The Organization for the Promotion of International Relations (OPIR) has hosted its Final Competition for students participating in the Read;Lead (R/Lead) International Project, which is a university-funded discussion and study-group project. R/Lead was developed under the KU Book Club to enhance interaction and discussion between International and Japanese students through English group-selected reading materials.
Kyoto University invited a special guest, Director of British Council Japan Mr. Jeff Streeter, as a keynote speaker. Mr. Streeter gave an inspiring speech titled: "Reading a 21st Century Skill?" Mr. Streeter, who is also an expert on the English Language as well as English Literature, talked about how important it is to ensure that students are equipped with the skills necessary in a 21st century global society. However, Mr. Streeter also noted that today's technology is changing the way that people read. To further develop critical thinking and other skills that are applicable to a growing society, it is absolutely necessary that people read. Mr. Streeter's pre-competition speech ignited the passion of everyone present.
Groups participating in the final competition were randomly issued a debate topic. These debate topics corresponded to books selected by the R/Lead Secretariat. The books which the R/Lead Secretariat selected for this competition were: (1) Plague and Pandemic Alert, (2) Google, and (3) YouTube. Once the groups were issued their debate topics, they were shown to their designated rooms and allowed 45 minutes to discuss their topic and prepare a short presentation. The groups then gave an 8 minute debate-style presentation in the format of their choosing. Although the facilitators were allowed to coach their groups during their discussion and preparation session, they were not allowed to participate directly in the final presentation.
This final competition was honored with the presence of 4 esteemed judges: Mr. Streeter, Director of the British Council Japan; Mr. Masao Kawabata, Advisory of the Eiken Foundation; Mr. Jason Good, Founder and President of Booksmart Inc. and Prof. Junichi Mori, Vice President of International Affairs / Director General of the OPIR.
R/Lead Final Competition was a great success. The R/Lead team which earned the Best Practice Award will visit National Taiwan University from December 22nd 2013, until the 24th 2013, to another round of discussions with the Taiwan University book club.
The following groups, participants and facilitators were awarded the following.
- The R/Lead Best Practice Award was awarded to Hyejin Namgung (2nd year, Faculty of Agriculture) and her team members
- The R/Lead Good Practice Award was awarded the team of Sunao Hachiri (2nd year, Facullty of Law) and his team members
- The Best Facilitator Award was awarded to Aleksandar Shurbevski (2nd Year, Doctoral Student, Graduate School of Informatics)
- The Outstanding Achievement Award was awarded to Yu Pan (1st Year, MasterStudent, Graduate School of Engineering)
- The IELTS Award was awarded to Takaki Oya (2nd Year, Faculty of Economics)
- The Eiken Award was awarded to Ryutaro Sato (2nd Year, Faculty of Economics)
- The Booksmart Award was awarded to Kaori Taneno (4th Year, Faculty of Letters)
 Keynote Speaker, Mr. Streeter, Director of British Council, Japan |  Opening Remarks by Prof. Mori, Director-General, OPIR |
 Book Smart Award presented by Mr. Good, President of Booksmart, Inc |  Eiken Award presented by Mr. Kawabata, Advisory of Eiken Founcation |
 The Best R/Lead Award wining team and Prof. Mori, OPIR |  The Good R/Lead Award with Mr. Streeter, British Council, Japan |