- Twenty-two Nepali officials were selected for Japan’s JDS scholarship to pursue master's and doctoral degrees at leading Japanese universities.
- Ambassador Maeda Toru hosted a farewell, encouraging scholars to utilize Japanese expertise to strengthen Nepal’s public institutions and policymaking.
- The program highlights the long-standing partnership between Japan and Nepal ahead of their 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026.
- To date, 231 Nepali officials have received this scholarship, supporting national development through advanced international education and cooperation.
Kathmandu, Nepal: Twenty-two Nepali government officials are set to embark on a new academic journey in Japan after being selected for the prestigious Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS), a programme designed to strengthen Nepal's public sector through advanced education and international exposure.
To mark their departure, the Ambassador of Japan to Nepal, Maeda Toru, hosted a farewell reception at his official residence in Tahachal on Thursday, congratulating the officials and encouraging them to make the most of the opportunity.
The group comprises 20 officials who will pursue two-year master's degree programmes and two who will undertake three-year doctoral studies at leading Japanese universities. They are scheduled to leave for Japan next month.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Maeda urged the scholars to look beyond the classroom by embracing Japan's culture, traditions, and values alongside their academic studies. He said the experience would not only broaden their professional knowledge but also deepen their understanding of Japan and its people.
Expressing confidence in the selected fellows, the ambassador said the expertise and global perspectives they acquire would help strengthen Nepal's public institutions, improve policymaking and governance, and contribute to the country's long-term socio-economic development when they return home.
"This scholarship is more than an academic opportunity," Ambassador Maeda said in essence, emphasizing that it is an investment in Nepal's future leadership and institutional capacity.
The farewell programme also carried special significance as 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Nepal. Ambassador Maeda expressed hope that the scholars would become lifelong ambassadors of friendship, helping further deepen the close and enduring ties between the two nations through mutual understanding and cooperation.
The JDS programme has become one of Japan's most significant educational assistance initiatives for Nepal, supporting the professional development of promising government officials who are expected to play key roles in public administration and national development.
Including this year's recipients, 231 Nepali government officials have now received JDS scholarships to pursue postgraduate studies in Japan, reflecting the long-standing partnership between the two countries in promoting quality education, good governance, and sustainable development.
