Japan is ranked 7th globally among the best countries for education according to US News Ranking. Its educational system is widely recognised for its strengths in several key areas, contributing to its reputation for high-quality education. Specifically, Japan consistently performs well in international assessments like the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), showcasing strong proficiency in subjects like mathematics, science, and reading, reinforcing the country’s academic excellence. Additionally, Japan employs innovative teaching and learning methodologies such as group-oriented learning, hands-on activities, and problem-solving approaches.

Among the top five best universities in Japan, Nagoya University is known for its notable educational and research system, accomplishing high research quality of international standards that have yielded six Nobel laureates and nurturing some of Japan’s foremost leaders since its establishment in 1871.

In recent years, the university has taken a more significant leap towards fortifying its presence in Singapore and across Asia. After setting up the preparation office in BLOCK71 Singapore, the National University of Singapore’s (NUS) incubation hub in July 2023, the institution marked a significant milestone with the establishment of Nagoya University Global Campus Ltd. last November 2023 in Singapore.

Nagoya University is the first and only National University in Japan which established a legal entity and has placed a full-time faculty in Singapore. This strategic initiative serves as the cornerstone for augmenting education, research, industry-academia collaborations, and startup support activities within the region. As a testament to its commitment, Nagoya University has formed partnerships with various educational and research institutions, public agencies, and private companies, including NUS.

Nagoya University’s foundation of excellence

Situated in Japan’s fourth-largest city which is home to the biggest port in Japan, Nagoya University’s pivotal role in supporting industries such as automobile, aerospace, ceramics, and robotics underscores its symbiotic relationship with the manufacturing and industry hub of Asia. The largest automobile manufacturer in the world, Toyota Motor Corporation is also headquartered in Aichi, Japan where Nagoya is the capital city.

Nagoya University’s eminence in the realms of research and deep tech innovation is undeniable. With six Nobel Laureates accounting for 20% of awardees from Japan, it stands among the country’s leading institutions, contributing significantly to the country’s academic and research landscape. 

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Many world-class scientific research discoveries including the PMNS matrix, Okazaki fragment, Noyori asymmetric hydrogenation, Sakata model, and Blue LED were born at Nagoya University. Notably, the Nagoya University Hospital’s recognition as the “Newsweek” World’s Best Specialised Hospital in 2023 further underscores its multidisciplinary expertise and commitment to healthcare innovation.

The university’s sprawling network across Asia spans multiple countries including Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, among others, exemplified by its establishment of various educational and research centres and offices. These centres and offices signify Nagoya University’s dedication to fostering educational exchanges and collaborative research endeavours across diverse cultural landscapes in Asia.

Nagoya University’s strategic partnership with NUS

Nagoya University embodies a commitment to excellence and innovation. Its mission centres on nurturing an ecosystem conducive to groundbreaking research, educational advancement, and the cultivation of entrepreneurial spirit. Nagoya University’s emphasis on education and unwavering support from prestigious academic institutions are central to its reputation in Asia. This dedication has cultivated an environment that nurtures collaboration among Asian stakeholders, aiming not only to fortify Japan’s innovation landscape but also to drive advancements in the region’s educational domain. Being the first and only national university in Japan to set up a legal entity and place a full-time faculty in Singapore stands as a testament to Nagoya University’s dedication to building collaborations across Asia.

Moreover, the influx of its faculty members into Singapore and the establishment of NUS’ BLOCK71 office in Nagoya has spurred discussions about establishing new research bases in both Nagoya and Singapore. BLOCK71 is an initiative by NUS Enterprise in collaborative and strategic partnerships with established corporates and government agencies. It is a technology-focused ecosystem builder and global connector which catalyses and aggregates the startup community.

Growing beyond borders

As Japan seeks to be a part of an Asia innovation circle, collaboration with Asia regions, especially Southeast Asian countries, offers a wealth of opportunities. The diverse and glowing economies, populations, cultures, and technological landscapes within Southeast Asia present a fertile ground for cross-pollination of ideas and expertise.

By expanding its presence in the region, Japan can tap the unique strengths of Southeast Asian nations, leveraging their emerging tech ecosystems and young, dynamic, and glowing talent pool. This collaborative approach enhances Japan’s ability to access new markets and facilitates the exchange of knowledge, ultimately driving innovation through the synthesis of diverse perspectives and skills.

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Nagoya University’s programmes and support mechanisms acknowledge the value of growing beyond borders, offering startups the avenues to tap diverse markets and opportunities across Asia and highlighting the importance of regional expansion for startups in today’s globalised world. For example, Nagoya University’s active involvement in exhibitions in Singapore such as InnovFest x Elevating Founders 2023, which was part of Asia Technology x Singapore 2023 and SWITCH 2023 (Singapore Week of Innovation & Technology) illustrates its dedication to supporting startups.

By setting up display booths with support from NUS Enterprise, the University provides a platform for startups to showcase their innovations and gain exposure to potential investors and collaborators. Through the joint efforts between NUS Enterprise and Nagoya University in the InnovFest 2023 and SWITCH 2023 exhibitions, they have provided a platform for 18 startups, amplifying their visibility and access to Asian markets and beyond.

The partnership between Nagoya University and NUS marks a major milestone with the launch of its first NUS Overseas Colleges (NOC) Japan entrepreneurial hub in Nagoya.

As part of this collaboration, two NUS PhD students will embark on their internship with the startups, MAP IV and AquaAge, incubating at Nagoya University laboratory. This initiative embodies the collaborative ethos driving both institutions in the fields of advanced technologies including 3D Mapping, artificial intelligence, deep learning, machine learning, and natural language processing.

On 12th January 2024, the NOC Nagoya August 2024 intake session was held in NUS, commencing the application process for the second batch of NUS PhD students.

Nagoya University’s unwavering commitment to Singapore and Asia, in partnership with NUS, demonstrates a proactive approach towards fostering educational, research, and entrepreneurial initiatives. Through these collaborative efforts, the university paves the way for innovative breakthroughs and sustained growth in the dynamic landscape of Asia’s academia and industry.

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By deepening ties with Southeast Asia through Nagoya University’s initiatives, Japan can take part in addressing shared concerns and help pool ideas and expertise for more effective solutions. This interconnectedness not only promotes technological innovation but also cultivates a broader understanding of the regional challenges at hand.

Ultimately, Nagoya University’s regional initiatives act as catalysts for a holistic approach to innovation, creating a collaborative ecosystem that benefits both Japan and Asia, especially the Southeast Asian region, in navigating the complexities of the changing world.

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This article is produced by the e27 team, sponsored by Nagoya University

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