The ASEAN–MAFF HRD Project successfully organised the Field Study to Japanese Food and Agriculture Industries for students and academic staff from ASEAN Member States (AMS), in partnership with the Japan Food Journal. The programme was held from 24 August to 1 September 2025 in Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo, Japan.
A total of 20 participants joined the programme, comprising four students and one lecturer each from the University of Brunei Darussalam, Universiti Putra Malaysia, National University of Singapore, Kasetsart University, and Vietnam National University of Agriculture.
Throughout the study visit, eleven leading companies across Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo generously shared their expertise and success stories in creating added value and advancing the food value chain within the broader food system.t
The programme offered participants a truly hands-on learning experience, guided by distinguished experts in the field. It provided a comprehensive understanding of the food value chain in practice, while also offering valuable cultural immersion. Participants were able to experience how Japanese traditions and food culture are deeply interconnected, contributing to the development of a more resilient and sustainable food system.
The key focus was on strengthening and developing the food value chain, covering the entire journey from farm to table. Core topics included seed production, sustainable agricultural practices, food processing, freezing technologies, logistics, as well as food manufacturing and distribution.
Beyond technical knowledge, the programme encouraged participants to develop essential soft skills – such as teamwork, professional communication, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning – within an international setting. The carefully designed curriculum provided not only practical lessons, but also a broader perspective on how to build resilient and sustainable food systems that balance economic growth, social wellbeing, and environmental stewardship.
As part of the evaluation, participants were invited to present their understanding of Japan’s food and agriculture system, highlighting key lessons learned across the entire food value chain. They were also tasked with summarising the current status, characteristics, and challenges of the agriculture and food industry in their respective home countries. Building on this, participants were asked to connect Japanese practices to their national contexts by proposing creative and relevant improvements. These proposals included practical steps, identified target beneficiaries, and measurable outcomes, while also taking into account policy frameworks, infrastructure, and stakeholder readiness in their countries.
All groups demonstrated a strong grasp of the food value chain and impressed the panel with their innovative ideas for advancing agricultural and food systems in their home countries. Among the high-quality presentations, the group from Kasetsart University, Thailand, was awarded Best Presentation for their outstanding work during the field study programme.
