On March 19th, 2025, Palau Community College (PCC) student, Ms. Klei Nadyn Andreas, who was a part of the JENESYS Program in Japan from January 29th to February 6th, 2025, gave a captivating presentation detailing her experience during her 9-day program. The JENESYS Program, funded by the Japanese Government, aims to foster friendship and cultural exchange between Japan and the Asia-Pacific region. Ms. Klei presented to her fellow PCC students as well as many PCC staff, Dean of Student’s Ms. Hilda Reklai and Dean of Continuing Education, Mr. Hedrick Kual, Embassy of Japan staff, and also to some of her family members.

The program began with the Dean of Continuing Education, Mr. Hedrick Kual, delivering a prayer and following that the Deputy Chief of Mission Mr. ONO Shunsuke delivered his opening remarks. In his remarks, Mr. ONO emphasized the importance of continuing the “tokubetsu” ties between Japan and Palau with people-to-people exchanges. He noted that these interpersonal exchanges allow us to maintain the strong bond between our two countries.

Ms. Klei shared that, initially nervous as the only Palauan student, she grew more comfortable as the program progressed. She noted that the shared words and similar culture between our two countries made her feel, in a sense, more at home.

As part of the program, each invited student had a specific theme to research and learn about. At the end of the program, they were required to present an action plan on how they could apply the knowledge and skills they gained in Japan to benefit their respective countries. Ms. Klei was part of the Marine Ocean Group. She explained that, although her major at PCC is not related to this theme, as a young Palauan woman living in a country surrounded by the ocean and reliant on it in many aspects of daily life, she found the topic both personally relevant and important.

At the end of her presentation, Ms. Klei emphasized the importance of cultural exchanges like these programs and how they help deepen mutual understanding. She also highlighted the significance of keeping the oceans safe, as they are a vital part of Palau.

The Embassy of Japan encourages more Palauan students to take advantage of such programs that provide an opportunity to foster people-to-people exchange. The short- term invitation programs are also a great opportunity for students to experience life in Japan and hopefully inspire students to pursue educational opportunities in Japan in the future.