History & Milestones
As an alumni of Singaporean graduates from Japan, JUGAS has been actively sought to foster and promote good relations between Singapore and Japan. JUGAS not only organizes events to promote the learning of Japanese language and culture in Japan, but also works with Japanese universities to administer scholarships and workshops.
Since its founding in 1970, JUGAS has maintained close linkages with the Embassy of Japan, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (JCCI) Singapore, Japanese Cultural Society of Singapore (JCS), the Japanese Association of Singapore (JAS), the Japanese schools and the Japanese community in Singapore. Internationally, JUGAS also maintains a close relationship with counterparts in the ASEAN countries through ASEAN Council of Japan Alumni (ASCOJA) and the Asia-Japan Alumni International (ASJA) in Japan.
19th December 1970 - Founding of JUGAS
After rounds of talks in Taman Jurong, JUGAS was founded and officially registered to strengthen the network between Japanese university graduates in Singapore.
March 25 1977 - Establishing ASCOJA
JUGAS, with Japan Alumni of (then) 5 ASEAN countries, establishes ASEAN Council of Japan Alumni (ASCOJA)
July 1996 - Co-organizes Japanese Speech Contest
JUGAS joins as co-organizer of the Japanese Speech Contest alongside the Embassy of Japan, Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and Japanese Cultural Society, to encourage avid learners of Japanese to further pursue the language.
September 2000 - First Mana-asobi Event
JUGAS Organizes first 学あそび(Mana-asobi), to help students of Japanese have fun while learning the language, which is the now annually held 日本語で遊ぼう(Nihongo de asobo) supported by Embassy of Japan, Japanese Association of Singapore, Singapore Japanese School and Japanese Language Teachers’ Association of Singapore.
November 2003 - Collaboration with Shibaura Institute of Technology
JUGAS co-organizes Robotech Workshop with Shibaura Institute of Technology
September 2005 - Awarded Japanese Foreign Minister's Commendations
JUGAS was awarded Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendations (日本国外務大臣表彰) for outstanding effort in supporting students to study in Japan, and networking of returned graduates leading to enhancement of mutual understanding between Japan and Singapore.
September 2006 - 40th Annivesary Event
JUGAS co-organized Ceramic Exhibition to commemorate 40th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relationship between Singapore and Japan.
May 2009 - Hosted Japan Ambassador Yamanaka
JUGAS hosts Japan Ambassador Yamanaka. He expressed his respect for JUGAS's activities that contribute to the promotion of Japan-Singapore relations and intention to continue to support JUGAS through the Embassy.
August 2009 - MEXT Scholarship Panelist
JUGAS joins the panel for the MEXT Scholarship offered by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) to foreign students who wish to study at Japanese institutions of higher education.
October 2010 - Launches JECEF
Launch of JUGAS Education and Cultural Exchange Fund (JECEF) with the primary objectives of promoting education and cultural exchanges between Singapore and Japan in conjunction with 40th Anniversary.
October 2011 - Joint scholarship with Nagoya University
JUGAS and Nagoya University begin a joint initiative, JUGAS-Nagoya University Scholarship
October 2012 - Joint scholarship with University of Tokyo
JUGAS and University of Tokyo University begin a joint initiative, JUGAS/University of Tokyo Supplementary Scholarship.
October 2012 - PA-PMET Event
JUGAS partners with the People's Assocation to organise "Enterprising Mind, Visionary Leadership" event for Profssionals, Managers, Executives and Technicians (PMET).
October 2015
Celebrations for JUGAS 45th Anniversary
Public lecture on 23 July 2015 by HE Ambassador Ong Keng Yong who spoke on ‘Strengthening the ASEAN-Japan Partnership in Building the ASEAN Community’.
Concert `Melodies in Harmony’ presenting melodies of Koto, Shakuhachi and Dizi by talented Japanese and Singaporean musicians.