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India Today
13 hours ago
- Business
- India Today
Japan's talent crunch could be your career break: Why students should apply in 2025
If you've ever dreamed of studying abroad in a country known for innovation, safety, and world-class education, Japan in 2025 might be your best bet. But what makes Japan stand out today more than ever? Japan will face a shortage of 6.44 million workers by 2030, according to a 2024 report by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).This massive talent gap is opening doors for international students to build not just a degree, but a global career. 2025 is the perfect time to choose Japan for higher WORKFORCE CRISIS: A WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITYJapan is battling a demographic crisis, its population is rapidly aging, with over 28% aged 65 or older. This leads to a shrinking to METI: Japan will face a shortage of 6.44 million workers by 2030, especially in tech, healthcare, and manufacturing. To address this, Japan is not only relaxing visa rules but actively encouraging international students to study, stay, and work in the SECTORS IN URGENT NEED OF TALENT WHAT MAKES JAPAN AN ATTRACTIVE STUDY DESTINATION? Japan offers high-quality education at a fraction of the cost compared to the US or UK. advertisement And don't forget: Japan offers generous scholarships like MEXT and JASSO, which often cover tuition, living expenses, and WORK OPTIONS: STAY AND THRIVEJapan offers a Designated Activities Visa for job hunting after graduation (up to 1 year).The "Specified Skilled Worker (SSW)" visa allows graduates to work long-term in key are increasingly offering English-speaking roles, especially in 2023, over 75% of international students in Japan secured employment post-graduation (MEXT data).CAREER-LINKED EDUCATIONJapanese universities often have strong ties with industry. This means:Internships at companies like Sony, Rakuten, Toyota, or fairs and placement cells geared toward international tracks in AI, Robotics, Sustainability, and INNOVATIVE, AND CULTURALLY RICH EXPERIENCEJapan ranks among the top countries for:Safety: 12th in the Global Peace Index 3rd in the Global Innovation Index (WIPO, 2024).Cleanliness, punctuality, and public transport not just about studying. It's about experiencing a unique blend of tradition and futuristic living."After my Master's in Data Science from Kyoto University, I got hired by a Tokyo-based fintech firm with a 9M salary package. Japan has given me a career I couldn't have imagined elsewhere."- Ravi Mehta, IndiaDON'T MISS THE 2025 ADVANTAGEadvertisementStudying in Japan in 2025 is not just about academics , it's about positioning yourself at the heart of an economy that desperately needs your talent. With over 6.44 million jobs expected to be vacant by 2030, your degree in Japan could be your gateway to a successful global IN JAPAN FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS 1. MEXT (Monbukagakusho) ScholarshipOffered by: Government of JapanType Undergraduate / Research / Master's / PhDCoverage Full tuition, monthly stipend (~117,000-145,000), airfareEligibility Excellent academic record, non-Japanese citizenDeadline April-May (via Japanese Embassy), or university-recommended route in FallDuration Entire course duration + Japanese language training if needed2. JASSO Scholarship (Gakushu-shoureihi)Offered by: Japan Student Services OrganizationType Short-term and degree studentsCoverage Monthly stipend (48,000 for exchange, 30,000-75,000 for full-time)Eligibility Enrolled in Japanese institutions; financial need + merit-basedDeadline After admission (university applies on your behalf)3. University-Specific ScholarshipsMost top universities offer their own funded scholarships. Examples:University of Tokyo FellowshipCovers full tuition + monthly allowance (~200,000)Kyoto University International ScholarshipPartial to full funding based on academic meritOsaka University Global 30 ScholarshipTuition waiver + monthly support for English-taught programsadvertisement4. Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP)For students from ADB member countriesPrograms Master's in selected development-related fieldsCoverage Full tuition, living expenses, airfare, research supportParticipating Universities Hitotsubashi, Keio, University of Tokyo, December-April (varies by university)5. Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation ScholarshipsOffered by: Rotary JapanCoverage 100,000 - 140,000 per monthLevel Undergraduate / Master's / PhDDeadline August-October (for April intake)Tips for Scholarship ApplicationsApply early: Deadlines are often 6-12 months before the program basic Japanese: Even for English programs, it helps with forms and a strong SOP and academic profile: Especially for MEXT and InMust Watch
