AASMA SIKANDAR (Pakistan AY2025-2026)
I am honoured to be in Japan and to study at Aoyama Gakuin University, located in the vibrant district of Shibuya. The university’s prestigious reputation, academic excellence, and commitment to ethical values make it a truly inspiring place to learn and grow.
This is my first time living outside my home country, and the kindness I’ve received from the Japanese people has been overwhelming. Their respectful, professional, and ethics-based work culture has earned my deepest admiration.
The SMIPRP program has significantly expanded my understanding of customs law, tariffs, and organizational management. It has also introduced me to management, competitive strategy and HRM through practical experiences with renowned Japanese firms and public organizations. These insights have been invaluable in shaping my academic and professional perspective. I also had the opportunity to attend the TICAD event and honour to meet with the World Custom Organization Secretary General Mr. Ian Saunders leading to an interaction that enriched professional experience as a Customs officers. The amazing staff of the AGU as well as the guest teachers with their thorough and most-valuable practical experiences in Japan Customs as well as WCO has made a significant mark in my journey through this academic and professional experience.
I would like to acknowledge the incredible efforts of the SMIPRP team, who ensure that every aspect of our stay in Japan is well taken care of. Their support has made this journey smooth and enriching.
This experience has also given me the opportunity to interact with professionals and peers from various countries, both within AGU and in everyday life across Japan. I’ve had the chance to visit culturally and historically significant places, deepening my appreciation for Japan’s beauty and heritage. The famous Japanese cuisine is the most delicious as well as health-inducing and I am really hopeful that I learn these great habits regarding healthy living, fitness and lifestyle and carry it in coming years.
Studying at Aoyama Gakuin University is a privilege, and I look forward to continuing this journey of learning, growth, and cross-cultural exchange.
BANSROY Moonish Jim (Mauritius, AY2025-2026)
First of all, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all the organisations that made this programme possible: The World Customs Organization, the Ministry of Finance of Japan, and JICE for their tireless commitment to shaping young Customs officers. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to my organisation, the Mauritius Revenue Authority, for supporting my application. Finally, I am truly grateful to Aoyama Gakuin University, together with the professors and coordinators, who make us feel supported in every step of the way.
It has been more than five years since a Mauritian was last selected for the SMIPRP, and it is therefore a great honour for me to carry my country’s flag this year. I sincerely hope that my participation will open doors for more Mauritians to follow in the future.
Japan is a country of peace, order and respect. Living here has been both calming and inspiring. AGU, with its modern campus in Shibuya, provides everything a student could hope for. The coordinators’ constant guidance, together with the excellent facilities, create an environment where we can improve ourselves both academically and personally.
The SMIPRP is unique in the way it combines classroom lectures with field visits to Japan Customs, private companies, government agencies and the Supreme Court. These experiences bring Customs practice, strategic management and IPR to life by linking academic knowledge to practical skills.
For me, this programme is not only about learning new Customs concepts and procedures. It is also about personal growth by broadening my perspective, teaching me the value of time, teamwork and discipline, and, above all, building lasting international friendships with fellow officers from around the world.
Finally, I will do my utmost to ensure that what I am learning here does not stay with me alone. I am determined to share the knowledge gained with my colleagues back in Mauritius and to inspire the next generation of Mauritian officers to take this path.
Sumal Abhayawardana (Sri Lanka, AY2025-2026)
The Strategic Management and Intellectual Property Rights Program (SMIPRP) at Aoyama Gakuin University is a truly remarkable opportunity for young customs officers around the world to strengthen their professional knowledge, leadership skills, and global perspectives. As one of only ten participants selected for the 2025/26 intake, I am deeply grateful to the Aoyama Gakuin University, World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Ministry of Finance, Japan, for offering this fully funded program.
From the very beginning, I was impressed by the program’s design and structure. The curriculum is carefully crafted to combine the theoretical foundations of Management with the practical aspects of Customs Administration. This balance allows participants to understand global best practices in management while directly applying them to the realities of customs work. The professors at Aoyama Gakuin University are highly knowledgeable, approachable, and supportive, always encouraging us to actively participate in discussions and guiding us throughout our academic journey.
Equally important is the dedication of the program coordinators and university staff. They were extremely supportive during the initial settling-in period in Tokyo and have continued to provide guidance and encouragement throughout the program. Their friendliness and professionalism make the academic experience even more rewarding. I would also like to acknowledge the coordinators from the Ministry of Finance, Japan, and Japan Customs, who have been consistently welcoming and helpful in ensuring that participants feel at home.
The facilities at Aoyama Gakuin University are exceptional. The campus environment, computer laboratories, libraries, and public areas are maintained at a very high standard and equipped with the latest technologies. The university provides SMIPRP students with a dedicated study room, fully equipped with computers, printers, and photocopiers, enabling us to make the best use of our time and resources. These facilities significantly enhance both our learning and research experience.
One of the unique strengths of SMIPRP is the exposure it provides beyond the classroom. During the program, we had the opportunity to attend international events such as TICAD9 (2025) and to meet with the Secretary General of the WCO, Mr. Ian Saunders. In addition, several field visits to Japanese customs offices were organized, allowing us to gain first-hand knowledge of how Japan Customs operates at its borders. These experiences are invaluable in helping us broaden our understanding of customs administration in practice. For young customs officers seeking to advance their careers, SMIPRP is a program that combines world-class academic training, cultural immersion, and unparalleled professional exposure.