ALUMNI VOICES
Read what recent JISPA graduates and alumni have to say about their experiences studying and living in Japan.
Since its inception in 1993, the JISPA program has helped over 1,000 officials in the Asia-Pacific region to pursue a graduate degree in economics at Japanese universities, enhancing their capacity to formulate macroeconomic policies. In the fall of 2024, about 38 new scholars will follow suit. This Alumni Voices showcases the testimonials of JISPA graduates from various countries with diverse backgrounds.
Recent Graduates
2024
"My JISPA journey has been “Transformative, Fulfilling, and Connecting.” Studying at the University of Tokyo can be competitive, yet I have embraced the challenges and grown throughout the program. JISPA is my support system as I am surrounded by encouraging peers from other central banks and finance ministries. The two-year program is truly rewarding; I gained the academic and practical skills I needed for my career while cherishing the friendship developed along the way. I truly feel more connected with our JISPA family, and the extensive network of professors, university friends, and IMF-OAP personnel. At the end of the journey, I find myself richer in personal growth and personal connections, with a greater passion to contribute to my people and country."
"Applying for the JISPA scholarship was one of the best decisions of my life. Beyond financial support for my degree, this scholarship provided invaluable networking opportunities, an impactful orientation program, relaxing field trips, interesting workshops, and seminars. The scholars also had a chance to meet the IMF Managing Director, Ms. Kristalina Georgieva, at the OAP Anniversary celebration event. These were once-in-a-lifetime experiences and priceless. I believe my fellow JISPA scholars also felt the same. I would like to thank the Japanese Government for this amazing scholarship, and the IMF has done an excellent job organizing the JISPA program. I hope this scholarship will continue for a long time and produce leaders for a better future."
"JISPA is more than just a scholarship; it is a family of future Asian leaders. As the MC for our program's 30th-anniversary celebration, I was deeply moved by its impact, witnessing other alumni become successful in their fields.
This program equipped me with the essential knowledge and skills to foster lifelong friendships, building a network that empowers us to drive positive change in our home countries. The professors' mentorship, captivating lectures, and stimulating discussions on economic and public policy broadened my understanding. For me, JISPA was transformative, offering academic and personal growth, cultural exchange, and lasting friendships. It was not just about education; it was about becoming part of a community that will continue to support and inspire me throughout my life. "
"The JISPA scholarship has changed my life. It provided me with an opportunity to gain knowledge from highly intelligent academics while sharing experience with sector specialists from all over the world. It is an honor to be part of JISPA family once and for all. Beyond academic growth, my exposure to Japanese culture allowed me to evolve into a more refined version of myself. Experiencing Hanami, learning the philosophy of Ichi-go Ichi-e, discovering the essence of Ikigai, and embracing other Japanese concepts taught me to appreciate simple joys, leading to a continuous improvement in the quality of my life. Dwelling on the knowledge and experience gained through the JISPA scholarship, I hope to contribute for the prosperity and sustainability of my country."
"I feel honored and privileged to be a recipient of this prestigious scholarship. JISPA has been instrumental in my pursuit of intellectual development; its generous support has enabled me to present my research on global platforms on several occasions, facilitated invaluable networking with peers and experts from around the world. Furthermore, JISPA was a gateway for me to experience Japan's unique and enriching culture. I am committed to contributing positively to my community. I strongly recommend eligible candidates to explore this great opportunity because, above and beyond the financial support, the award would be an invaluable testament to their academic potential."
2023
Reynaldo Beluso Delos Santos Jr.
The University of Tokyo (Partnership Track: 2021-2023)
National Economic and Development Authority, Philippines,
Zolzaya Enkhtur
The University of Tokyo (Partnership Track: 2021-2023)
Bank of Mongolia
Anil Shrestha
Hiroshima University (Open Track: 2020-2023)
Ministry of Finance, Nepal
2022
"JISPA is not just a scholarship; it is like a family to me. It not only helped me complete my higher education at a top-notch university in the world but also helped me meet knowledgeable policymakers in the growing economies of the Asia-Pacific region and become part of a global family. In addition to our academic studies, several workshops arranged by the IMF Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (OAP) helped me develop my knowledge and skills to facilitate my future policymaker career. I believe, with their knowledge and skills, JISPA scholars will continuously contribute to developing their home countries and, as a family, the Asia-Pacific region. I highly recommend JISPA to the young policymakers of Asia to advance their career."
"Deepening knowledge and accomplishing goals are major sources of one’s life satisfaction. I am grateful to JISPA and Hitotsubashi University for making it possible. Pausing a career to improve academic skills or continuing to work to deepen one's experience is the most common dilemma for us. Fortunately, the scholarship gives us opportunities to pursue both through various policy discussions and networking at the international level along with academic studies at top universities. Also, living in Japan and having new friends from other cultures is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I would recommend this invaluable experience to everyone who wants to advance themselves academically, professionally, and personally."
