Lahore-UNS: A dynamic and highly informative awareness seminar on “Japanese Language as a Career Path for Pakistani Youth” was successfully held at the University of Central Punjab (UCP), Lahore. The event drew enthusiastic participation from over 200 students, educators, and professionals across various disciplines, all eager to explore career and educational opportunities in Japan.
Organized under the national framework of the Japan Career Pathway Program, the seminar aimed to guide Pakistani youth toward professional growth through Japanese language proficiency, cultural understanding, and access to scholarships and job markets.
The session featured distinguished speakers including Ms. Sitara Arif, National Director / Country Head (Federal Ministry of Education) and President of the Pakistan Japan Socioeconomic Association (PJSA), Mr. Muhammad Basharat, Executive Member PJSA, and Ms. Sajjal Rehman, Corporate Head Coordinator, who collectively shed light on the growing demand for Japanese-speaking professionals in sectors like IT, healthcare, hospitality, and engineering.
In continuation of its mission, PJSA also aims to launch tailored incentives for female students and trainers, fostering women empowerment through Japanese language education and global career facilitation. Participants were informed about outstanding options such as the MEXT Scholarship, Japan’s JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) framework, and the Japan Cultural Understandings paradigm. ‘JASSO’ this scholarship was also introduced, Sitara Arif highlighted and introduced various incentives for women and empower them to come forward for adopting the career of Japan as this country pays the highest security and social respect. The speakers also emphasized how cultural adaptability and language fluency serve as keys to unlocking meaningful employment and higher education in Japan.
In his keynote address, Prof. Dr. Khalid Manzoor Butt, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences, UCP, highlighted the strategic importance of Japan in global career landscapes, stating:
“You’ve already invested 14 years of your life in education. Now, just 6–8 more months of focused effort toward Japanese language and skills can entirely redefine your future.”
Ms. Sitara Arif passionately urged the students to view Japan as more than just a destination:
“Japan is one of the most civilized countries in the world. With determination, you can achieve not only high earnings and structured living, but also deep personal growth, peace, and a refined life. In Japan, you will truly meet yourself.”
The seminar concluded with a great networking opportunities, and an invitation to future training programs and seminars to be held under the PJSA, Embassy of Japan Islamabad and Federal Education Ministry, government of Pakistan’s initiative.
