The University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� has partnered with Gachon University, part of a consortium of five South Korean universities, to advance research and collaboration on aging and population change. Led by the UH ����ԴDz� (COA) and the Humanities-Utmost-Sharing System (HUSS), a South Korean government initiative, the agreement fosters mutual learning and international exchange.

South Korea, one of the fastest-aging societies in the world, offers insights valuable to �鶹��ý and the U.S.During an August visit, a 24-member HUSS delegation explored COA’s dementia-friendly Hoʻōla ʻĀina Pilipili garden and met with staff to learn about aging initiatives in �鶹��ý.

“The memorandom of understanding (MOU) encourages the exchange of faculty, students, academic information and collaborative research and learning initiatives,” said Jinyoung “Jenny” Lee, COA assistant researcher. “These exchanges will enhance educational outcomes and promote mutual understanding, particularly around population aging, demographic shifts and inclusive community development.”

Hyejoong Kim of Gachon University described factors driving Korea’s population decline, including low birthrates, high housing costs, and the challenges of raising children.

“We now have become a super-aged society. Bolstering resilience and inclusion for diverse generations and environments is central to our vision,” Kim said. “Our aim is to train many students to be experts in population change.”

Kim added that visiting UH’s Center on Aging was one of the highlights of the delegation’s trip. The dementia-friendly garden, with its active volunteer engagement, left a strong impression, as such initiatives are rarely found in Korea.

The collaboration aligns with COA’s mission to advance applied, translational and community-engaged research focused on �鶹��ý and the Asia Pacific region. COA is housed in the .

Mary G. McDonald, who taught and later directed the (CJS) at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�, has received one of Japan’s top honors for her decades of work advancing ties between the U.S. and Japan.

At a special ceremony on September 26 at the Japanese Consulate in Honolulu, McDonald received the . The award recognizes her decades of work advancing academic exchange, cultural understanding and international collaboration.

“This recognition is entirely due to the tireless dedication to strong community and educational ties,” said McDonald. “I thank the government and people of Japan and �鶹��ý for the opportunities our UH students and faculty have enjoyed in Japan. I thank the late Dr. Genshitsu Sen for his generosity to UH ����ԴDz� students, emphasizing peace through The Way of Tea. UH ����ԴDz� is truly an excellent place to study Japan, it has been a privilege to play a small part.”

Building bridges

McDonald served on the UH ����ԴDz� faculty for 26 years. She guided countless students and scholars through programs that deepened ties between Japan and �鶹��ý. As director of CJS, she strengthened inter-university exchange programs and supported initiatives that brought Japanese culture and research into the heart of the university. She also served on the selection committee for the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program, also known as JET, helping many participants begin their journeys living and working in Japan.

Mark Levin, the current director of CJS, recalls how McDonald represented the perfect role model in directing the UH ����ԴDz� Center for Japanese Studies.

“She engaged with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community in her soft-spoken but persuasive manner. Among the accomplishments of her term was overseeing the renovations of Jaku’an, the teahouse located on the UH campus, smoothly overcoming a host of logistical challenges from start to finish,” Levin said.

Leadership honored

At the ceremony, Consul General Yoshinori Kodama praised McDonald’s leadership, especially in study abroad programs and her dedication to advancing Japanese studies in �鶹��ý.

The celebration also featured a congratulatory message from Robert Huey, a professor emeritus of the and a kampai (cheers) toast by Jean Ariyoshi, former First Lady of �鶹��ý.

is growing its international exchange program through a new agreement with in Korea. Starting in fall 2025, students will have the chance to study abroad while staying connected to their home institution.

“Our focus is developing pilina (relationships), and that’s what makes us special—our focus on nurturing relationships with our partner schools,” said Coordinator Kyoko Ikeda.

Kauaʻi CC had already built strong ties with three Japanese universities, with more than 50 students participating in exchanges over the past decade. The decision to expand into Korea was driven by both personal connections and a desire to broaden cultural learning opportunities. Kauaʻi CC English Instructor Ashley Brady, who previously lived and taught in Jeju, helped establish the new partnership.

Through the exchange, students pay tuition at Kauaʻi CC but can study at Jeju National University, making it an affordable way to gain global experience. However, travel costs such as airfare remain a hurdle.

“Many of our students could use financial support, and I really want our students to see the world and gain perspectives that you can only gain from leaving your home,” Ikeda said. “We want them to come back home with a renewed sense of the world. I want our students to have that understanding of interconnectedness.”