"JISPA has provided us with various opportunities to acquire tools and skills that are suitable for analyzing relevant macroeconomic issues of present times. The JISPA curriculum strikes a good balance between theory and application of macroeconomic policies. It combines solid theoretical foundations of macroeconomics taught by the JISPA partner universities, and practical applications learned from workshops and dialogue with policymakers from Japan. In addition, the scholarship program provides great support to its scholars, especially in this period of the pandemic. JISPA is highly recommended for scholars who wish to pursue graduate studies in Japan."
"Our life is full of opportunities, and what matters most is to make the most of them. Civil servants of every country should not miss the JISPA opportunity, as it helps expand their economic background and consolidate their policy-making skills. Because of the trust, mutual respect, and tolerance of people in Japan, I was able to adapt quickly and focus all my attention on learning. Although COVID-19 had been widely spread, the measures taken by the Japanese government made me feel very safe. The snowy resorts of Hokkaido, the white beaches of Okinawa, and the historic and futuristic cities along with the unique nature of Japan are sure to leave an endless impression on scholars. I highly recommend JISPA to gain valuable knowledge and help develop your country."
2021
"JISPA helps develop scholars with remarkable knowledge to become macroeconomic policymakers. The scholarship program has equipped us with essential skills and comprehensive understanding of macroeconomic theory, analytical techniques using econometric and statistical methods, and programming languages. Studying in Japan, I was able to develop independent learning and research habits, and get a beautiful memory of the four seasons: a green summer, a golden autumn, a snow-land winter and a colorful spring. Studying with international students from around the world has helped build up my confidence, and the experience has become a great asset for my future. I am now ready to serve my organization and country with greater productivity and efficiency."
"Pursuing a master’s degree at a world class university has always been one of my greatest desires, and JISPA has helped me achieve my dream. As a JISPA scholar, we are not only equipped with academic skills, but also given the opportunity to participate in various international forums to hone our professional skills in the field of public policy. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted various aspects of our lives and has taught us how to adapt to a new life, Nana Korobi Ya Oki! Despite the sudden shift to remote learning, the JISPA program was still well designed to shape us as scholars who are ready to embrace new challenges and lead our own countries towards a brighter future."
"JISPA is one of the best scholarship programs for young policymakers in Asia and the Pacific. It provides a unique platform for us to interact with each other as young officials in various ministries and central banks from different emerging economies. The program provided hands-on experience of assessing various public policies. Filling the knowledge gap, it helps my future career as a government official. During the course, I was able to learn about different aspects of public policy, including cross-cutting issues like regional financial stability, climate change and aging societies, as well as strengthen my research skills to analyze the impact of public policy. I would recommend taking advantage of this program to study in the world's most beautiful country, Japan, and at one of its most reputed universities."
"To strengthen your educational and professional background, studying abroad would be very productive. However, acquiring both theoretical and practical knowledge at the same time would be difficult to realize. The JISPA program can provide that opportunity for government officials. Further, the Japan-based program offers the opportunity to study in one of the leading countries in the world. The knowledge and experience I have obtained at GRIPS on macroeconomic policy will effectively support my engagement in the process of transitioning Uzbekistan into an inflation targeting regime. I highly recommend this program to government officials who wish to improve their academic skills and gain a truly valuable experience."
"Being a member of the JISPA family was one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. Pursuing my higher education under the JISPA program has helped me develop my professional knowledge and skills that facilitate my future career as a policymaker, broaden my perspective, and form deep friendships with talented scholars from around the world. With these remarkable achievements, I believe not only myself but all JISPA scholars would gain further success in their fields and continuously contribute to the development of their home countries and of the Asia-Pacific region as a whole. To my fellows, “I can do it, you can do it. JISPA family always welcomes you. Let’s join and together create our better future.” "
"I am highly grateful to the JISPA program for the valuable assistance to fulfill my dream of higher education. JISPA creates a space for acquiring and sharing knowledge among fellows – the leaders in the coming days from emerging and developing countries in Asia. Apart from the academic learning, the inter-cultural experience will help to strengthen our cross-national relations to face future challenges together. To keep up with the current changing world, the arrangements of JISPA for learning and sharing knowledge through web meetings are praiseworthy. Being a part of this esteemed program, I feel honored. I will wholeheartedly try to contribute my acquired knowledge and research skills in economic decision-making and support my country’s sustainable growth and development."
2020
"Through JISPA, I am able to resume my higher education in my mid-career as well as develop a strong connection with other scholars and policymakers around the world. While fulfilling my academic dream, I can also discover other rewarding life-aspects. Living in a vibrant place such as Tokyo and building friendships are to name a few. Being part of this program is truly a gratifying experience."
