ESSAY ⑦

エッセイ 7

The pathway to independence in Ph.D. student life abroad:lessons to learn
Matias Siueia Júnior

Ph. D. candidate at Hiroshima University
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2023 HISF scholarship recipient

Early academic path

Collaborative projects and impact

I am Matias Siueia Júnior, born on December 12, 1989, in
Maputo, Mozambique's capital. My academic journeycommenced in 2008 at Eduardo Mondlane University Higher School of Rural Development, Mozambique. There,
I pursued Agricultural Production, leading to graduation in
2 0 11 . A f u l l s c h o l a r s h i p f r o m t h e G o v e r n m e n t o f
Mozambique (State Budget) fortified my educational
journey, igniting a fervor for agricultural sciences thatwould shape my path ahead.

In 2018, my collaboration with Eduardo Mondlane University- Faculty of Agronomy and Forestry Engineering sparked
significant research into soil salinity within Maputo's greenz o n e s . T h i s c o l l a b o r a t i v e e ff o r t b l o s s o m e d i n t o t h epioneering 'SaliHort' initiative in 2020. This concerted
undertaking involved Welweit (Gesellschaft zur Förderung
lokaler Initiativen e. V.), Eduardo Mondlane University,
ABIODES (Association for Sustainable Development),
Municipal Council Maputo, and the Department for
Agriculture and Extension. The initiative's primary goal was
to tackle the soil salinity challenges impacting vegetableproduction in Southern Mozambique. This ambitious project
fostered collaborative partnerships among local farmers,
academia, and students, fostering innovative strategies tocombat the adversities caused by salinity.

Master's studies
and professional engagements
Between 2015 and 2017, I embarked on a transformative
journey at the Federal University of Lavras in Minas Gerais,
Brazil, pursuing a master’s degree in Soil Science. Supportedby the CNPq/PEC - PEG scholarship, this phase enabled me todelve into the intricacies of Soil Science, exploring domains
such as Soil Fertility, Plant Nutrition, Fertilizers andFertilization, Biofortification, Soil Chemistry, Environmental
Pollution, Soil and Plant Analyses, and Ionic Interaction.
Afterward, I transitioned into academia at Aquila University,
undertaking pivotal roles in molding agricultural education.
Presently, I serve as an Assistant Professor and hold the positionof Dean at the School of Agricultural Sciences. Simultaneously,
my tenure as the Head of the Agriculture and Rural Extension
section in the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, Livestock andExtension at the Municipality of Maputo from 2017 to 2023
intertwined my academic expertise with practical applications,bridging theory and on-ground realities.

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Challenges and testimonials
This journey has only just commenced, and I have three
years ahead, with many challenges to overcome. This time
the biggest challenge is adapting to life in Japan, thelanguage barrier, the climate, and living in a reality that I
have not experienced before. Adapting to the city, theuniversity, integrating with new colleagues in the lab, thedynamics of working in the lab, etc., all these challenges
that anyone who goes to study abroad must face. It is a new
beginning and, of course, a new story, and these difficulties
will quickly be resolved through daily experience.

Scholarships play a crucial role in empowering students byproviding the necessary financial support, enabling them to wholly
dedicate themselves to their studies without worrying about
financial constraints. Beyond mere financial assistance, thesescholarships create a platform for groundbreaking research,
mentorship opportunities, and the realization of Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs). As an international student, I haveencountered firsthand the immense challenge of pursuing
education abroad without the aid of scholarships, grappling withthe complexities of managing expenses in an unfamiliar setting. It
is scholarships that pave the way for students like me, offering theflexibility and support needed to return to our roots and contributemeaningfully to our communities.
In our generation today, we would always meet a lot of
people from all over the world. Because of this, we should
not have ethnocentric thinking. Things that are right forour country might be wrong for others, and vice versa. We
need to really understand regarding our differences.
That´s why we will learn to become globally-minded here!

