The winners of the “Tohoku University International Alumni Award” were announced at the “Tohoku University Women’s College 110th Anniversary and Humanities Women’s College 100th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony” held on Saturday, September 30 at the Tohoku University Centennial Hall (Kawauchi Hagi Hall) in the presence of Her Imperial Highness Princess Kako of Akishino.
People who have enhanced Tohoku University’s international presence through their international efforts are recognized with the “Tohoku University International Award”. The “Tohoku University International Alumni Association Award,” on the other hand, is granted to an international alumni association that has a significant activity.
The Executive Committee conducted a thorough screening process to choose the winners of both categories.
【The Winners】
- Tohoku University International Award
Dr. Gargi Keeni
Former Vice President of Tata Consultancy Services
Member of the Technical Comitee of the Bureau of Indian Standards
Award reasons:
Dr. Keeni paved the way for the ‘International Festival’ of ‘TUFSA’ by initiating the India Festival at a time when there was a strong need to promote international exchange in Sendai, Miyagi, Tohoku and Japan. She then joined Tata Consultancy Services (TCS*), an IT services company within the Tata Group, India’s largest conglomerate, and became its Vice President.
After retiring from TCS, she was actively involved in international standardization in the IT field, including chairing the IT Technical Committee at the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), a government organization, and continues to promote coordination and cooperation between various working groups worldwide.
As a member of expert committees of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), a sister organization of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), she continues to be actively involved in the development of international standards in information security, cyber security, privacy, and IT governance.
In addition, she has consistently disseminated information about her study abroad experience at Tohoku University and encouraged people to seek research, study, and employment opportunities in Japan. With her guidance and support, many Indian youth have been inspired to explore opportunities in Japan.
Prof. Ruttikorn Varakulsiriputh
Vice President for Research and International Relations, Thai-Nichi Institute of Technology
Award reasons:
Associate Professor Ruttikorn played a central role in the establishment of Tohoku University Alumni Thailand and served as the inaugural chairman of TUAT from 2018 to 2019. Even after stepping down as TUAT chairman, he continued to support and contribute to the activities of the Thai Hagi Association.
In recent years, there has been a faster increase in the proportion of elderly people in Thailand compared to Japan, leading to significant concerns about addressing the challenges of an “ultra-aging society.” In 2019, Associate Professor Ruttikorn organized the international seminar “Tohoku University Seminar for Social Benefits in Thailand” with the theme “Technology and Innovation for Smart Health and Aging Society.” This seminar attracted considerable attention and success in Thailand. It featured presentations of the latest research findings by leading researchers from Tohoku University and Thai universities who are alumni of Tohoku University. The seminar also included lively question-and-answer sessions with participants.
Furthermore, at Thai-Nichi Institute of Technology, which places a strong emphasis on fostering exchanges with Japan, Associate Professor Ruttikorn made significant efforts to promote educational exchanges between Thailand and Japan.
- Tohoku University International Alumni Association Award
Indonesian Alumni Association of Tohoku University (IATU)
Award reasons:
The Indonesian Alumni Association of Tohoku University (IATU) has been working energetically not only to deepen exchanges among alumni, but also to enhance the presence of Tohoku University graduates in Indonesia.
In April 2023, IATU held the webinar “Let’s Study at Tohoku University” in cooperation with Tohoku University Global Learning Center and the Embassy of Japan in Indonesia. A total of 215 people attended the two-day event. The webinar introduced study abroad programs, scholarship programs, and student and research life in Japan presented by current international students from Indonesia, and served as an opportunity to increase interest in Tohoku University.
In May 2023, Tohoku University alumni living in Indonesia held the IATU Gathering “Halal bil Halal”, an in-person event for intergenerational exchange. The gathering brought together alumni of all ages, from 1987 to 2018 graduates, and helped strengthen the unity of the Tohoku University community in Indonesia.
During the Tohoku University 116th Homecoming Day’s award winner announcement session, each award winner delivered their winning remarks, expressing their excitement at getting the award and sharing memories of their time studying at Tohoku University.
Winners of the “Tohoku University International Award” and “International Alumni Association Award” categories will be invited to the awards commendation ceremony at Tohoku University.
In order to further enhance connection between Tohoku University and its international stakeholders, it is hoped that the awards would increase awareness of the international activities of people linked to the university and inspire alumni from other countries to participate in exchange activities.
Contact:
Global Engagement Division
TEL：022-217-4844
E-Mail：kokusai-r@grp.tohoku.ac.jp