Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST) welcomed a delegation from De La Salle University (DLSU), one of the leading universities in the Philippines, on 27 April 2026 as part of DLSU's Student International Exchange Programme (SIEP) 2026. The visit marked the first official delegation visit since the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions and provided an opportunity to further strengthen academic exchange and student mobility initiatives.
The programme included institutional introductions, presentations from both universities, introductions to NAIST's three academic divisions, laboratory visits, and discussions with Filipino faculty members and graduate students currently studying and working at NAIST.
During the visit, participants were introduced to NAIST's research and educational environment, scholarship opportunities, admissions processes, and international student support systems. Laboratory tours provided students with first-hand exposure to research activities across Information Science, Biological Science, and Materials Science.
The delegation also participated in an open forum with members of the Filipino community at NAIST, where students discussed graduate study opportunities, research interests, student life in Japan, and career development pathways. Through these conversations, participants were able to gain practical insights into both academic and daily life at a Japanese research university from those with first-hand experience.
The visit strengthened mutual understanding between the two institutions and highlighted opportunities for future student mobility and academic exchange. It also provided NAIST with an opportunity to introduce its research environment and graduate programmes to highly motivated students from one of the Philippines' leading universities.