Japan International Cooperation Centre (JICE) has announced to provide 20 fully-funded scholarships to Pakistan for the officers of the federal government to study at universities in Japan under the project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS). Through this scholarship, 18 scholars for Master’s programme and two scholars for Doctoral programme will be selected from the federal government officers of Pakistan. The newly announced fully-funded scholarship programme will commence from the summer of 2019. To enlighten about this scholarship programme, JICE organised a seminar at the Ministry of Planning, Development & Reforms on Tuesday. The scholarship is launched under the Japanese government’s grant aid project. In the seminar, Economic Affairs Division Deputy Secretary Rashid Sohail, Japanese Embassy Counselor Yuji Tokita and JICA representative Takuya Sei spoke about the newly launched scholarship programme and encouraged the participants, potential applicants to benefit from this opportunity to study in Japan. While speaking on the occasion, Yuji Tokita said, “Through this scholarship, I believe you will give a significant impact on policy making after you return and I do hope the relationship between Pakistan and Japan will be strengthened.” He said it is expected that JDS scholarship for Pakistan will contribute to strengthening administrative organisations and solving development issues through training of Pakistani government officers. An officer of the federal government, who is a graduate from Grips University, made an outstanding and informative presentation during the seminar on his academic achievements and experiences while studying in Japan as well as on the career path as government officer after returning to Pakistan. The participants of the seminar exchanged opinions and asked questions including about studying and life in Japan with family. Published in Daily Times, December 12th 2018.