TOKYO — The 2023 New Jersey East Asia Economic Mission is about more than just business-to-business connections — it’s also about creating partnerships that can bring together minds from around the globe.
That’s why seven institutions of higher education made the trip — and three signed or affirmed agreements on Tuesday, including:
- Kean University: A memo of understanding for research with Osaka University of Economics;
- Princeton University: A reaffirmation of an MOU between the school and the University of Tokyo;
- Rowan University: Signed MOUs with Sekisui Chemical and Shibaura Institute of Technology (full story here).
These agreements follow two agreements that Rutgers University signed earlier this week (stories here and here).
Gov. Phil Murphy said the partnerships will expand research & development capabilities for New Jersey students in the manufacturing sector and commission new joint research projects in the technology sector.
“New Jersey is the gateway into the American marketplace,” he said. “We are eager to welcome our friends from Japan to join us in building a better, greener future — and creating generations of good-paying jobs in the process.”
Kean’s MOU was signed by President Lamont Repollet and Senior Vice President and Special Counsel Felice Vazquez, along with Osaka University President of Economics Yamamoto Shunichiro and Vice President Mori Utae.
The agreement will establish a student and faculty exchange program and facilitate collaboration in research projects, lectures and seminars and all academic endeavors mutually agreed upon by both universities.
“Our new partnership with Osaka University of Economics will strengthen Kean University’s role as New Jersey’s urban research university and will provide opportunities to spur innovation in New Jersey and throughout the world,” Repollet said.
“Kean already has seen the benefits of international, cross-cultural collaboration for our students and faculty in the region. Working with our counterparts at Osaka University of Economics, we expect to further expand both research and cultural understanding. I congratulate Gov. Murphy for his leadership on this initiative.”
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The ongoing partnership between Princeton University and the University of Tokyo was recognized. Through an MOU signing in January, the academic institutions recommitted to a five-year renewal of an ongoing student exchange program and longstanding collaborations led by faculty in astrophysical sciences, East Asian studies and the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs.
Craig Arnold, vice dean for innovation at Princeton, applauded the recommitment and its transformative impact on both universities.
“This mission is an excellent opportunity for the state of New Jersey and its terrific innovation network to extend our reach and influence,” Arnold said. “Today, in corporate and university laboratories throughout the state, we are developing ways to solve critical problems and to improve the lives of people in New Jersey and around the world.
“This outreach to Asia led by Gov. Murphy will build bridges by strengthening collaborations and creating new partnerships for the mutual benefit of all.”
Today’s other stories from Japan:
- Team play: How Jersey companies are helping recruiting effort in East Asia
- Is Japan’s business culture of conformity a lesson for us all — or relic of days gone by?
- Rowan signs MOUs with Sekisui Chemical and Shibaura Institute of Technology
- Mission notebook, Day 4: ‘The most welcoming state in America’
- 5 incredible data points that explain Japan’s aging population — and why it should concern everyone
