[Interview] Vice-Principal Shunsuke Suzuki―Starting a business in Myanmar and frustrated. Days in IICA and the future.―

This is Hirose, PR from IICA.
This time, we have an interview with Mr. Suzuki, living in Minamiaso and serving as IICA’s vice-principal right now.

We would like to know the reason why he chose to participate in the establishment of IICA after doing business, and also his prospective future. Moreover, we would like to ask him about his opinion of IICA as a place for learning.

“It was a strange experience, isn’t it?” IICA’s feature is that IICA is a “new school”.

―Thank you for joining our interview today. Please briefly introduce yourself.

Sure!
In the past 10 years, I spent nearly eight years in foreign countries.
When I was still a student, I went study abroad at China and Canada, and started working in a travel agency. In 2014, I was assigned to the Yangon branch in Myanmar after working for 5 months. I was in charge of the business launching of my branch, business regarding to Japanese customers, and so on. I became very fond of Myanmar, so I quit my job after three years and started my own business. I ran a café and doing traveling business in Shan State, a place has a lot of nature.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, I came back to Japan from Myanmar last year’s April. After that, there was a military coup started from February in Myanmar, so I have to stop my business. Then, I joined the founding of IICA.
I think my experience is quite strange. lol

―Indeed, you have some special experiences. Why did Mr. Suzuki decide to participate in the construction of IICA in Kumamoto Minamiaso at that time?

It was because of the military coup in Myanmar.

Because of the military coup, I started thinking about my business and what should I do for my future. During that period, I heard the information of IICA from my friends.
It has been 3 years since I started my business in Myanmar. Considering the situation in Myanmar and myself and my current skills, I think there is difficulties to continue my business, so I decided to stop it.

I did my business by halves.

I learned from my friends that this school has travel-related education fields that I am interested in. Also, as a template for regional revitalization and a stage for a diversified society that Japan is going to face, those raised my interest and make me want to challenge myself.

―It is precisely because of exposure to different cultures that Mr. Suzuki has a sense of identity with IICA.
How did you feel after actually participating in the construction of IICA?

After joining in April, I moved to Aso in May. I was very busy every day, and it felt like already half a year had passed.
IICA is a school that is valued by many companies, especially local companies. In addition, it also carries the expectations of Minamiaso and the local high school.

Besides, through the enrollment events, I learned about the advanced education system of Kumamoto Prefecture’s high schools and also saw the various problems that foreign students are facing. This is an experience I’ve never had before. Taking an important position in the newly built school, I feel the sense of reality.

―After experiencing such a realistic presence, may I ask about your visions from now on?

First of all, we must concentrate on preparing for the opening of IICA in April 22.
What we want to create is a school that will not betray students who are interested in IICA, and parents and teachers who agree with IICA's philosophy.
Although IICA is a vocational school, its goal is to become a school with diversity.
Not only fresh graduates of high school, people who have gone through gap years, people who want to retake the entrance exam for university, office workers or local residents, and international students of different nationalities are all our target of recruitment.

Without being restricted by age, experience, or nationality, what we want to build is a place where all kinds of people can learn from each other.

―Is there any feature of IICA that you feel like cannot be removed?

In addition to cooperating with companies, actively recruiting international students, and having many courses related to Aso, the biggest feature of IICA is that this is a "new school".
We have no history or tradition background yet. Because it is a school that starts from 0, so it is not bound by common sense and can make varies kinds of challenges.
Not only the school staff, we hope to corporate with our students to build a school with a "challenging spirit” as our tradition.

―Last, please say something to the students who are considering joining IICA.

If you are interested in IICA, please be sure to attend our online guidance and open campus.
Those who want to learn about IT, those who want to bring the charm of Japan to the world, those who love Aso, and those who are confused about the future, we look forward to having you join us.

Although it has been mentioned before, I still have to say it again.
Let’s create a place where everyone can learn from each other without being restricted by age, experience or nationality!

We are looking for new students who are eager to learn IT and new tourism after the pandemic.
Let's make a bright future! Let's make your and IICA's history together!
Hope to see you soon!

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"I did my business by halves." I was deeply impressed by Mr. Suzuki's words.
This interview let me to know his enthusiasm to achieve his goals.
Above is the interview with Mr. Suzuki who hopes to have new challenges,  and meet more people through IICA.

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IICA began accepting applications for AO admissions in July.
We are looking forward to your application.
https://iica.jp/post242/

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Please come and join us.
https://iica.jp/open-campus/

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