at ECU
ECU Manager of Internationalisation Simon Davies Burrows said that the visit was organised as the Embassy was particularly interested in showcasing how the Japan-Australia relationship has manifested in higher education.
"The Tokyo City University - ECU partnership is a wonderful example of education exchange between the two countries," Simon said.
"In particular the Tokyo University City University Australia Program (TAP) provides Japanese students the opportunity for semester length on campus study experience."
TAP is the largest Japan-Australian student mobility program, with TCU students undertaking a semester long study abroad program at ECU. Students study a combination of English language, academic units, and participate in a social and cultural engagement program – Experiencing Australia Program (EAP) across ECU’s three campuses in WA.
The EAP was developed specifically for the TAP program, introducing TCU students to Australia, its history, life, and culture. ECU domestic and international students are invited to volunteer as ‘Buddy Ambassadors’ for the EAP and attend social and cultural activities.
Since 2016, almost 1,300 TCU students have successfully completed TAP and more than 700 ECU students have volunteered as Buddy Ambassadors.
This year, ECU and TCU now also have a Joint Master’s Degree in Environmental Studies and supported by the Commonwealth Government's New Colombo Plan (NCP), 115 ECU students have visited Japan and TCU, through short-term programs between 2017 – 2023.
ECU Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Arshad Omari giving a speech to students.
The importance of internationalisation
The Japanese media delegation's visit to ECU Mount Lawley coincided with a farewell ceremony held for 106 TCU students who recently completed their semester abroad at ECU.
ECU Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Arshad Omari, Consul-General of Japan in Perth, Consul General Yasushi Naito, TCU students and ECU Buddy Ambassadors were present at the farewell.
Speaking at the event, Professor Omari congratulated TCU students and thanked the ECU Buddy Ambassadors that supported students throughout the semester and emphasised the importance of internationalisation.
For more information on the Tokyo University City University Australia Program, please email tcu.program@ecu.edu.au
