JENESYS ASEAN - Japan Students Conference Application Information
2026/10/8
Invitation Program
JENESYS ASEAN - Japan Students Conference
Application Information
The Government of Japan invites six undergraduate students from the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to participate in the “ASEAN - Japan Students Conference,” which will be conducted under the framework of JENESYS, a people-to-people exchange program between Japan and the Asia-Pacific region.
The ASEAN-Japan Students Conference brings together university students from ASEAN countries and Japan to discuss common challenges facing Asia and to explore solutions through dialogue and cooperation.
Participants will join one of the following thematic groups: "Maritime Security and the Rule of Law," "Environment and Energy," or "Startups and International Collaboration." Each group will engage in discussions and present its action plan.
The ASEAN-Japan Students Conference brings together university students from ASEAN countries and Japan to discuss common challenges facing Asia and to explore solutions through dialogue and cooperation.
Participants will join one of the following thematic groups: "Maritime Security and the Rule of Law," "Environment and Energy," or "Startups and International Collaboration." Each group will engage in discussions and present its action plan.
1. Program Overview
Date: January 12 to 19, 2027
Place: Tokyo and other cities in Japan
Number of Participants: 66 undergraduate students from ASEAN countries (six participants from each country).
Language: English
Contents:
(1) Lectures on Japanese politics, economy, society, history, culture, foreign policy, etc., related to the program theme or specific area.
(2) Site visits to educational and research institutions related to the program theme or specific area, cutting-edge technology, traditional industries, exhibitions, cultural heritage, and local governments, etc. Exchange events such as workshops and exchanges of opinions with people related to the above site visits.
(3) Visits to various parts of Japan according to program theme and specific area, including homestays and hands-on events such as traditional arts and culture.
(4) Dissemination of information on what participants learned in the program and the attractions of Japan, during and after the program through Social Networking Services (online).
*The online Pre-Exchange Program (prior to arrival in Japan) will be conducted on January 5, 2027.
2. Qualifications for Participation
(1) Applicants must be citizens of the Lao PDR.
(2) Applicants must be undergraduate students as of the program date.
(3) Applicants must be 18 - 35 years old as of the program date.
(4) Applicants should have adequate English communication skills.
(5) Applicants must be in good health.
(6) Applicants must commit to sharing and disseminating their experiences of the program and information on Japan through social media.
(7) Applicants must have a sufficient internet connection to have access to the online Pre-Exchange Program.
(8) Applicants must bring their own mobile phone and personal computer (PC) to Japan as participants are required to prepare presentations in Japan.
(9) Applicants who have previously participated in the JENESYS program or other programs funded by the Government of Japan are ineligible.
(10) Applicants must obtain a valid passport by November 13, 2026.
(The passport must remain valid for at least six months from the date of return to the Lao PDR.)
※ Please be aware that essays created solely with the help of AI will be analyzed. Essays reflecting the applicant's own experiences, ideas, achievements, and future goals will be highly evaluated.
3. How to Apply
Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the official Application Guidelines before applying and submit the following documents via the registration form below by 16:00 on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
(2) English Essay (maximum 500 words)
Please select one of the themes below and respond to the corresponding question in English.
[Theme A: Maritime Security and the Rule of Law]
Introduce an issue related to maritime security or the rule of law in your country or region. Explain why this issue is important and present your own views on how ASEAN and Japan can contribute to addressing it.
[Theme B: Environment and Energy]
Introduce an environmental or energy-related challenge that you have personally observed or experienced. Explain why this issue is important and propose actions that you, as well as ASEAN-Japan cooperation, could take to address it.
[Theme C: Startups and International Collaboration]
Introduce a startup, an entrepreneur, or an innovation-related initiative that has inspired you. Explain how international collaboration between ASEAN and Japan can promote innovation and entrepreneurship and share your own ideas for future cooperation.
※ Please be aware that essays created solely with the help of AI will be analyzed. Essays reflecting the applicant's own experiences, ideas, achievements, and future goals will be highly evaluated.
(3) Video Message
Please submit a video message in English on the following topic (maximum 2 minutes):
"Why do you want to represent Laos at the ASEAN-Japan Students Conference? Please explain what experiences, skills, or perspectives you would bring to the discussion and how you hope to contribute to ASEAN-Japan cooperation in the future."
(4) Copy or photo of your student ID card
(5) Copy or photo of your passport (if available)
【Registration Form】 https://forms.gle/QRcYPJ9FfQFknxFX9
For further inquiries, please contact:
4. Selection of Participants
・Participants will be selected by a committee comprising representatives of the Lao Youth Union and the Embassy of Japan in the Lao PDR.
・Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview, tentatively scheduled for November 6, 2026.
・During the interview, candidates will be required to deliver a short presentation in English (maximum of three minutes). The presentation topic will be provided to shortlisted candidates in advance.
For further inquiries, please contact:
Culture, Public Relations and Scholarship Section, Embassy of Japan in the Lao PDR
Email: embassy@vt.mofa.go.jp