The Institution's Japan Cluster has its Inauguration Ceremony and Member Reception

The Institution's North East Asia Region launches its Japan Cluster as part of an Inauguration Ceremony and Member Reception in Tokyo

On 24 March 2015, the inauguration ceremony of the North East Asia Region (NEAR) Japan Cluster was held at British Embassy Tokyo.

The inauguration ceremony marked the official launch of the NEAR Japan Cluster. As one of the fastest growing professional engineering institutions with operations around the world, the launch of the Japan Cluster offers new opportunities for the Institution to support and interact with engineers in Japan, while providing a new platform for Japanese engineers to share their experiences with the world.

The Japan Cluster is also supported by members from both local industry and academia, and on the same day as the inauguration ceremony, an office use agreement was signed between NEAR Japan Cluster and Ubisense, promising better resources for the work of volunteers in Japan.

The inauguration ceremony and reception were attended by more than 75 guests including local members, local industry leaders, as well as local volunteers and ISB delegation of the Institution.



Ms Elizabeth Hogben, First Secretary, Science and Innovation of British Embassy Tokyo gave a welcome speech on this important occasion, followed by an opening speech by the Institution's Head of International Development, Mrs Joanna Horton. The NEAR Chairman, Mr WK Chow then presented the Japan Cluster Certificate to the Japan Country Representative, Prof Masaoshi Akiyama, before giving an overview of NEAR to all the guests.



Finally, the vision and activity plan of the newly established Japan Cluster were presented by the Japan Country Representatives, Prof Masaoshi Akiyama and Prof Takashi Kuboki, and the Japan Cluster Coordinator Mr Michael Ebina. The ceremony was concluded with a set of three toasts and a group photo with all the guests and members, followed by an enjoyable evening of delicious food and drinks served at the British Embassy.

You can go to the North East Asia Region's NearYou site to read more about the Institution's latest activities and events in the Region.