Waseda University Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies
Dean’s Message to Graduating Students
On behalf of the Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies, Waseda University, I offer my heartfelt congratulations to the graduating class of Spring 2020. I would also like to offer my sincerest congratulations and gratitude to the family members who have encouraged and supported you all.
There are 73 students completing our programs this spring, with 63 students completing the MA program, and 10 students completing the PhD program.
I regret that the graduation ceremony has been cancelled due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection. If the graduation ceremony was held on March 26, each student would have been awarded a diploma at the graduation ceremony hall.
Please take this opportunity to reflect upon the time you devoted to your studies and your interactions with your colleagues and faculty members. Nothing would please us more than knowing that all of you were able to gain a true appreciation for the philosophy of the Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies, which can be described as “Diverse Backgrounds, Common Purpose”.
The Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2018. Since our foundation, we have produced more than 3000 master’s program graduates from over 50 countries and regions. We gather students from not just the Asia-Pacific region, but from all over the world and they play a role in supporting and driving society forward in various ways after graduation. In addition, over 250 students have completed our doctoral degree program and are active not only in research and education, but in a diverse range of specialist areas as well. All of you will join those graduates today.
Now, with the global spread of the new coronavirus, we are realizing that our economy and society have already become global, and that borders are merely meant as boundaries that define the scope of sovereignty. On the other hand, the number of infected people and the number of fatalities are still counted on a country-by-country basis. The spread of the new coronavirus infection may encourage introverted thinking that one needs to worry only about keeping her country safe, and may tolerate the rise of nationalism that French President Macron has called the “old demons”. We are at a major crossroads whether to cope with global threats together or to put our own interests first. In other words, the spread of infection in the medical sense can lead to pathological changes even in economic, political and social structures.
Society now needs the power of highly qualified personnel like you who is capable of objective judgment and global networking. Faced with various risks, diverse ways of thinking and serious economic and social issues, each of you is really needed in the formation of a new global order. It is our sincere hope that you become highly skilled professionals, capable of utilizing the analytical abilities you obtained through your studies and research here at the Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies to make contributions towards solving problems and creating new value not only in the Asia-Pacific region, but on the global stage as well.
You have all completed the program here at Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies. It also marks the beginning of new collaborations. With each step you take forward, whole new worlds will appear.
Last but not least, Professor Shujiro Urata will retire at the end of March this year. Professor Urata is a famous international economist and has made great contributions to the development of the program over the past 20 years. I would like to express our sincerest appreciation for all that he has done.
GSAPS holds alumni gatherings regularly. When the outbreak of the new coronavirus is over, we would like to welcome you back here in campus again to celebrate your graduation.
Now everyone, let’s go and build a better future.
Congratulations again to the graduates of our graduate programs. The entire GSAPS family is very proud of you.
Take care and stay in touch.
Hitoshi Mitomo
Dean, Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies, Waseda University