Community members can help support student travel by .

“We have so much to offer as an island community, and we have so much to learn from other island communities,” Ikeda said.

The University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� and Japan’s Fukuoka Prefecture are advancing global health solutions through the “, which links human, animal and environmental well-being. Since 2022, this partnership has united experts, students, and institutions from both regions to promote collaborative research, education, and cultural exchanges, aiming to build a more resilient future for �鶹��ý, Fukuoka, and beyond.

Traveling to Fukuoka was a valuable lifetime experience for me to promote One Health to others from another country.
—Jerissa Ching Choe

In October 2024, UH representatives Sandra Chang, professor, and Jerissa Ching Choe, PhD student, traveled to Fukuoka to meet students and officials, exploring new initiatives and preparing for the Youth Development Program in December. This program will bring more Fukuoka students to �鶹��ý, offering an immersive experience to deepen their understanding of health and sustainability in �鶹��ý’s cultural context.

The collaboration was formalized in April 2023 with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed at UH ����ԴDz�’s (JABSOM), underscoring a commitment to bridging education, health and sustainability. Throughout 2023, officials developed joint activities, including a high school exchange program and proposed a One Health curriculum for Fukuoka universities. In December 2023, Fukuoka sponsored select high school students to visit �鶹��ý, where they connected with local peers, met with JABSOM faculty, and explored the Hawaiian healing garden to gain new perspectives on global health.

“Traveling to Fukuoka was a valuable lifetime experience for me to promote One Health to others from another country,” said Ching Choe. “I felt empowered to share my knowledge about One Health from �鶹��ý to communities in Fukuoka. This trip made me not only appreciate the importance of One Health, but it widened my perspective on what the One Health approach looks like around the world. I plan to use this experience to drive my career pathway in One Health.”

UH certificate program offered to Fukuoka students

In June 2024, UH signed a second MOU with Japan’s Tsuzuki Education Group to expand its , enabling pharmacy students in Japan to participate through a blend of virtual and in-person learning. Created by UH faculty across JABSOM, the Office of Public Health Studies, the , and the , this program prepares students to address complex health issues with a holistic perspective. Initial funding was provided by the Provost’s Strategic Investment Initiative in 2019.

To date, JABSOM has sent three medical students and one PhD student to Japan to share their One Health experiences. Together, UH and Fukuoka are creating opportunities for future generations to address shared global challenges and foster interconnected, resilient communities.

University of �鶹��ý President David Lassner received an honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree from the (UR) in Okinawa, Japan, honoring his impactful contributions to international exchange and commitment to advancing education and research. Lassner was presented with the award during an international symposium on interisland sustainability at UR on November 5.

UR President Mutsumi Nishida praised Lassner’s accomplishments, stating, “We believe that your exceptional achievements exemplify the spirit of excellence and dedication that we strive to embody at our institution. We believe that your acceptance of this honorary degree will not only inspire our graduating students but also serve as a testament to the values of scholarship, innovation, and leadership that we hold dear.”

Following the award presentation, Lassner delivered a keynote address on inter-island sustainability. He shared examples of UH‘s efforts to protect �鶹��ý’s natural environment, including using technology to manage mosquito populations to preserve pollinating bird species and habitats.

“The wisdom of the islands can also be used to address global issues,” he said, highlighting the importance of blending traditional knowledge with modern science and technology.

Lassner also spoke about UH’s role in revitalizing the Hawaiian language, noting that language programs have helped grow the community of Hawaiian speakers to nearly 20,000.

“The revival of culture and tradition also leads to the revival of the pride of the Indigenous people,”he said.

During his visit to Okinawa, Lassner also met with the Governor of Okinawa Prefecture, highlighting the long-standing and meaningful bond between UH and the region.

More on UH-UR partnership

Related �鶹��ýNews story: UH reaffirms partnership with Okinawan university

Since establishing a sister relationship in 1988, UH and UR have built one of UH’s most active partnerships. UH helped guide the creation of UR’s law school in the early 2000s, leading to its opening in 2004. In 2006, UR sent 14 law students to UH for a two-week program, which has since grown to 50 students annually. The two universities also have active exchanges in ocean research, tourism studies, medical research and one-year student exchanges.

