During 3 to 10 December 2024, Julianne Vella had the opportunity to experience Japan with a special focus on Science and Technology during the Mutual understanding, Intellectual Relations and Academic exchange Initiative (MIRAI - the Japanese word for future) organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Japan and implemented by the Japan International Cooperation Centre (JICE).
Throughout her travels in Japan, Julianne had the opportunity of visiting Panasonic Centre, the RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Cyberdyne Inc. as well as Japan’s Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). She was pleased to learn about the cutting-edge technology being researched and developed and was inspired how the Japanese approach to R&D efforts contributes to a healthier, more sustainable and inclusive society. She has gained a deeper appreciation on how Japan views science and technology and adopts a future-focused mindset where innovation is embraced and sought after to create a better world. A key highlight was visiting the Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT). There she took part in workshops, visited research laboratories and engaged in group discussions together with European and Japanese STEM students. Understanding different perspectives and exchanging ideas proved to be an invaluable part of the fruitful visit.
At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ headquarters in the heart of Tokyo, Julianne participated in an intellectual exchange. There, she shared perspectives about her views on Europe and Japan with Mr KAKIHARA Motoo, the Director of European Policy Division, European Affairs Bureau of the MOFA, and attended a courtesy call in the presence of Mr Matsumoto Hisashi, the Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs. She believes that taking an active role in discussions to share perspectives as part of multilateral dialogue and cooperation efforts is imperative to enable change on a global level for the common good. She is eager to continue strengthening the relationship between Malta and Japan as well as Japan-Europe relations through her work based on deep mutual understanding. As a result, she hopes to create a synergy in order to build a more sustainable, inclusive and prosperous future that harnesses science and technology to make societies thrive.
Her week in Japan also included a variety of cultural experiences such as lantern making. An immersion to the Japanese way of life was imperative to understanding Japan’s rich history and traditions which enabled her to grow fonder of the culture and understand better the Japanese people, their identity and their ways of life. Embracing the Japanese culture has allowed her to understand a fundamental concept. Although Japan has made and continues to make leading advancements in science and technology which pave the way for a brighter tomorrow, traditions are highly valued and continue to hold a vital role as within Japanese culture. Such a reality makes Japan a key example of where tomorrow meets tradition. This is imperative in ensuring the history of our societies is not lost but remain ingrained in our cultures.
This initiative would not have been possible without the support of MOFA together with the dedicated efforts of JICE. Julianne is truly grateful for their commitment to strengthening Europe-Asia relations for positive and global change.
Julianne Vella is a 4th year BSc. (Hons) Computing Science and Statistics and Operations Research student.
