Follow up and Needs Survey for PREX Global Network　（Central Asia）

In 1997, about 7 years after the fall of the Soviet Union, PREX began its Central Asia training courses. Since then, approximately 1,500 participants have participated in PREX training courses which have been held in Japan, overseas, and online.

During this period, through follow-up events held throughout Central Asia and online, opportunities were created for fellow trainees to get connected. And continuing from last year, follow-up seminars were conducted online for members of the Central Asia PREX Global Network (PREX fellow trainees association).

Actually, in last year’s seminar, the following wish was made.

“In the midst of these troubled times the world is facing, going beyond the borders of countries where the Russian language is used, we want importance placed on relationships among individuals where each person can be seen. If possible, we would like participation from individuals from the Ukraine and Russia.”

(Last year’s Follow-up Seminar Training Report: https://www.prex-hrd.or.jp/en/seminar_reports/202212/）

Military incursion into Ukraine has continued since February 2022. Not knowing what the future holds, we were concerned about what kind of atmosphere the seminar would be held in. With a touch of anxiety, the day arrived and we were fortunate to witness the realization of our wishes.

On the day, Prof. Andrey Belov from Russia (professor at Fukui Prefectural University) and Ms. Orzugul, entrepreneur (Y COMPANY LLC Representative) and Setagaya Ward Assembly member from Uzbekistan presented the topics for discussion.

Prof. Belov explained the present Japanese economic situation using five letters from the English spelling for the zodiac animal of the year, the ‘RABBIT’ – R (Russia), A (Allies), B (Bank of Japan), I (inflation), T (Taxes).

Next, Ms. Orzugul talked passionately about her background: at the age of 14 she entered college and studied Japanology; while supporting her family being a Japanese interpreter and tourist guide, she graduated from graduate school; after coming to Japan, she talked about her difficulty getting employment- she applied for a position at 53 companies but was turned down, and was finally employed by the 54th company. At present, she manages a wine bar and talked about how she became a candidate for the ward assembly.

After the two participants’ talks, both introduced themselves to each other and an exchange of ideas was held.

All of the participants were deeply impressed by Ms. Orzugul’s talk which was followed by comments such as: “I’m planning a gathering of businesspeople, and I’d love them to hear this talk.” “Challenge is very important in life.” “You should do what you want to do, or think you should do, irrespective of what other people say. ” “This was an important opportunity to share a success experience.”

Also, on this occasion, a fellow trainee from Ukraine who participated in the 2015 training course participated. After entering the Zoom room, the individual wished to greet Prof. Belov who was their training course instructor when the trainee came to Japan. It was wonderful for both of them to meet again.

Last year’s wish: “In the midst of these troubled times the world is facing, going beyond the borders of countries where the Russian language is used, we want importance placed on relationships among individuals where each person can be seen. If possible, we would like participation from individuals from the Ukraine and Russia.”

Going beyond the borders of Central Asian countries, participation by Ukraine and Russia was unexpectedly, albeit in a very small way, achieved at this moment.
Also, not only ‘Learning from Japan’, we found this to be an opportunity for sharing experiences and passion, and sharing the joy of meeting again with former training course members which will undoubtedly give them encouragement.

PREX will continue to place emphasis on providing a medium for PREX Global Network members to ‘see each other’, and provide opportunities for them to share their experiences.