Mitsui Educational Foundation (MEF) was established in 1971 by the former Chairman and Managing Director of Mitsui & Co. (Australia) Ltd, Mr Ken Ejiri AC. The purpose of the foundation is to build stronger ties and promote mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and Australia, by introducing Australian university students to Japanese culture, history, business, industry, and contemporary lifestyles through an annual study tour in Japan. Since its first program in 1972, a total of 388 Australian university students have travelled to Japan with MEF.
This year we celebrated the 50th anniversary of MEF, with over 170 guests who are closely related to, and have fond memories of, MEF. Close to 100 alumni, representing each decade (1970’s-2010’s), have gathered from across the country to enjoy this significant moment with us, joined by partner universities, MEF Trustees, government officials and Mitsui employees.
The former Australian Ambassador to Japan and currently the Secretary of Department of Foreign Affairs and Trades, Ms Jan Adams AO PSM, The Consul-general of Japan in Melbourne, Mr Junji Shimada, and the President of Australian Japan Business Co-operation Committee, Mr Peter Grey were also in attendance to celebrate this milestone, while we received congratulatory messages from Mitsui’s global CEO, Mr Kenichi Hori, and the Representative Director, Executive Managing Officer, Mr Toru Matsui, who were both involved in MEF programs previously as Mitsui Prospective Employees and spent memorable time with the MEF participants exploring iconic landmarks in Tokyo.
This long-awaited celebration concluded with great success, capturing big smiles on many faces on the day. It was a great opportunity for us to reaffirm the value of MEF as a way to deepen the relationship between Australia and Japan. We will endeavour to contribute to Australian society and community through these inter-cultural opportunities for many years to come.
After 2 years of restrictions due to COVID-19 pandemic, we are resuming this iconic program this year. 8 brilliant students from 8 universities were selected and will travel with us for the program in Japan from 22 November to 13 December 2022.
