Kyoto University Delegates attend the International Exhibition for Higher Education in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

January 26–29, 2010

A delegation from Kyoto University headed by Executive Vice-President Shuzo Nishimura attended the International Exhibition for Higher Education in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on January 26 to 29, 2010. The International Exhibition for Higher Education is a major academic fair organized by the Ministry of Higher Education of Saudi Arabia. The main objectives of the event are student recruitment and inter-university networking. The exhibition was attended by representatives from 382 academic institutions from thirty-three countries.

Kyoto University established a booth at the exhibition, from which the delegates provided information about the university and its courses to prospective students and other interested parties. The Kyoto University booth attracted a great many visitors during the event, particularly from young Saudi Arabian students and researchers interested in furthering their academic careers in Japan. On the third day of the event, Executive Vice-President Nishimura delivered a presentation as part of the exhibitio's scientific program. The Executive Vice-President's presentation focused on Kyoto University's efforts to provide high-quality programs for international students and the university's plans to undertake research on solar power satellites.

In addition to promoting Kyoto University to students and researchers, the exhibition also provided an excellent opportunity for Kyoto University to deepen its relationships with Saudi Arabian institutions. The delegates engaged in productive meetings with representatives from several prominent universities, including King Saud University, King Faisal University and King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals among others. During the meetings the delegates discussed the possibilities for various forms of academic exchange and cooperation.

As well as meeting with many university delegates, Executive Vice-President Nishimura also had an opportunity to meet with the Saudi Arabian Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Khalid Bin Mohammad Al-Angari, to discuss the enhancement of cooperation between Kyoto University and academic institutions in Saudi Arabia.

The groundwork laid by the visit is anticipated to lead to a productive deepening of relations between Kyoto University and several Saudi Arabian institutions.

Executive Vice-President Nishimura receives a commemorative gift from Dr. Khalid Bin Mohammad Al-Angari, Saudi Arabian Minister of Higher Education	The Kyoto University booth
The International Exhibition for Higher Education