Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA)

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The JISPA alumni network comprises nearly 1,000 alumni who hold positions in central banks, ministries of finance, and other government agencies across the Asia-Pacific region.
JISPA organizes alumni dinners, receptions, and other country-level gatherings that bring together graduates from different cohorts and partner universities to reconnect, exchange experiences, and strengthen professional networks.
Dedicated networking platforms include the JISPA Networking Site and the JISPA Alumni LinkedIn Group to support year-round engagement and sharing of career achievements and professional milestones.

Built around the 3Rs—Reunite, Refresh, and Reengage—to provide eligible alumni opportunities for professional development, networking, and knowledge sharing.
Program format: a two-week course in Japan for eligible alumni.
Program history: JISPA-CE Program was first introduced in 2018, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the scholarship program.

Academic and technical skills:
- Alumni report strengthened foundations in macroeconomic theory, econometric and statistical methods, programming languages, and policy analysis.
- The JISPA curriculum is described as balancing theory and application of macroeconomic policies through partner universities and IMF-OAP workshops.
Professional networking and career advancement:
- Alumni cite expanded professional networks across central banks and finance ministries, facilitating collaboration and career progression; some report promotions soon after graduation.
- Alumni note opportunities to present research on global platforms and engage with policymakers from Japan and the region.
Personal and cultural development:
- Alumni describe transformative personal growth, cross-cultural exchange, and exposure to Japanese culture (examples noted: Hanami, Ichi-go Ichi-e, Ikigai, Sakura and Momiji).
- The program is characterized as contributing to lifelong friendships and a sustained “JISPA family” community.
Resilience and adaptability:
- Alumni attest that JISPA provided continued support during the COVID-19 pandemic and facilitated remote learning and web meetings when needed.

Mr. Pav Ly — The University of Tokyo (Partnership Track 2022-24, MPP/IP); Fiscal Economist, General Department of Policy, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Cambodia.
Mr. Yonan Arman — International University of Japan (Partnership-Track 2022-24, MA); Functional Officer, Directorate General of Tax, Ministry of Finance of Indonesia.
Ms. Akylbekova Zhibek — Hitotsubashi University (Partnership-Track 2022-24, MA); Chief Economist, Planning, Budgeting, and Control Department, National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Mr. Saidul Islam — Hitotsubashi University (Open Track 2021-24, Ph.D.); Joint Director, Human Resources Department, Bangladesh Bank.
Senior alumni examples collected in 2023 and 2021 include officials from the Ministry of Finance, Bangladesh; National Bank of Cambodia; Bank Indonesia; Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences; Central Bank of Uzbekistan; Financial Services Authority, Indonesia; National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic; Bank of the Lao PDR; and State Bank of Vietnam.

Strong recommendation for eligible mid-career civil servants and policymakers to apply for JISPA to advance academic credentials and policymaking skills.
Emphasis on JISPA’s value for evidence-based policy design, impact evaluation, and wider regional cooperation among emerging and developing economies in Asia and the Pacific.
Alumni encourage leveraging JISPA for both professional development and intercultural experience that supports long-term contribution to home countries’ economic development.