Hello, my name is Makoto Despontes. Currently, I am a third-year student at Nagoya University's School of Informatics, pursuing a degree in Computer Science. In 2024, I took a trip to Singapore as part of a School of Informatics program, where I studied for approximately two weeks alongside 30 other students. During this visit, I had several wonderful experiences that I would like to share with readers. In this article, I highlight three key themes: staying in Singapore, visiting company offices, and my own insights. Based on this, I hope some Nagoya University students will consider studying abroad.

The author (right) and an entrepreneur from Nagoya (left)

Dormitory at National University of Singapore

First, I stayed at the National University of Singapore (NUS). Unlike other Nagoya University students who study at NUS, I did not take any classes there. Instead, I just stayed in its dormitory. I enrolled in three classes designed specifically for our group. In two out of three classes, I improved my English skills in advanced courses and attended special lectures by notable business figures, such as the President of Rakuten Asia and an engineer from Meta. These conversations provided me with a valuable source of inspiration, as I rarely meet such individuals and hear their perspectives. I was most impressed by the President of Rakuten Asia who told us that "every action gives me chances to challenge something, not the right to get something". 

In another class, we discussed the following topic: These days, the presence of Japan is gradually dropping in many points. How do we survive in that situation? Although a challenging problem, we generated several ideas. I will briefly mention how I would address this problem in the final section.

English language class at NUS designed specifically for Nagoya University students

Takashi Katsuragi, CEO of Rakuten Asia, gives a talk to students

Second, I had an eye-opening experience visiting several well-known companies such as Google, AWS, Toyota Tsusho, and Microsoft. I would not have had such an opportunity in Japan. These visits gave me a glimpse into the environment and working style of these companies. Google made a significant impression on me. Before I visited and talked to workers, my image of Google was a strict environment in which employees dedicate their lives to the company and always work for profit. This image reflects the Japanese belief that considerable dedication to studying and working is necessary to get a job at major companies. In contrast, employees in the Singapore office appear to enjoy their job. They also come from diverse backgrounds. For example, one person previously worked as a junior high school teacher in Japan. The difference between Japan and Singapore sparked new ideas and suggested hints at how to improve my life.

Nagoya University students and employees at Google headquarters in Singapore

Third, during my Singapore trip, I met several entrepreneurs and learned many ideas about entrepreneurship. Some classes were held in Block 71, a NUS facility with offices for entrepreneurs. Nagoya University, in fact, also has an office there. During a break from class, I met some entrepreneurs at Block 71. A big difference between Singapore and Japan is the passion for the future of their country. At Nagoya University, entrepreneurship is regarded as a specialized area with few people involved. Recently, the government has been more supportive of entrepreneurs, but the number of individuals venturing into entrepreneurship has remained consistently low. Generally speaking, innovation requires a profound passion for the future. Talking to the entrepreneurs, I thought about the importance of passion in entrepreneurship as one means to improve Japan's international standing. Such a passion should generate progress. To improve Japan's prospects for the future, Japanese citizens must act.

Question and answer session with an entrepreneur at NUS

During my stay in Singapore, I was consistently inspired by the people I encountered and was able to expand my network. These two invaluable factors contributed significantly to my appreciation of the program. As stated previously, the primary focus of this initiative was to improve Japan's global standing. Each participant examined this challenge from various angles, including gender issues, mindset changes, and entrepreneurial innovation. Through my studies at NUS and numerous conversations in Singapore, I gained valuable insight into Japan's prospects, which have since influenced my actions. Utilizing these newfound understandings, I eagerly anticipate the next steps in my journey. I strongly recommend that fellow students of the School of Informatics consider participating in this program.

Written by Makoto Depontes

All photos by Makoto Depontes