1) Soil salinity equipment test on the ﬁeld

2) Soils conservation> exchange lessons learning ‒ Foundation for Farming Harare-Zimbabwe

3) Exchange South ‒South Mozambique ‒ Zimbabwe4) Soil Salinity Portable Probe Combi 5000

5) Soil Salinity̲ Farmer Field School at Massacre de Mbuzine Association

6) Soil salinity ̲ SPAD Index equipment

7) Soil salinity experiment sweet potatoes <ﬁeld day>Transition to doctoral pursuits
My current journey involves pursuing a Ph.D. at Hiroshima
U n i v e r s i t y, D e p a r t m e n t o f I n t e g r a t e d L i f e S c i e n c e s ,Bioresource Science Program in Japan, graciously sponsoredby the Honjo International Scholarship Foundation. Immersedin Plant Nutritional and Physiology research, my focus lies inunderstanding the intricate dynamics of abiotic stress,
particularly salinity's profound impact on rice cultivation—aquintessential crop deeply intertwined with Mozambique's
agricultural fabric. This incredible opportunity, guided by theexpertise of my advisor Professor Akihiro Ueda in salt stress,
became a reality through the Honjo Scholarship, marking asignificant milestone as the first Mozambican recipient.

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ESSAY ⑧

エッセイ 8

How Thai students across Japan connected.
My involvement with TSAJ.
Bunuasunthon Sukulya
Ph. D. candidate at Osaka University

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2023 HISF scholarship recipient

Involvement with TSAJ

Marketing role and responsibilities

This year, I had the privilege of joining the Thai Students’
Association in Japan under the Royal Patronage of TSAJ,
a non-profit organization committed to supporting Thai
students residing in Japan. The association actively
organizes events to facilitate connections among Thai
students in specific regions. It is an honor to be part of theteam for the 2023-2024 term, where I hold the position ofVice President in marketing and social media, while also
contributing to the Osaka Prefecture team.

As Vice President, my responsibilities encompass the
management of all social media platforms, aiming toenhance engagement. My focus is on creating content thatis not only beneficial for students living in Japan but also
for those in Thailand. Given that our team comprises
individuals currently residing in Japan, the majority of ourcontent revolves around daily life sharing, essential
aspects of life in Japan, and insights into studying abroad.
Our goal is for each piece of content to benefit not only

those living in Japan but also anyone interested in or
preparing to come to Japan for their studies. Starting fromthis year term, my team has launched more than 20 pieces
o f c o n t e n t o n o u r o ff i c i a l F a c e b o o k p a g e , a i m i n g t oshowcase the experiences of students studying in Japan,
providing tips, tricks, and cautions about life in Japan.

Engagement in Osaka prefecture teamhunting in Japan.
Apart from on-site activities, we also conduct online
seminars for those in Thailand or unable to attend inperson. Our recent project focuses on topics related to job
hunting and studying in Japan, providing valuable insights
for individuals living abroad. This initiative serves as asignificant opportunity for everyone to understand the
preparation process before coming to Japan and gain
in-depth information to make informed decisions. Holding
these events not only benefits us but also allows us toexpand our network, connecting with new individuals andreassuring them that they will have our support if theychoose to come to Japan.

In addition to my role in the marketing team, I am also incharge of the Osaka Prefecture team. My role involves
supporting Thai students residing in Osaka Prefecture andorganizing events to foster connections among students.
This year, I successfully hosted three events durings p r i n g , s u m m e r, a n d f a l l , p r o v i d i n gopportunities for students to get to knoweach other. It is noteworthy that eachprefecture, including Kyoto, Hyogo, Nara,
Tokyo, Hokkaido, Sendai, and Mie, has
its own designated person in charge.
Each prefecture is responsible fororganizing at least one activity to bring
together both new and old students,
ensuring that students across all
prefectures have the opportunity toconnect and build a supportive
community. Importantly, our activities are
TSAJ team 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 and Thai Embassy oﬃcers
not exclusive to Thai students; we
actively encourage and welcome
Japanese students to participate as well.

TSAJ activities

Online seminar

17 HISFI n e a r l y N o v e m b e r o f t h i s y e a r, w eorganized our annual TSAJ Festival, withthe event taking place in Osaka. The
festival featured various activities,
including team-based sightseeing around
Osaka with assigned tasks and final
presentations. Additionally, we hosted
indoor activities with open booths foreveryone to participate, such as making
Thai snacks (Kanom-Krok), playing board
games, fortune-telling, and booth forsponsors. We also invited special guest
speakers to provide advice on life inJapan and share their experiences of job

TSAJ festival 2023/11/18 @MY Dome OSAKAHISF 18

ESSAY ⑨

エッセイ 9Intersecting technology and culture:
A global research journey
Chauhan Vishal

Ph. D. candidate at the University of Tokyo・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・

2023 HISF scholarship recipient

Singapore Picture Nanyang Technological University ①

Introduction

Robotics endeavor in Taiwan

In the realm of cutting-edge technology and innovation, I,
Vishal Chauhan, stand as a beacon of inspiration andachievement. Currently pursuing my doctoral studies at
the University of Tokyo, my journey over the past year
reflects a remarkable odyssey through research,academia, and global exploration.
With a foundation in Information Technology, I have left anindelible mark on the international stage, presenting myresearch papers and undertaking research internships insix different countries: Taiwan, Singapore, the USA,
Malaysia, France, and Portugal. This whirlwind tour ofacademic and cultural landscapes has not only broadened
my horizons but has also significantly shaped myperspective on the intersection of technology and society.

