A ceremony for the Tohoku University International Awards and International Alumni Association Awards was held on December 7 at Aobayama Commons on the Aobayama Campus’ New Extension. Four recipients of the Tohoku University International Award and representatives of the winners of the International Alumni Association Awards were in attendance. The winners’ family members, as well as faculty members and students, were present to watch Tohoku University President Hideo Ohno present the winners with their certificates.
In their comments, the recipients expressed their joy at receiving their awards, speaking of the great impact that studying at Tohoku University has had on their lives, their gratitude to their professors, and their hopes for the further development of Tohoku University.
In his congratulatory message, President Ohno said that the winners are all important members of the Tohoku University community, and that the entire community congratulates them on their achievement as the first award recipients. President Ohno emphasized his hope that these awards will be the beginning of further cooperation between the university and the community, and that the recipients will continue to make contributions not only to the university but also to society.
A talk session with the recipients was held prior to the ceremony. Many from Tohoku University took part, including international students, and they asked a variety of questions and engaged in lively conversation.
The Tohoku University International Awards and International Alumni Association Awards were established as part of the commemorative projects for the 115th anniversary of the founding of Tohoku University and its 100th anniversary as a comprehensive university, with the aim of strengthening cooperation with overseas alumni and stakeholders. The Tohoku University International Awards are presented to individuals who have contributed to improving Tohoku University’s international presence through their activities, and the International Alumni Association Awards are presented to international alumni associations who have led outstanding initiatives. The winners in both categories were announced at Tohoku University’s 115th Anniversary Commemorative Festival held on October 1, 2022.
Front row, from left to right: the respective chairs of the International Alumni Associations in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand, President Hideo Ohno, Dr. Chung-In Lee, Ms. Pornanong Niyomka Horikawa, Dr. Marie-Pierre Favre, and Dr. Juu-En Chang
The Award Ceremony
1.Tohoku University International Award
Dr. Juu-En Chang, Professor Emeritus
Former Chief of Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration
*Equivalent to Director General of the Environmental Protection Agency
Dr. Marie-Pierre Favre
Senior Advisor for International Development, Groupe INSA (National Institutes of Science and Technology)
Ms. Pornanong Niyomka Horikawa
Vice President, Thai-Japan Institute of Technology (in Thailand)
Prof. Dr. Chung-In Lee
Professor Emeritus, Seoul National University
※Two recipients of the Tohoku University International Award were unfortunately unable to attend the ceremony.
Dr. Alauddin Ahmed
Former Advisor to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for Education, Social Development and Political Affairs
Prof. Qi-Kun Xue
President of Southern University of Science and Technology
2. Tohoku University International Alumni Association Award
〇Distinguished Alumni Association Activities Award
This award was presented to Tohoku University Alumni Thailand (TUAT). They were represented by their chair, Dr. Seree Supratid.
〇 Best Promotion Program Award
This award was presented to Tohoku University Alumni Association in Indonesia (IATU). Representing them at the event was their chair, Professor Sri Harjanto.
〇Special Prize awarded by the Executive Committee for the 115th and 100th Anniversaries
This award was presented to Tohoku University Alumni Association in Vietnam (TUAAV). Professor Nguyen Trung Viet, chair of TUAAV, represented the association at the ceremony.
An exchange event with students was held prior to the Awards Ceremony.
※To learn more about the awards, the selection process, and the 2022 recipients, please refer to the link below.