The winners of the “Tohoku University International Alumni Award” were announced at the “Tohoku University’s Homecoming Day 2024” held on Saturday, September 28 at the Tohoku University Centennial Hall (Kawauchi Hagi Hall) to celebrate the 117th anniversary of its founding.
The Alumni who have enhanced Tohoku University’s international presence through their international efforts are recognized every year since 2022 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 adding from this year two new categories for the individual award, the “Special Award” and the “Science and Technology Award” for a total of 4 awardees.
The winners of both categories are as follows.
【The Winners】
- Tohoku University International Award
Ms. Pelonomi Moiloa
Lelapa.ai – CEO and Co-founder
Award reasons:
In the globally renowned magazine TIME’s feature “TIME100/AI”, Ms. Pelonomi was selected as one of the top 100 leaders in artificial intelligence development worldwide. This recognition is due to her contributions as CEO and co-founder of the AI startup Lelapa.ai. Lelapa.ai enhances the understanding of Africa’s most widely spoken languages by instantly transcribing and analyzing them, seamlessly integrating this into nuanced chatbot conversations. Moreover, Ms. Pelonomi demonstrated leadership in AFAM (African Association of Miyagi ) ’s activities, contributing to the success of projects such as the ‘AFAM-KAKEHASHI’ project and the Tohoku University International Festival. Under her guidance, African culture has gained broader recognition in Japan, and her contributions to AFAM’s magazine “AfriMag” have been highly praised by readers, further increasing the visibility of the association’s publication. Even after graduation, she continues to actively participate in AFAM’s activities from South Africa, contributing to the growth of the community and serving as an exemplary figure for young Africans.
Mr. Pedro B.F. Hsu
Fortune Electric Co., Ltd – Chairman
Award reasons:
Mr. Pedro B.F. Hsu studied at Tohoku University’s Faculty of Engineering from 1966 to 1968 and later achieved outstanding accomplishments in the electrical engineering industry, gaining international success as a leader in Taiwan’s power equipment sector. In 1993, he received the Golden Merchant Award for Excellent Businessmen, and in 1997, the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Award for Excellence in Industrial Technology Development and the Magnetics Industry Contribution Award. Under his leadership, Fortune Electric Co., Ltd became a leader in Taiwan’s power equipment industry. The company’s market capitalization reached TWD 216.7 billion (approximately JPY 1 trillion), with a total shareholder return of 787%. He has also focused on transitioning to green energy system engineering, digitization, and building smart factories, contributing to environmental protection and sustainable development. Furthermore, Pedro B.F. Hsu was a key figure in establishing the Tohoku University Taiwan Alumni Association, serving as its founding president from 2007 to 2024. For 17 years, he led over 150 members as a bridge between Tohoku University and the alumni association. Even after stepping down as president, he has continued to support and contribute to alumni activities between Taiwan and Japan.
2. Special Award
Prof. Jerome Biller Hastings
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory – Professor (research)
Award reasons:
Professor Hastings has played a pivotal role in the development and application of X-ray Free Electron Lasers (XFEL), with his achievements being highly recognized internationally. Notably, he was awarded the Royal Society of Chemistry’s New Horizon Prize in 2021, among other distinguished accolades. Additionally, Professor Hastings made significant contributions to the realization of Tohoku University’s next-generation synchrotron radiation facility, Nano Terasu. In 2016, he served as the chair of the International Review Committee for the Concept Design Report, contributing to the successful development of Nano Terasu. Furthermore, he chaired the world leading Synchrotron Facility Summit hosted by Tohoku University, helping to expand international networks. This has enhanced Tohoku University’s global presence and established its leadership on the world stage. Professor Hastings’ outstanding achievements and international influence have greatly contributed to the development and enhancement of Tohoku University’s global stature.
3. Science and Technology Award
Prof. Lidong Chen
Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences – Professor
Award reasons:
Professor Lidong Chen has been engaged in the field of thermoelectrics for over 20 years. Thermoelectrics is a technology expected to be a solution for global warming, as it can be applied to power generation by utilizing waste heat from factories and other sources. Professor Chen has published over 300 scientific papers, boasting more than 30,000 citations and an H-index of 97. He has delivered over 50 keynote and invited lectures at international conferences such as the International Conference on Thermoelectrics, the European Ceramic Society Conference, and the Materials Research Society (MRS). In 2023, he was elected as a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and currently serves as a board member of the International Thermoelectric Society. He also served as the first president of the Asian Thermoelectric Society. As an outstanding scientist in the field of thermoelectrics, he has significantly contributed to the advancement of thermoelectric materials and device technology, including the design of high-performance multi-field skutterudites, the development of liquid-like Cu-based thermoelectric materials, the discovery of deformable inorganic semiconductors and flexible thermoelectric devices, and the design and manufacturing of high-efficiency, high-reliability thermoelectric devices. For his contributions to solving global challenges facing humanity, such as the application of green technology in the thermoelectric field, Professor Chen was assigned with the Science and Technology Award.
4.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 recognized, for the third year in a row, for its significant contributions in promoting Tohoku University’s academic strengths and attracting top international students, particularly through large-scale events aimed at high school students. Established in 2010, IATU has consistently organized impactful events, such as “IATU Day” and webinars that have gathered hundreds of participants. These efforts have broadened the university’s appeal in Indonesia, fostering strong connections between alumni and prospective students. Furthermore, IATU’s leadership has facilitated international collaboration by organizing bilateral meetings between Tohoku University and leading universities in Indonesia, thereby elevating the university’s global standing and expanding its reach.
During the announcement of the Tohoku University 116th Homecoming Day’s award winners, each awardee delivered their winning remarks, expressing the excitement in getting the award and sharing memories of their time studying at Tohoku University.
After the announcement, the university’s cheering squad also joined the stage to celebrate the winners.
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