The welcomed 19 students from Japan’s for the Aloha Law Program, an immersive two-week exchange introducing Japanese students to the U.S. legal and political systems, earlier this fall. Funded by the Hakuoh and Sueoka Foundations, the program featured lectures, legal site visits and cross-cultural exchanges.

“The Aloha Law Program reflects UH Community Colleges’ commitment to fostering international collaboration and preparing students for a globally connected world,” said Della Teraoka, interim vice president of UH Community Colleges.

Fourth-year Hakuoh student Ryusei Nagamori said, “As Japan continues to engage in trade with the U.S., a solid understanding of American law will be essential for navigating future business transactions.”

A highlight was a visit to the , where Justice Sabrina McKenna, who earned a law degree from the UH ����ԴDz� in 1982, shared her perspective on U.S. and Japanese legal systems, sparking insightful discussions on comparative judicial frameworks.

Lecturers included other distinguished alumni from UH’s and covered a range of topics from constitutional law to business law.

UH alumni guest presenters included:

• Dara Nakagawa—U.S. Political and Court Systems
• Dawn Nakagawa—Common Law Principles and Contract Law
• Travis Kuwahara—U.S. Political and Court Systems
• Shimpei Oki—Business Law Overview
• Spencer Kimura—U.S. and Japan Legal System Overview
• Charles Crumpton—U.S. Political System History; Mediation and Arbitration
• Brandon Marc Higa—U.S. Constitutional Law Overview, Bill of Rights, Due Process

“It offers a rare opportunity for cross-cultural learning in a legal context,” said Deborah Nakagawa, former UH Community Colleges executive director for international education. “It’s inspiring to witness our future leaders build bridges of understanding between two distinct legal traditions.”

Professor Hiroyuki Yuzuriha of Hakuoh University said, “Our students gained invaluable insights from the lectures and interactions with legal professionals in �鶹��ý.”

—By Brandon Marc Higa

In an exciting step toward international collaboration, the welcomed a delegation from the National Taiwan Ocean University (NTOU) in May as both universities prepare to implement a program for an accelerated pathway to a master’s degree for international students from undergraduate institutions abroad.

The initiative, with NTOU stems from agreements signed by the universities in November 2023 during a visit to Taiwan by UH President David Lassner.

“We’re not only enhancing educational opportunities but also building bridges between cultures,” said Lassner. “This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to advancing global understanding and academic excellence.”

The NTOU delegation was focused on research strengths shared by both universities during its visit to UH ����ԴDz�. Those areas include ocean engineering, shipping management, food science, environmental biology and fisheries science.

NTOU representatives met with Dean Chip Fletcher and Dean Brennon Morioka to discuss ways to develop an expanded pathway for NTOU students to earn graduate degrees at UH ����ԴDz�.

More intercampus opportunities

Starting in the summer 2025, NTOU and UH plan to open applications for UH students to intern at the Taiwan university. The short-term program aims to enhance the UH students’ understanding of life in Taiwan and research fields at NTOU.

Opportunities for studying abroad have also been extended to students in the UH ����ԴDz� Chinese Flagship Program. A three-year capstone program, providing students the opportunity to pursue yearlong Chinese language study in Taiwan, was made possible through a donation by NTOU alumnus Chia-Pei Wang, facilitated by the Alice & JP Wang Foundation and the UH Foundation.

The NTOU Chinese Language Center is also considering collaboration with UH in Chinese language teaching.

University of �鶹��ý President David Lassner delivered commencement addresses at Asahi University and Meikai University in Japan in March to about 1,700 graduates. Lassner praised the students for their academic achievements and highlighted the impactful ties between UH and the two Japanese institutions over the years.

“I hope you feel great pride in all that you have accomplished, and are excited about new possibilities that are open to you as you enter into the next stage of your life,” said Lassner in his speeches. “I have every confidence looking at you today that the superb education you experienced here has prepared you with the knowledge, skills, and passion to grow as lifelong learners.”

In September 2023, Asahi and Meikai Universities contributed $20,000 toward UH relief efforts to help students and employees impacted by the Maui wildfires.

Long-term partnerships

Since 2009, 140 students from Meikai’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management have enriched their education through UH summer programs fostering camaraderie and cross-cultural understanding. UH students in return have gone on short-term and semester-long exchange programs, which have provided them with valuable experiences in Japanese industry and culture.

The partnership with Asahi University has flourished since 2018, when students from the School of Health Science were hosted at the UH Mānoa College of Education Department of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science. This collaboration has resulted in successful outcomes for students and faculty, with ongoing research focusing on enhancing the safety and fitness of senior citizens through new technologies.

