Bangladesh’s East West University (EWU) has formalised a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Japan’s Okayama Shoka University to launch a student exchange programme between the two institutions.

The signing ceremony was held on Monday at Okayama Shoka University in Okayama, read a press release.

Prof Akio Ijiri, president of Okayama Shoka University, and Dr Asik Mossadik, pro-vice-chancellor of East West University, signed the MoU.

Ambassador of Bangladesh to Japan Md Daud Ali attended the ceremony and underscored the diplomatic and educational significance of this partnership.

The collaboration marks a significant milestone in Okayama Shoka University’s ongoing internationalisation initiatives. The Japanese university currently maintains exchange programmes with 60 universities in China and three universities in South Korea, while new partnerships with institutions in Vietnam and Thailand are in progress.

The newly signed MoU aims to facilitate reciprocal student mobility, fostering cross-cultural understanding, joint research, academic collaboration and opportunity to study at Okayama Shoka University during the third and fourth years of the undergraduate course.

It is also expected to expand career opportunities for Bangladeshi students in Japan.

Details regarding the implementation and timeline of the first student exchanges will be announced soon, read the release.

This initiative is closely aligned with Bangladesh’s national vision to enhance the quality of higher education through global partnerships.