University of Fukui Establishes “Fukui Alliance” in Second Workshop: A Unified Front for Talent Development and Regional Retention

I. Overview of the 2nd Workshop

Following the discussions initiated at the 1st Workshop on August 1st, focused on “International Students ✖ Community: Aiming for the Establishment of a Recruitment and Retention Support System,” University of Fukui hosted its 2nd Workshop on Wednesday, October 15th, at the Fukui International Activities Plaza.

The primary objective was to facilitate a joint effort among representatives from industry, academia, government, and the private sector (public-private partnership) to establish a comprehensive support system. Discussions centered on identifying what kind of support is necessary at which stage to ensure international students studying in Fukui find employment and settle in the region after graduation, and what a unique “Fukui-style” support framework should look like. A shared recognition of the need for this collaborative and inclusive approach was achieved.

II. Workshop Presentations and Student Voices

The session commenced with opening remarks by Vice President for International Affairs and Global Strategy, Prof. NAGAI Takahiro. This was followed by key reports:

  • Mr. Uryu, Section Chief of the Industrial Human Resources Office, Labor Policy Division, Fukui Prefectural Government, spoke on “Labor Administration in Fukui Prefecture.”
  • Ms. Tsubokawa, Director of the FUKUI Foreign Human Resources Acceptance Support Center, reported on “Activities of the FUKUI Foreign Human Resources Acceptance Support Center.”

A crucial segment involved reporting the results of surveys and interviews conducted with degree-seeking international students at University of Fukui. The report offered candid student voices on why they chose University of Fukui, their experiences living in the region, and challenges encountered. This information led to an active discussion among all participants.

III. Birth of the “Fukui Alliance”

A key consensus reached was that the young talent driving the region’s future includes not only international students but also Japanese students. This led to the agreement on the foundation of the Fukui Alliance, a collaborative framework designed for human resource development and regional employment support through Industry-Academia-Government-Private sector collaboration.

Fukui Alliance – Outline

Purpose:

  • Human resource development to support the region (targeting both international and Japanese students).
  • Promotion of regional settlement (employment, community exchange, etc.).

Organizational Form:

  • A free, open, and loosely-connected network.
  • Members are encouraged to pitch ideas, recruit partners, and initiate activities autonomously.

Operation:　

  • University of Fukui (Institute for Global Engagement) serves as the secretariat, providing regular updates and platforms for information exchange.

Fees:

  • Free registration and participation.

IV. Join the Alliance: Call for New Members

The Fukui Alliance is continuously seeking new members. Organizations, companies, and governmental/various other entities that endorse the Alliance’s goals—including networking, supporting international student employment, and community activities—are invited to register via the QR code provided or the link below.
Fukui Alliance Member Registration Form

Please note: Registration is generally intended for organizations and corporate bodies. Individuals interested in participating are asked to contact the inquiry desk below first.

Inquiries and Contact:

Institute for Global Engagement, University of Fukui
TEL: 0776-27-9870　FAX 0776-27-9715
E-mail: ige-ger@ml.u-fukui.ac.jp

Ⅴ. Kick-off Symposium Announcement

To commemorate the launch of the Fukui Alliance, a Kick-off Symposium will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026.
The event is open to the public. We look forward to the participation of many interested parties.

These workshops and the upcoming symposium are implemented with the support of the 2025 Fukui Prefecture Future Collaboration Platform Promotion Project subsidy.