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| Students of the PPT program share their impressions of their experience at YNU in the messages below. |
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There are many obvious advantages of being a World Bank scholar at Yokohama National University (YNU). Among them are a first-class curriculum, a conductive learning environment and a team of dedicated lecturers, and a supportive MPE office staff to boot. But the opportunity to study at YNU offers more than that. You also get to know Japan and the Japanese people and their history of sustained struggle which has enabled them to climb up the ladder of industrialization and prosperity - a history laden with important lessons for our nascent nations. This particularly is why this course is important for me and my country, Kenya. Notably, the YNU-PPT program is specifically tailored for students from developing countries to enhance their knowledge and skills in economics, public policy and taxation. Practical skills gained at the National Tax Agency greatly bolster one’s skills in tax issues.
My dream and hope is that in the near future Kenya will have a robust economy and I will be able to say in retrospect; “my education at YNU, after all, was not in vain.”
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Beatrice Wangui Tatua
Kenya
Cohort 10 |
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JJ/WBGSP’s Public Policy and Taxation Program (PPT) is true to its reputation
as one of the best scholastic programs due to its holistic approach and
well-balanced curriculum. In addition to regular classroom lectures and
activities, students are given time for field trips and an internship at
National Tax Agency (NTA) as a way to gain not only theoretical knowledge
but practical knowledge as well. University facilities are of a world class
standard which is conducive for research and learning. Also, professors
are experts in their respective fields. The welfare and development of
the students is regarded with high concern and priority.
Being part of this program is a great opportunity for me to go farther in the field of public policy and taxation. Interaction and exchange of ideas with different students from all over the globe will surely be an avenue for enhancement of knowledge and professional skills. Also, it is apt time to discover and experience the splendor of Japanese culture and traditions that stand out and earned the respect of the entire world. My stay here at Yokohama National University will definitely be a momentous one and I look forward to sharing it with the country I come from, the Philippines.
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Myrna Valcarcel Sampayo Philippines
Cohort 10 |
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Always, I think and try to understand about the contribution of human beings in the universe. How they (but not all) became admirable and contributed to their own society by doing some measurable tasks. These may be small-scale or advanced. These people always try to follow a more distinct and unique path than average people to establish the existence of rational human beings. Anyone can live in their own group and society without doing anything -- but it is not meaningful for the human creature. Even if it may be tiny or less effective to immediate output, we should contribute to society in a positive way.
Keeping all this in mind, I was seeking a way to enhance and sharpen my knowledge through higher study abroad. Having a keen interest in economic issues, policy and taxation, I wanted to study economics. I found out about the Public Policy and Taxation program at Yokohama National University which is why I am now here at Yokohama National University. This is one of the best universities in Japan, which also provides this intensive and highly comprehensive program. I am highly impressed by the teaching methodology of the competitive faculties, and also the industrious staff of the MPE office. I have high expectations of the program and hopefully I will proceed smoothly towards completion of this program.
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Hikmat Bahadur Bhandari Nepal
Cohort 10 |
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Living in Japan is a totally different culture from the one I know. Together with the opportunity to meet new people from all over the world, this makes it a really interesting experience where I can deal and have contact with peaceful, very polite, and modernized people. I learned the value of hard work, persistence, and being helpful. And here at Yokohama National University where we are studying, living and hospitality needs are met making my life easier. I am sure behind all this is a good administration and highly professional professors and cooperative staff. The total experience - Japan as a country and its people and Yokohama National University - is wonderful.
My future goals include applying the knowledge I learned about the Japanese experience in business, tax, technology and economic policy to Jordan to contribute to my country’s economic development. I also want to work with my Jordanian colleagues who have spent time in Japan to establish an association of graduates of Japanese universities, in order to develop the cultural and economic relationship between our two nations.
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Ahmad Nayef Al-Khraisha Jordan
Cohort 10 |
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It’s a great pleasure for me to introduce myself as a World Bank scholar
in the Public Policy and Taxation program at Yokohama National University
in Japan which gives me an opportunity to learn about Japanese economy,
culture, people and the history of this developed country. Before arriving
here, I was posted at the National Board of Revenue, the central tax administration
in Bangladesh, as a tax officer.
This program at YNU is well-designed and suited for my career goals of obtaining professional training in public policy and taxation. Besides the class lectures, we attend the National Tax College, under the Ministry of Finance, for internship and field trips. This definitely helps to enlighten my knowledge about the Japanese tax system and culture. I believe the experience which I acquired at YNU will be extremely beneficial for efficiently discharging my duties as a tax officer. After completing my degree, I would like to come back to my job in Bangladesh and use my knowledge and vision for the solution of practical problems in tax administration, and also identify and formulate new policies for my country.
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Md Firoj Uddin Ahmed Bangladesh
Cohort 10 |
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The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program at Yokohama National University has provided me and my fellow students a unique chance to gain a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Taxation at one of the best universities of Japan. Highly diversified study in combination with the practicum at the National Tax College, outstanding faculty and research facilities, emphasis on a collaborative learning environment, flexibility in curriculum, and attentive support of MPE staff meet the highest requirements in organization of the educational process and students’ stay in Japan.
On my first (and short) visit to Japan in 2003, I was impressed by the
incredible economic achievements of Japan during the last 50-60 years.
Even though I had certainly learned a lot about Japan before coming to
this country, reality surpassed all my expectations. Since that time I
have sought to get a better understanding of the roots of the phenomenon
called “Japanese Economic Miracle” and also, be familiar with Japanese
culture, traditions and people. Needless to say, field trips organized
by MPE office will deepen our comprehension of Japan. I’m sure I have made
a wise choice attending this program which, without any doubt, will fruitfully
contribute to my personal as well as my country’s development.
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Jyparkul Kushtarbekovna Mamytova
Kyrgyz Republic
Cohort 11 |
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Recommended by the Ministry of Planning & Economic Affairs, Republic
of Liberia for this program, this is a glorious opportunity for the people
of Liberia, and me particularly, to be the first mid-career professional
from Liberia trained in the Public Policy and Taxation program at YNU.
I am greatly impressed with the culture and traditions of the peaceful
and very hospitable people of Japan. Everything about the program is well
planned in terms of housing, medical facilities, daily living, and the
prestigious academic program itself.
Upon my return to Liberia, I am definitely considering a strategy to be
presented to the Government of Liberia based on the knowledge and experience
from this training in the following two ways. First and foremost is to
make the tax system and administration in Liberia people-friendly and people-centered.
Just as the national budget preparation is now involving consultative meetings
from the Village and Town levels, taxation and other public policy issues
will take the center stage in my strategy to ensure taxpayers’ compliance
and transparency. My primary objective is to ensure that ordinary taxpayers,
civil social organizations and the private sector understand the intricacies
and socioeconomic benefits of a functioning and well-managed taxation system
for a developing country like Liberia. The next approach will concentrate
on public policy consolidation so as to make the aggregate economic system
of Liberia relatively functional and attractive. Finally, this training
will provide an alternative source of knowledge to supplement the ongoing
‘Poverty Reduction Strategy’ implementation in Liberia.
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Elijah Sarti Nah
Liberia
Cohort 11 |
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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.
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Wangdi Drugyel
Bhutan
Cohort 11 |
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