"The JISPA offers us the opportunity not only to study macroeconomic policy in top universities in Japan but also to meet and share skills and knowledge with young and remarkable macroeconomic policymakers from other emerging and developing countries in Asia and the Pacific. I believe the time studying in Japan will become great memories and strong initiatives for all of us to contribute more to our countries and organizations in the region."
2019
"I would like to express my sincere thanks to the JISPA for the valuable support during our study in Japan. The program has afforded me opportunities to share my experience as well as learn extremely informative knowledge from other JISPA scholars and senior economists. I strongly believe that the knowledge and experience that I have gained regarding public policies will be of great help for my career development in the future. I am honored to be part of the program."
"Thanks to the JISPA I was given the chance to study economics at the doctoral level in Japan. My dream to upgrade and update my knowledge, skills and abilities has come true. I hope to contribute my knowledge to macroeconomic planning of my country in my line of duty. I am ready to share my experiences with my colleagues and encourage them to take study opportunities with JISPA. This will help widen their scope of knowledge and improve their skills to enable their active participation in economic development of our country and the region."
Senior Alumni
Testimonials collected in 2023
Md Rashedur Rahman Sardar
International University of Japan (Partnership Track: 2009-2011)
Ministry of Finance, Bangladesh
Pagna Sok
National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (Partnership Track: 2011-2013)
National Bank of Cambodia
Wahyu Hidayat
International University of Japan (Partnership Track: 2008-2010)
Bank Indonesia
Latdavanh Songvilay
National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (Partnership Track: 2008-2009)
Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences
Sanjar Valiev
The University of Tokyo (Partnership Track: 2012-2014)
Central Bank of Uzbekistan
Testimonials collected in 2021
"The JISPA program gave me a big advantage in my career. By applying for JISPA, I wanted to upgrade my skills and knowledge to be able to contribute to my organization, and to learn how Japan, an Asian country like Indonesia, became a global economic powerhouse. Soon after my graduation, I got my first promotion! As an accountant who was trained to be very detailed and micro oriented, I studied macroeconomics at GRIPS. I think this has enabled me to look at both micro and macro aspects when I am involved in policy formulation. Living in Japan also taught me about social orderliness and sincerity, which I think is one of the necessary conditions for developing countries to become advanced countries."
"I applied for JISPA because I wanted to gain new knowledge, become more professional, and get a master’s degree. The scholarship made all my dreams come true! My JISPA experience helped me to teach at the university as an assistant to a professor, to use at work the skills and knowledge I gained, and to work as an expert in international organizations. Looking back, the JISPA experience was one of the highlights of my life. Besides studying, I was also able to live in the best country in the world, and enjoy travelling and creating new friendships with people from across the globe."
"The JISPA program offered me an opportunity to study for a higher degree and learn about different cultures through interactions with our international classmates and people in Japan. Learning in a master’s program in Japan is a super experience, which has greatly supported my career. There were many smart professors available for consultation during our study. I have a lot of unforgettable experiences not only in the program but also in beautiful, neat and clean Japan. I loved my university, the Graduate School of Policy Science (GRIPS’ predecessor). I have only good memories of the various social and cultural events that we enjoyed, including ski trips and the cherry blossom viewing."
"My dream was to travel to Japan and to become an economist. JISPA offered me a big chance to enjoy living and studying in Japan. During the interview test for JISPA, one professor asked me whether I was an economist. I replied, ‘Not yet, but I will be if I finish the master’s course.’ I was not wrong. I still can't believe how I could survive a semester with 13 classes, but I enjoyed seeing Sakura and Momiji while studying hard. This was a valuable experience. Since returning home, I have always worked as a real economist while keeping my passions in painting, music and poetry. The JISPA experience is a sweet gift for my life."
"I am gratified to become part of JISPA, as it allowed me to improve and polish my capability through an advanced degree. At the same time, the opportunity enabled me to extend my professional network through JISPA and academic institutions. Through JISPA, I received my PhD in Economics, which is highly instrumental and relevant in my current role in the ministry. My position requires comprehensive skills for evidence-based policy design and impact evaluation. I believe JISPA is a prestigious award for aspiring policymakers and researchers to improve their academic and professional competencies. On top of it all, Japan, with its impeccable work ethic, provides valuable soft skills for anyone’s future professional journey."
"It is a great privilege to be a part of JISPA. I believe the program is the best to prepare civil servants in transition and developing economies. JISPA equipped me with sufficient fundamentals on statistics, economics and policies, which further enhanced my analytical skills and policy determination in capital and money market development of Lao PDR. JISPA also offered me a wonderful opportunity to meet diverse and qualified professors. A mix of international students strengthened our understanding of cultural, social and economic differences. The beauty of Sakura and Kimono as well as the taste of Sushi always make me miss Japan. I am glad that more and more younger staff at our central bank are interested in the program."