Working in a developing country like Bhutan, I always dreamt of studying abroad to enhance not only my knowledge and skills in my field of work but also to broaden my limited horizon and exposure. Therefore, when I realized that I was one of the five lucky candidates to be participating in the PPT program for the academic year 2009–2011, my joy knew no bound. First, I want to express my sincere and immense gratitude to the World Bank and the Japanese Government for giving me this rare opportunity. I sincerely intend to repay this debt through dedicated learning here and go back home to be a better policy maker in my department.

As for the academic program here, it is excellent. Our course is designed in such a way that we are taught the very best subjects for learning public policy matters which is well complemented by the learned, dedicated team of professors. On the taxation front, what could be more ideal than being taught by a team of tax professionals themselves? The excellent program provided by National Tax College (NTC) tax specialists makes a perfect match for our perfect learning. Also, I am looking forward to the field trips and the opportunity to interact with tax officials in Japan.

Finally, I shall never forget the sweet care that is being showered upon us by the MPE staff and the professors alike. As long as we are in Japan, our safety and comforts are guaranteed and therefore, our families and colleagues back home need not worry about us.

A story is told of a young child who wants to pick a mango fruit from a tall mango tree. This child is too young to climb the tree. She picks up a wheel barrow, stands on it but falls down every time she tries to reach the fruit. Her father is just standing by and watching. His child is helpless! He finally decides to offer his shoulder to sit on so that she can pick the mango fruit. So is the case for my country and myself. We want to be there but the question is, how? I am very much delighted to be offered a shoulder to lean on in my career. I am a tax auditor and dream to be a policy maker for Kenya, a developing nation. I need my country to develop in all aspects of its economy. For this reason, YNU, through World Bank, has given me a lifetime golden opportunity.

The well-designed curriculum covers all. I am overwhelmed by the great inventory of experience, skills and knowledge of the dedicated YNU professors. They are very qualified for the task and ready to help. The MPE office offers great hospitality. Meeting students from diverse backgrounds and nationalities gives me a great chance to exchange ideas and skills, as we also enjoy our different cultures. At the end of the two years, I will say, “finally, I have the fruit in my hand!”

Being a scholar in the JJ/WBGSP Master’s Program in Public Policy and Taxation at Yokohama National University (YNU) is one of the greatest opportunities of my life. This background will be of immense use for me as I am exposed to and acquire firsthand knowledge of the development of Japanese economy and business. Theoretical and practical knowledge gained while pursuing this graduate degree in Economics in Japan will definitely have full relevance for my academic qualifications and my professional career in taxation as an executive officer of the Sri Lanka Government. Moreover, the experience of sharing social, culture and other traditions with the other students encourages my prospects.

I am thankful for the excellent professors at YNU and National Tax College, and also, the dedicated staff of MPE office. I believe this program is a road map for me to study Japanese economy, technology and tax law and will help me to assist in developing and making necessary changes in the Sri Lankan economy that will help it to achieve sustainable development.

It is really an honor to me to be given an opportunity to take part in the Public Policy and Taxation (PPT) Program at Yokohama National University as a World Bank scholar. The combination of courses to comprehend economics and exploration of taxation issues at the National Tax College through their internship program makes PPT very special. Undoubtedly, all of this will be useful in supporting my future career in the Directorate General of Taxes, Indonesian Ministry of Finance. Tax policy specialists who have adequate economics background are urgently needed as the taxation sector becomes more and more important. For sure, this PPT Program completely fulfills what I’ve been searching for.

Living in the peaceful city of Yokohama, surrounded by YNU’s green campus, taught by prominent professors and supported by the warm and kind MPE office staff makes me think that two years will seem so short. I feel like I have a new family here with the members being people from different countries.

Not only do we study economics but we also learn Japanese culture by social interaction, both on and off campus. To support that, the university provides courses to learn Japanese language with special teachers who make the Japanese language seem easier.

I sincerely hope that upon the completion of my study here, I will be able to make a worthy contribution and bring value to my institution and the Indonesian Government.

How can I explain all the reasons why Yokohama National University is special for me? First of all, Japan itself. This country has always allured me with its outstanding culture, unique traditions and modern, high technology. Second, the university is wonderful because it provides the best opportunity to interact and establish long-lasting networks with peers from about 50 countries from all around the world. For people who are looking for an Asian university education with a particular focus on Japanese practices, YNU is the number one choice. Third, the university campus life enables one to find a lot of friends and know each other in a short period of time. Finally, the campus location is another unique characteristic not only in terms of the quality of environment, but also as a residence.

I am sure that my study at YNU will help me to learn the features of Japan's tax system, particularly how it achieved a perfect self-assessment system, how that self-assessment system helped with voluntary compliance as well as increasing revenue with profound effects, and how Japan developed one of the most modern taxation systems. This will be accomplished by studying and using in practice the following aspects of the Japanese tax system: accounting, public relations activities, tax counseling, tax education, audit & examination, computerization, etc. What I learn here may be a driving force for the improvement of the system in Uzbekistan.

It is a great pleasure for me to be one of the five lucky candidates selected for the Public Policy and Taxation Masters Program at Yokohama National University. First of all, I would like to thank the Joint Japan/World Bank program for giving such an opportunity to people from developing countries. Secondly, I would like to thank my Department in Bhutan for nominating me for this program.

Living in Japan is a totally different culture for me and this gives me an opportunity to learn about Japanese economy, culture, people and the history of this developed country. I believe that this unique blend of experiences will help to make me a woman with an original point of view.

With regard to the academic program, it is excellent and the courses are designed in such a way that we are taught the best subjects on Public Policy. These are very relevant to our present careers and also relevant for developing countries like Bhutan. The courses in the National Tax College practicum provide us with the right courses to enhance our knowledge in taxation. I am sure I will be able to apply the knowledge I learned regarding the Japanese experience in business, tax issues, technology and economic policy to Bhutan and contribute to my country’s economic development.

Last but not least; I would like to thank the staff of MPE office for their support and guidance. Yokohama National University is a university where all students, faculty and staff share a sense of mission to gain and create knowledge for the next generation.