“As our long-term relationship continues, the University of �鶹��ý will be taking further steps toward building and sustaining our partnership,” said Lassner.

Strengthening ties

During his commencement address, Lassner shared a new initiative to explore the development of a “micro-campus” at Meikai University that will enable respective students to earn credits and degrees while studying at their home campuses.

“This has been successful at other universities, and I have every expectation that with our strong partnership, Meikai and UH can make this work for our students as well,” Lassner said.

To further the exchange support between the institutions, later this year, students from Asahi and Meikai will participate in various short-term programs at UH, including disciplines such as health sciences, business administration, hospitality and tourism management, English and real estate sciences.

Scholarships provided by a generous donation from the Alice & JP Wang Foundation will help University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� students with the costs of studying abroad in Taiwan as part of the in the (CALL).

The Alice & JP Wang Foundation Student Support Fund for Study in Taiwan will provide monetary assistance to help students with the cost of studying in Taiwan either over a summer or for their final year of the program.

Song Jiang, director of the Chinese Language Flagship Program, said the donation will help to cover students’ travel, tuition and living expenses.

“The ability of our flagship students to continue their studies in Taiwan is crucial as it affords them the opportunity to enhance their language capabilities through living in a Chinese-speaking society, and it provides them with the opportunity to gain a level of cultural competence otherwise not available to them,” Jiang said. “This very generous donation helps us to reach a greater number of students who want to further their studies in Taiwan to reach their academic and career goals.”

As part of the Chinese Language Flagship Program, students must spend eight weeks in a summer intensive Chinese language program, UH ����ԴDz� in Taiwan program, and then study in Taiwan during a mandatory capstone year.

The California-based Alice & JP Wang Foundation was established by JP Wang, founder of the information technology firm Golden Star Technology Inc., and his wife, Alice Wang. Their foundation has also supported more than 50 scholarships in California.

“I am grateful to the (Alice & JP Wang) Foundation for their support of our students’ language immersion training in Taiwan, an essential component of the Chinese Flagship program,” said CALL Dean Peter Arnade. “Their gift will make a tangible difference in our students’ ability to complete the Flagship program and achieve advanced proficiency in Mandarin.”

Founded in 2014, the UH ����ԴDz� Chinese Language Flagship program is one of 13 in the U.S.

In a bid to foster cross-cultural learning, the University of �鶹��ý at Manoa (CSEAS) welcomed four scholars from Indonesia and Thailand for the spring 2024 semester as part of an exchange. The four-month program includes participation in the �鶹��ý English Language Program, refining scientific writing skills, and active engagement with the East-West Center and CSEAS communities.

“We are excited to host early career colleagues from Indonesia and Thailand this semester and engage with them on shared research interests,” said Miriam Stark, director at CSEAS. “We look forward to a fruitful visit and are grateful to the Henry Luce Foundation for this valuable opportunity.”

Navigating exchange

Visiting scholars Tansuda Jinai, Fatwa Faturachmat, Andi Vika Faradiba Muin and Khemrat Panpanich arrived at UH ����ԴDz� in January 2024.

For Fatwa Faturachmat, who holds a master’s degree from Hasanuddin University in Indonesia, the experience on the ����ԴDz� campus has been eye-opening.

“The differences between my home country’s educational system and that of the United States are striking,” Faturachmat said. “Notably, the diversity among students in terms of race, background, and religion stands out. My decision to join this program is driven by a desire to enhance my skills as a research scholar, particularly in scientific writing for scholarly journals.”

Enriching cultural exchange

Last summer, eight UH ����ԴDz� students traveled to Thailand and Indonesia with the LuceSEA Field School, a program that explores the dynamic socioeconomic and environmental shifts in rural Southeast Asian societies. The experience culminated in a workshop at the Center for Khmer Studies in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Building on this collaboration, CSEAS invited the Southeast Asian Scholars for cultural exchange at UH ����ԴDz�.

In collaboration with the UH ����ԴDz� , , Khon Kaen University and Universitas Hasanuddin, this initiative aims to create a vibrant and dynamic educational experience. It is part of the five-year “LuceSEA Transitions: Environment, Society, and Change” grant awarded to CSEAS. The grant enables the paradigm to shift to focus on collaboration between institutions and scholars in the region.