MEDAN, USU PUBLIC RELATIONS – Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) received a visit from the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) on Monday (October 26, 2026), at the Equity Room, USU Rectorate Building. The meeting discussed potential collaboration between USU and Japanese companies, particularly in human resource development, enhancing student competencies, and providing access for USU graduates to pursue careers in Japan.

Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Cooperation of USU, Prof. Dr. Eng. Himsar Ambarita, S.T., M.T., welcomed JETRO’s visit to USU. He expressed hope that the meeting would serve as an initial step toward introducing USU’s potential to Japanese companies while expanding collaboration opportunities in education, human resource development, and the international workforce.

“Thank you for visiting Universitas Sumatera Utara. We hope this meeting will be a good starting point for building mutually beneficial cooperation, particularly in expanding opportunities for USU students and graduates,” he said.

He also explained that one indicator of successful cooperation with JETRO would be increased recognition of USU and its graduates among Japanese companies. According to him, opportunities for USU alumni to work in Japan could serve as one tangible outcome of the collaboration.

“The indicator of success is how Japanese companies become increasingly familiar with USU and its alumni. If more of our alumni are eventually hired to work in Japan, this could be one of the indicators of the success of JETRO’s activities,” he explained.

Vice President Director of the JETRO Jakarta Office, Mr. Nao Takada, introduced the Japan Overseas University Connect (JOUC) program, an initiative that has been developed since 2024 to connect universities from various countries with Japanese companies. Through the program, JETRO seeks to introduce universities’ profiles, strengths, and areas of expertise to Japanese companies and facilitate online meetings when suitable collaboration opportunities arise.

“Through JOUC, we want to introduce universities in Indonesia to Japanese companies, including information about the universities, faculties, and their strengths. This allows companies to identify the potential of each university, while we can help connect the two parties,” he explained.

He also noted that Japan is currently facing a shortage of workers across various industrial sectors. This situation creates opportunities for foreign workers with competencies that match companies’ needs. He emphasized that Japanese language proficiency is an important asset for Indonesian students preparing to enter the Japanese workforce.

“Japan is currently facing a shortage of workers across various industries. In my view, students who have competencies in their respective fields already have a good foundation, but an interest in Japanese culture, particularly Japanese language proficiency, is also very important,” he said.

Through this meeting, USU and JETRO are expected to explore collaboration opportunities that can strengthen relations between higher education institutions and the Japanese industrial sector. The collaboration is also expected to expand access to information on employment opportunities, enhance students’ readiness to meet global industry needs, and create opportunities for USU graduates to develop their careers internationally.