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
On marine engine production, India must set sail on its own
India is making bold moves in shipbuilding. The 2025 Union budget laid the foundation for a maritime resurgence, with mega clusters, a Rs 25,000-crore Maritime Development Fund, customs duty exemptions, and infrastructure status for large vessels. Strategic tie-ups with global shipbuilding giants and major private investments signal serious intent to make India a top five shipbuilding nation by 2047. To truly lead, India must build what powers the ship. A hull without an engine is just a shell, strategically dependent on foreign suppliers. Marine engines typically account for 15–20 per cent of a ship's cost and are central to its performance, emissions, and life cycle. Presently, over 90 per cent of engines rated above 6 MW installed on Indian commercial and naval vessels are sourced from a concentrated group of five global manufacturers — MAN Energy Solutions (Germany), Wärtsilä (Finland), Rolls-Royce (UK), Caterpillar-MaK (US/Germany), and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Japan). This oligopolistic concentration creates a technological chokepoint. Any disruption in diplomatic or trade relations, export control regime, or intellectual property licensing can effectively immobilise India's shipbuilding programme. These engines are embedded with proprietary ECUs, closed-source control software, and IP-restricted components, making India dependent on foreign firms not just for procurement, but for diagnostics, updates, and even spares. This exposes India to rising export control risks. Key supplier countries have tightened regulations under frameworks like the EU Dual-Use Regulation, US EAR, and Japan's METI controls. These can be denied on national security grounds at any time. India has already begun taking steps in this direction. In April, the Indian Navy signed a Rs 270-crore sanction order with Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited to design and develop a 6 MW medium-speed marine diesel engine. However, the real game is for 30MW. There are several challenges. First, we lack access to modern marine engine designs. Marine engine design is a critical determinant of propulsion efficiency, thermal performance, emissions compliance, structural durability, and system integration in large vessels. These designs must optimise key parameters to meet International Maritime Organization Tier III emission standards and enable integration with hybrid propulsion, waste heat recovery. India currently lacks indigenous design capabilities. This leads to dependence on foreign OEMs. This dependency restricts the ability to modify engines for military profiles, optimise for local climatic and operational conditions, or transition to fuel-flexible, autonomous maritime systems. Second, India's most significant hurdle in building large marine engines is metallurgical, a foundational challenge that cuts across materials science, manufacturing precision, and component durability. Marine engines operate under extreme thermal and mechanical conditions. Components must be engineered from alloys that can withstand high thermal gradients, resist corrosion in saline environments, and perform reliably over long duty cycles. Materials like high-chromium steels, nickel-based superalloys, and thermally stable composites are essential, but India's capacity to produce such materials in large quantities remains underdeveloped. This is where we are struggling in our jet engines programme, too. Third, 'tribology', the science of wear, lubrication, and friction, is another critical bottleneck. High-efficiency marine engines demand components with tailored surface properties to reduce wear and frictional losses over thousands of operating hours. This necessitates advanced coatings like thermal barrier ceramics, diamond-like carbon and plasma-sprayed composites, which require both sophisticated application techniques and precision control. Additionally, machining these heavy components requires large-format CNC equipment, micrometre-scale metrology systems, and ultra-tight tolerances, particularly for parts like crankshafts and cylinder blocks. India's ecosystem lacks scalable industrial integration. Fourth, it's impossible to build next-gen marine engines when our top institutes still train students on outdated models. These belong in museums, not classrooms. With India hosting the world's largest ship-breaking yard at Alang, institutes should at least source decommissioned modern engines from there to upgrade training. To address these gaps, India must shift its strategy from relying solely on large public- and private-sector firms, which have struggled to deliver full-stack indigenous marine engines, and instead invest in a