## Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA)

## Source details

**Canonical URL:** [Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Asia (JISPA)](https://www.imf.org/en/countries/resrep/oap-home/jispa-home/voices)

## Other formats

- [Markdown version](/en/countries/resrep/oap-home/jispa-home/voices/index.md)
- [Structured JSON version](/en/countries/resrep/oap-home/jispa-home/voices/index.json)
- [Bundle manifest](/en/countries/resrep/oap-home/jispa-home/voices/bundle-manifest.json)

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### Alumni activities and engagement
- 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.

### JISPA Continuing Education (JISPA-CE) Program
- 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.

### Skills, professional outcomes, and career impact (synthesis of alumni voices)
- 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.

### Representative alumni profiles and roles (selected examples)
- 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.

### Common themes in alumni recommendations
- 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.

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## References

- [Back to JISPA Home](https://www.imf.org/en/countries/resrep/oap-home/jispa-home)
- [Reynaldo Beluso Delos Santos, Jr., National Economic and Development Authority, Philippines](https://www.imf.org/en/Videos/view?vid=6339924726112)
- [Zolzaya Enkhtur, Bank of Mongolia](https://www.imf.org/en/Videos/view?vid=6339923930112)
- [Anil Shrestha, Ministry of Finance, Nepal](https://www.imf.org/en/Videos/view?vid=6339922856112)

_Source: https://www.imf.org/en/countries/resrep/oap-home/jispa-home/voices_