Celebrating the 50th Anniversary
Establishment in 1959
President
Kazuo KanekoThe Association for Overseas Technical Scholarship (AOTS) was established in 1959 - when Japan's postwar reconstruction was near completion, and the economic cooperation for developing countries became one of the central issues of the government - with the mission of promoting technological cooperation through the government-industry partnership under the authorization of the then Ministry of International Trade and Industry (present Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry). This marked the beginning of one of the world's most unique training programs which is based on three pillars: Official Development Assistance (ODA) of the government; technical and financial support from industry; and AOTS' commitment to those in need of technical support and its know-how for the operation of training centers and training programs to back up the commitment.
Development of AOTS training activities
Since 1959, Japan has undergone high economic growth, oil shock, high yen, burst of the bubble economy, and other economic ups and downs, and companies have expanded their overseas presence. During these years, while AOTS training activities have become increasingly sophisticated and diversified, AOTS has consistently been committed to fostering human resources that are truly needed for the industrialization of their respective developing countries by gaining support from industry, academia and government so as to effectively promote technical cooperation. The total number of trainees who completed AOTS training has exceeded 320,000.
Internationalization and integration of industry in the 21st century
Thanks to the globalization accelerated by the technological development in telecommunications and other services and progress of liberalization in the 21st century, the international society has become closely inter-dependent. The Japanese economic and industrial structure is also changing to the one focusing more on “coexistence,” where Japan and other countries can complement each other in multiple aspects to promote the international specialization, and maintain a collaborative relationship among them. Amid the nation's declining birthrate and aging population, it is also becoming increasingly difficult for each individual to sustain their life without international mutual dependence.
“Coexistence and Growing Together” through human resource development
As international mutual dependence is becoming rapidly important, we are now in the age when the need for people around the world to break down barriers of preconception and to realize the need for “Coexistence and Growing Together” is increasing. In this age, it is indispensable to support the sustainable growth of developing countries, which account for the majority of the international society, through equal partnership. Since it is each individual of these countries that will play a vital role in promoting cooperation within the international society and strengthening the relationship between their countries and Japan, it is more important than ever to help these individuals become valued human resources.
The International Symposium and the Convention of AOTS Alumni Societies
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of its establishment, AOTS plans to hold the International Symposium, Ceremony & Reception, the 8th Convention of AOTS Alumni Societies, and other events to have in-depth discussion on the significance of technical cooperation through the development of industrial human resources in the current times as well as its future possibilities, and communicate the results to the world. Approximately 250 representatives from 70 AOTS Alumni Societies in 43 countries are scheduled to attend these events.
Through these 50th anniversary events, it is expected that we can envision a new direction of technical cooperation based on the government-industry partnership for the next 50 years. Along this new direction, AOTS will continue to make further efforts by renewing the original spirit that it had at the time of its establishment to realize an international society that will “coexist and grow together.” We appreciate your continued support and cooperation.