new generation of tech start-ups. Startups can bring agility, risk-taking and cross-disciplinary innovation. The government should facilitate this through targeted innovation missions, design-linked incentives, and dedicated funding for marine propulsion R&D, backed by defence and shipping sector demand. Institutions like IIT Madras can serve as anchor nodes, supporting venture creation with lab-to-market pipelines. Start-ups must be supported not only with capital, but also through access to testbeds, IP support, and public procurement guarantees. To develop large marine engines, India must build a dedicated propulsion design ecosystem. Equally critical is access to domain-specific software for 3D modelling and mechanical design; combustion and thermodynamic simulation; structural and thermal stress analysis; and embedded control system development. India has made visible strides in other areas of shipbuilding. New yards are coming up, older ones are being modernised, and maritime ambitions are growing. But without the ability to build our own marine engines, we are laying the keel for dependency. Just as the Tejas fighter still flies on imported engines, our ships risk sailing under the shadow of foreign dependency. A vessel may be built in India, flagged in India, and crewed by Indians, but unless we build the engine, we will never truly steer our own course. Sanyal is member, EAC-PM and Sinha is a writer on state capacity, economic policy, and institutional reform. Views are personal
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Japan Energy Summit & Exhibition announced in collaboration with the LNG Producer Consumer Conference (LNG PCC) 2025 on 20 June 2025
Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), in cooperation with the International Energy Agency (IEA), and in collaboration with Japan Energy Summit & Exhibition, will host the "LNG Producer Consumer Conference (LNGPCC) 2025" on 20 June 2025 at Tokyo Big Sight, East Hall 7. The LNGPCC 2025 will be co-located with the third day of the Japan Energy Summit & Exhibition 2025, as a platform to enhance cooperation between LNG producers and consumers. The co-location will facilitate deeper collaboration among LNG-producing and -consuming countries, global energy companies, and policymakers on the future of LNG markets, policy frameworks, and investment strategies. KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), in cooperation with the International Energy Agency (IEA), has confirmed that the LNG PCC 2025 will be held on 20 June, in collaboration with the Japan Energy Summit & Exhibition, organised by dmg events. The LNG PCC 2025 will take place on the final day of the three-day Japan Energy Summit & Exhibition (18–20 June) at Tokyo Big Sight, East Hall 7. The LNG PCC was launched in 2012 as a platform to enhance cooperation between LNG producers and consumers. It serves as a platform for both sectors to discuss and set the direction for future natural gas and LNG initiatives. Christopher Hudson, President, dmg events, added: "The collaboration of LNG PCC with the Japan Energy Summit & Exhibition provides an exceptional platform for high-level dialogue and investment mobilisation. This collaboration will deepen global cooperation to ensure LNG remains a competitive, secure, and cleaner energy source supporting the world's economic growth." Bringing together LNG ministers, corporate executives, energy buyers, traders, and infrastructure leaders, this co-location strengthens Japan's position as a central hub for LNG trade and dialogue. LNG PCC 2025 is open exclusively to invited stakeholders. Please refer the website for the further detail. To participate in Japan Energy Summit & Exhibition and explore the full programme, including the Strategic Summit, Technical Conference, and exhibitor list, register at Contact: Natalie Gurney, Marketing Director – dmg events: Nataliegurney@ | +971 4 445 3754 Luke Hill, Head of Content – dmg events: lukehill@ | +65 9457 2201 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE dmg events Asia Pacific Pte Ltd Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Al Bawaba
25-05-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Economic Relations Between Japan and the Middle East
