For Alumni

NipCA SPJES 2022

Berkinov Jakhongir (Uzbekistan)

I was born in the historical city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, but grew up and received my education in the capital, Tashkent. My academic and professional journey has consistently revolved around public administration, public policy, digital transformation, and sustainable development. This path naturally led me to apply for the NipCA Fellowship at the University of Tsukuba.

From 2022 to 2024, I was fortunate to be a part of the Master’s Program in International Public Policy, with a specialization in Japanese and Eurasian Studies (SPJES). The program’s emphasis on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its regional focus on Central Asia aligned perfectly with both my academic background and career aspirations. My research explored the digital transformation of government-citizen communication in Uzbekistan – a timely and practical issue, especially as countries in the region adopt new technologies to enhance governance and citizen engagement.

The NipCA Program gave me far more than academic insight. I deepened my understanding of the SDGs through specialized coursework and unforgettable study trips to Okinawa and Hokkaido. These visits offered real-life perspectives on how different regions in Japan tackle social, environmental, and economic challenges while staying committed to sustainability.

Living in Tsukuba also enriched my personal and leadership development. Alongside other Central Asian students, I helped establish the Association of Central Asian Students in Tsukuba, where I served as Vice President. This community-building experience helped me grow beyond the classroom and form lasting connections with peers across borders.

After completing the NipCA program, I returned to Uzbekistan and took on the role of Chief Economist and Reporting Coordinating Specialist at the Center of Green Economy Projects under the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Within the World Bank-supported “iCRAFT” project, I led key reporting and data management tasks, ensuring the timely delivery of analytical reports and collaborating with stakeholders to support sustainable development planning. My academic training in Japan – particularly in project analysis, policy evaluation, and SDG integration – was instrumental in preparing me for this high-responsibility role.

Driven by a continued passion for research and international cooperation, I returned to Tsukuba as a MEXT Scholarship recipient and will officially begin my PhD in International Public Policy in October 2025.

I am deeply grateful to the Nippon Foundation, NipCA Program, SPJES faculty, and everyone who made this journey possible. NipCA is more than a fellowship – it is a life-changing opportunity that empowers young scholars to grow as researchers, leaders, and global citizens.

Posted on Tuesday, June 10, 2025

 

NipCA SPJES 2019

Saltanat Boteu (Kazakhstan)

One of the main reasons for entering the program at the University of Tsukuba was its focus on Sustainable Development Goals. It seems to me that the program was a quintessence of my interests – social science research, sustainable development, and Japanese culture. The one year and a half I spent as a student of the NipCA project was a life-changing experience. In addition to the knowledge gained during classes, I had a chance to participate in study tours and see the implementation of sustainable development goals on practice visiting recycling sites, farms, and historical sites across Japan. I have no doubt that the program became an essential step for my personal and professional growth.

Currently, I serve as a volunteer (UNV) at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kazakhstan in the Communications Unit. During a year in the position of Communications Specialist, I got a chance to familiarize myself with the projects the organization implements in Kazakhstan. The country office mainly focuses on gender equality, energy efficiency, climate change, biodiversity conservation, social protection, and effective governance among many other areas of work. A glimpse into the sustainable development approach in Japan and Kazakhstan gave me an impression of a holistic approach that helps people move towards common goals.

I’m deeply grateful for all the opportunities I got in the study program in Japan and the opportunities I got thanks to the program after graduation. I already got contacted by three bright people who were interested in the NipCA program. It makes me happy to share information and support prospective students of Tsukuba University.

 

 

●50th Anniversary Commemorative Events
Date:Saturay,September 30, 2023,12:00PM-(JST)
Venue:Tsukuba International Congress Center and others

https://50th.projects.tsukuba.ac.jp/

●Launching “Tsukuba Universal Alumni Network (TUAN)”
– Connect Together the Past-Present-Future and the World –
Date: Sunday,October 1, 2023, 3:30PM-5:00PM (JST)
Venue: University Hall of the University of Tsukuba

https://www.bgi.sec.tsukuba.ac.jp/tuan2023/