2026.07.01
Fast Retailing Foundation held a send-off ceremony and the press conference (the “Event”) for the first cohort of nine students selected for its fully funded scholarship program (the “Scholarship”), which supports Indonesian high school students pursuing undergraduate degree programs conducted in English at Japanese universities.
The Event took place on June 17, 2026, at a hotel in Jakarta. It was attended by the nine scholarship recipients, their families, and teachers from their respective high schools. In addition, representatives from the Embassy of Japan in Indonesia and the Indonesian Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education participated in the Event. Numerous members of the media from across Indonesia were also in attendance.
■Speech by Indonesian Scholarship Recipient (First Cohort), Jovan Nugroho (Enrolling in the Kyoto University International Undergraduate Program (Kyoto iUP) from Fall 2026)
“My interest in agriculture began when I would visit my grandparents in Central Java and pass by vast stretches of farmland. It was during these visits that I started to think about how we can sustainably meet the growing global demand for food. Through my studies in ecology at school, I learned that the excessive use of chemical pesticides in agriculture can contaminate soil and water sources, and negatively affect the health of local farmers. This made me realize that more sustainable solutions are essential for the future of agriculture. At Kyoto University’s Faculty of Agriculture, I hope to deepen my knowledge, particularly by majoring in agricultural biology.”
■Speech by Mr. Daisuke Hoshino, Minister for Information and cultural affairs, Embassy of Japan in Indonesia
“We hope that the first cohort of scholarship recipients will make the most of their study experience in Japan, absorbing a wide range of perspectives and experiences, and growing into globally minded individuals. At the same time, we encourage them to share Indonesia’s rich and diverse culture with people in Japan. We also hope that this study experience will become a lifelong bond with Japan, and that the knowledge and experiences they gain will, in the future, contribute to the development of Indonesia and serve as a bridge for peace and prosperity between the two countries, and across Asia as a whole.”
■Speech by Mr. Yuli Haryanto, Director of Senior High School, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Indonesia
“Indonesia and Japan have built a strong and close partnership in the fields of education and human resource development. We hope that this scholarship program will provide new opportunities for more young people in Indonesia. We also encourage the scholarship recipients to devote themselves to their studies with integrity, serving as representatives of Indonesia during their time in Japan.”
■Message from Mr. Tadashi Yanai, President of the Fast Retailing Foundation
“Studying in Japan is not only about gaining knowledge in your field of expertise, but also about encountering different ways of thinking and diverse values. The world is already interconnected, and no single country can function in isolation. I encourage you to reflect on the role you wish to play in this global context, including Japan and Indonesia. Through your student life, I hope you will meet diverse peers and take on a wide range of experiences. Each of these experiences will, in time, become a source of strength for you. We look forward to seeing you thrive on the global stage and become leaders who will help shape the future”