Published May 25th, 2025 - 09:22 GMT Dr. Gil Feiler Japan and the Middle East have maintained robust economic ties for decades, shaped largely by energy interdependence, trade, and investment dynamics. Japan's industrialized economy is highly dependent on imported energy resources—particularly crude oil and natural gas—most of which come from the Middle East. Conversely, Middle Eastern countries have leveraged Japan's demand to fuel their export revenues, while also benefiting from Japanese investments, technology, and infrastructure development. Over the past two decades, these relations have evolved in response to shifts in global energy markets, technological innovation, and regional geopolitical changes. Energy as the Cornerstone of Economic Ties Energy has been the central pillar of Japan–Middle East economic relations since the 1970s oil shocks, which prompted Japan to secure stable energy supplies. As of 2023, Japan imports over 90% of its crude oil, with approximately 88% coming from the Middle East, according to Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). The primary suppliers include: - Saudi Arabia: ~40% of Japan's crude oil imports- United Arab Emirates (UAE): ~25%- Kuwait: ~8%- Qatar: ~5% - Iran (prior to sanctions): was once a significant exporter to Japan Natural gas is also a vital part of the relationship. While Japan increasingly diversifies its liquefied natural gas (LNG) sources, Qatar remains a key supplier, contributing about 11% of Japan's total LNG imports in 2022. In return, Japan provides the Middle East with industrial equipment, automobiles, and advanced technologies. This mutually beneficial trade dynamic reinforces a strong economic partnership, though one asymmetrically centered on Japan's dependence on Dynamics and Key Sectors In 2022, Japan's trade with the Middle East totaled over $160 billion, according to Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), marking a significant rebound from COVID-19 lows in 2020. The trade breakdown is as follows: - Imports from the Middle East: ~$110 billion (mostly crude oil and LNG) - Exports to the Middle East: ~$50 billion Key Export Sectors from Japan:- Automobiles and Auto Parts: Japanese car brands like Toyota, Nissan, and Honda are dominant in markets such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar.- Machinery and Electronics: Includes industrial machinery, construction equipment, and consumer electronics. - Infrastructure and Construction Services: Japanese firms like Mitsubishi and Hitachi are active in infrastructure projects across the Gulf. Regional Distribution:- GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain) account for over 80% of Japan's Middle East trade.- Non-GCC countries, such as Iran (prior to sanctions), Iraq, Egypt, and Israel, also play limited but growing roles in Japan's regional trade and Financial Cooperation Japanese direct investment in the Middle East is relatively modest compared to Western powers but is increasing steadily, particularly in strategic sectors. The following areas see the most activity: 1. Energy and Renewable EnergyJapanese energy firms (e.g., JERA, INPEX, JOGMEC) collaborate with Middle Eastern companies on oil and gas exploration, refining, and LNG facilities. As the region shifts toward decarbonization, Japan is also investing in:- Hydrogen projects in Saudi Arabia and the UAE - Solar and wind energy partnerships, particularly in Oman and Jordan 2. Infrastructure and Urban DevelopmentJapan has financed or built parts of:- Metro systems (e.g., Cairo Metro)- Ports and logistics facilities in the Gulf - Industrial zones and smart cities, such as NEOM in Saudi Arabia (Japanese firms are among the technology partners) 3. Financial Cooperation Japan's Official Development Assistance (ODA) and Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) have supported Middle Eastern infrastructure and disaster resilience projects. Japan has extended credit lines and loans to countries like Egypt and Jordan, particularly after the Arab Spring. Strategic and Diplomatic Context Economic relations are deeply intertwined with diplomatic considerations. Japan has consistently maintained a neutral stance in Middle Eastern conflicts, allowing it to engage with diverse states—including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Israel, and Palestine—without alienating others. This diplomacy-first approach underpins stable economic engagement across the region. In 2023, Japan launched the Japan–GCC Strategic Dialogue, aimed at deepening cooperation beyond oil. The initiative targets innovation, sustainability, digital transformation, and human resources. Moreover, Japan supports the Abraham Accords and has explored business opportunities involving Israel and Gulf countries. Japan-Israel economic relations are focused on high-tech sectors such as cybersecurity, biotech, and AI. Challenges and Risks Despite the strength of economic ties, several challenges remain: 1. Geopolitical Risks Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, the Israel–Palestine conflict, or instability in Iraq and Iran could disrupt Japan's energy imports and supply chains. Japan has deployed naval forces in the region to safeguard maritime transport routes. 