My standout projects unfolded at the National Chung
Cheng University in Taiwan, where I delved into theintricate world of robotics. Employing an RGB-D Cameraand 3D Point Cloud Processing, I pioneered a projectfocused on detecting workable regions for mobile robots.
The successful completion of this endeavor within
stipulated timelines underscored my unwaveringcommitment to precision and advancement in the field.
My passion for Python and Artificial Intelligence has
manifested in a compelling ongoing project in Taiwan,
where I utilize perceptual engineering to craft an online
app that recommends outputs based on user searches.
This project showcases my prowess in marrying
technology with user-centric design principles. The
prospect of exploring extended reality studies in diverse
global settings has captured my imagination. Eager toimmerse myself in elite and competitive educational
environments, I envision furthering my academic pursuits
while contributing to the international discourse in robotics
and artificial intelligence. My extensive research has led
me to institutions renowned for their excellence and global
alumni network, aligning seamlessly with my ambitious
academic and career aspirations.

of my school's cricket team during higher secondary school,
I exhibited leadership qualities that have undoubtedly
contributed to my success.
Community engagement is not just a buzzword for me; it's
a way of life. Actively participating in various sciencee x h i b i t i o n s a n d c u l t u r a l p r o g r a m s a s a v o l u n t e e r, I
exemplify dedication to giving back and fostering curiosity
within the community.
As I continue to carve my niche at the forefront of robotics
and artificial intelligence, my journey is not merely acollection of experiences but a testament to the limitlesspossibilities that unfold when passion meets dedication.
The world eagerly anticipates the contributions of thisdriven and accomplished individual as I shape the futureof technology on a global scale.

Singapore Picture Nanyang Technological University ②

Versatility in sports and leadership

Singapore Picture Nanyang Technological University

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Beyond the confines of academia, I am a dynamic individualwith a zest for sports and community engagement. My
prowess in table tennis, volleyball, cricket, and mountainbiking is a testament to my versatility. Notably, as the captain

Portugal Picture

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ESSAY ⑩

エッセイ 10

The journey to my dreams
Lusubilo Mwalilino

Ph.D. candidate at Kumamoto University
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2020〜2022 HISF scholarship recipient

Introduction and background
Hello! My name is Lusubilo Mwalilino. I am 23 years oldand come from the warm heart of Africa, Malawi.
Currently, I am a second-year PhD student studying stem
cells at Kumamoto University here in Japan. You might
be wondering, where is Malawi? Or, what are stem cells?
Well, you are in luck because I know a bit of both.

Family and Education
Malawi is a small country in southeast Africa with about
19 million people. It has a very large lake known as Lake
Malawi, the 3rd largest lake in Africa and the 9th largest
lake in the world. We Malawians take pride not only inthe lake but in the kindness of our people; that is why
Malawi is known as the warm heart of Africa. If you visit,
expect to see many wildlife in different National parksand enjoy the tropical savannah climate, which isn’t too
hot or cold. That said, the sun can be scorching at
certain times of the year due to climate change.

Journey in Japan and stem cells studies
Now that you know a bit about where I am from, let metell you about myself. I was born and raised in a family of
six: my parents, myself and three younger sisters. As agirls-only family in a country where traditional genderroles still prevail, my father always strived and still does
to ensure that my sisters and I could get the besteducation. This, of course, comes at an expensive priceand coming from an underdeveloped country makes it
even harder. However,my parents allowed me
to study what I desired
i n a d i ff e r e n t c o u n t r y,away from home, at 15.
I am genuinely gratefulfor the sacrifices they
made and still do makefor my sisters and me. I
c o m p l e t e d m yundergraduate studies
with first-class honours
in a Bachelor of
Science (Biotechnology)(Hons) in 2020. I got a
study grant based on

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my performance during my studies, which helped ease
my parents' financial burden. It was during myundergraduate course that I learned of stem cells andhow they can give rise to any cell type of the body. I
knew I wanted to know more about these cells, and so
the search for an internship began.

