Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced the following statement at the 2nd East Asia Summit (held in the Philippines on January 15, 2007)
“Japan will embark on a 5-year extensive youth exchange programme by providing 35 billion yen in financial assistance and annually invite approximately 6,000 youngsters from member countries of the EAS and other Asian nations.”
The objective of this scholarship is to: –
1. Create a commonly shared future vision for the region
2. Provide a firm foundation to actualize one of former Prime Minister Abe’s diplomatic goal to form a “strong solidarity among Asian countries.”
By promoting mutual understanding through youth exchange within the region, foster the establishment of good sentiments towards Japan among Asian countries.
The scholarship is open to students from age 15 – 17 years old who would like to go on a year (Form 5) or 2 weeks exchange programme to Japan.
Educators may also apply to be a chaperons for the 2 weeks exchange.