2. Energy Transition Pressures As Japan pursues net-zero goals by 2050, its long-term reliance on hydrocarbons poses a strategic dilemma. Japan is actively exploring hydrogen and ammonia as alternative fuels but transitioning away from Middle Eastern oil remains complex and gradual. 3. Competition from China and Western Powers China has emerged as a dominant player in the Middle East, especially under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), often outpacing Japan in infrastructure and investment deals. Japan competes by emphasizing quality, technology, and long-term partnerships. Future Outlook The future of Japan–Middle East economic relations will likely be characterized by diversification and innovation. Key trends include: - Energy diversification: Japan will increasingly partner with Gulf states on clean hydrogen, LNG, and carbon capture technologies.- Digital economy and AI: Japan may leverage its expertise in robotics and artificial intelligence in collaboration with tech hubs like the UAE and Israel.- Food security and agriculture: Japan has begun exporting agricultural technology and vertical farming systems to arid Middle Eastern countries. - Tourism and culture: With Gulf countries opening to global tourism, Japan is also working on people-to-people ties, offering scholarships and cultural exchanges. Japan's emphasis on stability, long-term cooperation, and high-quality technology positions it as a resilient economic partner in a volatile region. Conclusion Economic relations between Japan and the Middle East are historically rooted in energy interdependence but are evolving in scope and complexity. With trade surpassing $160 billion and growing cooperation in infrastructure, green energy, and technology, the relationship remains vital for both regions. Japan's strategic neutrality and economic reliability continue to make it a preferred partner in the Middle East, even as both sides adapt to shifting global and regional dynamics. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba (
Zawya
20-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
UAE launches Startup Global Exchange Program to accelerate cross-border innovation
UAE-Japan pilot exchange to foster knowledge sharing, joint ventures, and market opportunities. Startups to benefit from global exposure, mentorship, incubator engagement, and investor engagement. Abu Dhabi, UAE —The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) today announced the launch of the Startup Global Exchange Program 2025, a landmark initiative connecting UAE-based and international startups with new markets, mentors, incubators, and investors. Unveiled at Make it in the Emirates 2025, the UAE's flagship industrial gathering, the program reinforces the country's commitment to advancing future-ready industries under the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology. It aims to strengthen global startup ecosystems and promote international collaboration through immersive, two-way exchanges. The first pilot will be launched with Japan, unlocking opportunities for tech-driven startups to expand their global footprint and scale solutions across borders. The pilot program will debut in September 2025 at the Osaka Expo, in partnership with Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). In October, the UAE will welcome Japanese startups for a reciprocal exchange, delivered in collaboration with national incubators and ecosystem partners. Startups selected for the program will benefit from immersive placements in innovation hubs, tailored mentorship, exposure to dynamic international customer bases, and connections with global investors and enterprise leaders. Each cycle will include a selection, onboarding, and international placement phase. Between 10 and 12 startups are expected to participate in each cycle. While Japan is the inaugural partner, MoIAT works closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to expand the program into additional high-potential markets. By enhancing global visibility and seeding long-term partnerships, the Startup Global Exchange Program reflects the UAE's ambition to become a hub for industrial innovation and a launchpad for the world's most promising startups – an ambition strongly reinforced through Make it in the Emirates 2025. Held under the theme 'Advanced Industries. Accelerated', Make it in the Emirates 2025 is set to be the largest edition yet, featuring more than 700 exhibitors and showcasing over 3,800 locally manufactured products across over 68,000 square meters of exhibition space. More than 30,000 people are expected to attend. The event builds on more than AED 160 billion in offtake opportunities linked to over 4,800 products identified for local manufacture. Make it in the Emirates reinforces the UAE's commitment to advancing industry, fostering strategic partnerships, and accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies. Media Contact: press@
