Monday, 22 September 2025—President University held an Ambassador Lecture Series featuring H.E. Kiya Masahiko, Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN, at the Fabrication Lab (Fablab), President University Convention Center (PUCC), Jl. H. Usmar Ismail, Kota Jababeka, Cikarang. 

The event opened with remarks by Handa Abidin, S.H., LL.M., Ph.D., Rector of President University. In his remarks, Dr. Handa highlighted the presence of Japanese culture in everyday life, noting, “Many of us have grown up with the influence of Japanese culture, for example, Doraemon. This is an example of public diplomacy, and we look forward to understanding how to strengthen the relations between Indonesia and Japan even further.”

In his lecture, H.E. Kiya Masahiko highlighted ASEAN’s important role in the global arena. He noted that many world leaders are now traveling to ASEAN countries to strengthen relations, which demonstrates ASEAN’s growing influence. Japan—he explained—has been actively supporting ASEAN in international platforms such as the OECD, while also striving to better understand ASEAN culture as a foundation for deeper cooperation. 

He also addressed the challenges faced by ASEAN, particularly economic and security issues, along with pressing internal security concerns. These, he emphasized, must be handled collectively through stronger collaboration among ASEAN members and with international partners. “Using the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, everyone will be working together with ASEAN at the center,” he stated. (Graciella V, PR Team. Photo: Marchell Harist)