Global Reunion 2024, Hiroshima University Welcomes Alumni from around the World

On November 1, 2024, the "Hiroshima University Global Reunion 2024" was held in Hiroshima City as part of the celebration for the University’s 75th anniversary. A total of 130 people attended this first international reunion, including approximately 60 international alumni from 23 countries and regions, along with invited guests such as host families, former academic supervisors and friends who supported them during their studies in Hiroshima, members of Sendajuku, and others connected to the University. Before the ceremony began, attendees warmly greeted their former teachers and friends, exchanging hugs and handshakes all around.

The University's first large-scale international alumni reunion began with an opening speech by President Ochi. He stated, "It is a great pleasure to see all of our international alumni reunited again in Hiroshima this year to celebrate our 75th anniversary," and encouraged everyone to visit the Higashihiroshima Campus, where the commemorative ceremonies and events will be held over the next two days. After his address, representatives from the University's eight Overseas Alumni Associations (Indonesia, Korea, Cambodia, Taiwan, China, Brazil, Vietnam, and Malaysia) took the stage, and on behalf of the international alumni, Chairman Ou of the Taiwan Alumni Association delivered a congratulatory speech on the 75th anniversary.

The venue also featured a rock-paper-scissors tournament to win Hiroshima University merchandise prizes, and photo sessions organized by academic groups, based on fields of study.

In his closing remarks, Dr Kaneko, Executive Vice President for Global Initiatives, highlighted that Hiroshima University has established 22 overseas bases worldwide, including new Overseas Ecosystem in China and Vietnam created this fiscal year to serve as satellite campuses.

Dr Kaneko stated, "In the future, we will expand Hiroshima University's global network by further strengthening cooperation not only with overseas universities and companies, but also with alumni and overseas alumni associations," and called for alumni collaboration as members of "Team HIRODAI," which was met with enthusiastic applause from the attendees.

As the closing time approached, participants filled the hall with promises to reunite again, exchanging contact details and forming new connections. The Global Reunion concluded with a warm, welcoming atmosphere that lasted throughout the day.

Prior to the event, President Ochi along with Executive Vice President Kaneko (Global Initiatives), Executive Vice President Tsuga (Community Collaboration, Funding and Alumni Associations), Executive Vice President Tanaka (Kasumi Campus, Faculty Personnel and Public Relations, met with representatives from eight Alumni Associations. They shared updates on each association’s recent activities, followed by an exchange of views on cooperation with Hiroshima University.

Participating Representatives of Overseas Alumni Associations

・Alumni Association Indonesia Chapter : Dr. Siti Maimunah (Chairman)
・Cambodia Alumni Association: Dr. NITH Bunlay (Chairman)
・Taiwan Alumni Association : Ms. Ou Yuan Yun (Chairman)
・Brazil Alumni Association : Mr. Hiromu Ohnishi (Chairman)
・Malaysia Alumni Association: Dr. Mohd Zulkefeli bin Mat Jusoh (Chairman)
・Korea Alumni Association: Dr. Kim Hyangmi (Vice Chairman)
・China Alumni Association: Mr. Li Jianhua (Vice Chairman)
・Vietnam Alumni Association: Dr. Huynh Trong Hien (Vice Chairman)
*Note: Myanmar Alumni Association was absent.