Internship challenges andscholarship impact
Japan stood out to me because when I was younger,
my dad visited Japan for three months for his training.
Additionally, a Japanese scientist, Shinya Yamanaka,
won the Nobel Prize for his excellent research on
induced pluripotent stem cells. I took the initiative toresearch different labs and sent emails to those I wasinterested in. My current supervisor, Dr. Hitoshi Niwa,
responded, telling me I could intern for ten weeks withall expenses paid. I was ecstatic, and that is how I got
to Japan.
Starting my internship at the beginning of the COVID-19
pandemic proved challenging, but it was during myinternship that I found out about the Honjo International
Scholarship Foundation. They propelled me into myfuture, allowing me to focus on my studies alongsideshowing my sisters that they too, can. I graduated with
my Master's in Medical Sciences in September of 2022.
My experience in Japan thus far has had its ups anddowns, which many of you can relate to. However, thesechallenges have helped shape who I am and will be. My
Japanese has improved, and so has my resilience. My
goals and dreams keep getting refined as time passes.
While striving for them, I also find ways to relax bymaking music, painting and being out in nature! After all,rest is just as important.

Gratitude and future aspirations
As an alumnus of the Honjo Scholarship Foundation, thisfoundation has been pivotal in my future trajectory. I will
always be a part of this family no matter where I go, andthe connections I have made here are lifelong. I truly am
grateful and proud to be a member of such a brilliant
foundation.
I look forward to what the future has in store for me andin what ways I can contribute to society.
Thank you!

ESSAY ⑪

エッセイ 11

Saving endangered animals by studying their DNA:
Conservation genomics of White-tailed eagle
Azhari Abdurrahman Fadel
Master’s candidate at Kyoto University

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2023 HISF scholarship recipient

Background and childhood influences
My name is Fadel. I grew up until 6 or 7 years old in
Kanagawa-ken and then went back to Indonesia and did
my primary to high school there. After that, I returned toJapan as an undergraduate student at Kyushu University.
My early childhood in Japan exposed me to the culture ofbeing fond of animals. Indeed, the memory of catchingdragonflies or looking for stag beetles in the summer withmy mom 15 years ago is still vivid. These childhood
experiences instilled 2 things in me: my love for Japan asa country and my love for animals. When I came back toIndonesia, all that I watched on the TV was Discovery
Channel, NatGeo, Animal Planets, etc. I had a callingfrom a very young age that I want to put all my effort
during my life to preserve biodiversity. That is why when I
went to undergraduate in Japan, I chose a place where
there was this fantastic teacher on biodiversity
conservation, Araya Kunio Sensei. Under him, I learned
conservation genetics and my species of research was a
popular aquatic beetle in Japan called Cybister rugosus.
N o w, b e c a u s e m y u l t i m a t e g o a l i s t o c o n s e r v e
biodiversity and not just a single species, I believe that I
need to try a whole different species with a different
method in my master's.

Academic journey in JapanT h a t ’s w h y I d e c i d e d t o m o v e t o K y o t o U n i v e r s i t y ’s
Wildlife Research Centre, where I can move fromstudying aquatic beetles tobig predators such as
eagles with different
methods. Different tou n d e r g r a d u a t e s t u d y,instead of insects, in my
Master ’s Course, I aim to
study a keystone species
with a different
methodology to expand myknowledge of conservation
genetics. Thus, for myresearch plan for masters, I
aim to perform wholegenome analyses ofJapanese and European
White-tailed eagles,

Haliaeetus albicilla, which is considered an Endangered
Species by the Ministry of Environment of Japan. I alsoplan to conduct population viability analysis (PVA) of theJapanese captive population. My research infers the
population structure of White-tailed eagles, estimates
their genetic diversity level, and informs the best
breeding strategy for the captive population. Thus,
information obtained from this research will be useful fordeveloping effective conservation strategies, including
the integration of in-situ and ex-situ approaches.

Vision and future goals
I hope that in the end, I have a holistic view and I masterthe many methodologies in conservation genetics so that I
can save many different species in different parts of theworld, be it orangutans in Indonesia or Rhinos in
Serengeti, Africa. That is also the reason why I chose
genetics for my purpose. If I specifically study anecosystem of a species, it is hard to apply it to save acompletely different animal. But if I study DNA, I can usethat knowledge to save many animals and plants from thegenetic point of view.
In the far future, I would like to be a professor in the fieldof conservation science while also joining theInternational Union of Conservation Science, where I cancontribute globally by making guidelines about wildlife
conservation.

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