Experiencing JAPAN through CICC Training

by Maria Teresita Macanas Semana
Chief, OPPRI-Management Information Systems Division
Commission on Higher Education (CHED)

It all started with a dream... A dream to go to Japan and experience how a
great nation was developed from the ruins of the world war into one of the most powerful nations in the world.

There are a lot of articles on the impressive things that Japan is doing to make their country known all over the world. It has proven that they have a niche in everything - from communication, cars, computers, education system, robots, gadgets, cosmetics, entertainment, to whatever you can think of. Much more, three of their universities landed on the top ten of the best universities in Asia, of which we, at the higher education, are looking up to. This inculcated in my mind that "TECHNOLOGY is JAPAN". Hence, I have great interest of going there and see for my self the amazing things about Japan and to learn things for me to apply in performing my roles and functions as a government official assigned to handle the computer network and ICT projects of our agency.

As the Philippine Computer Society (PCS) announced the Center of the International Cooperation for Computerization (CICC) Scholarship for Integrated Network Systems Management Course and being a bonafide member of the organization, I applied for the scholarship and went to the tedious process. I was very happy when I was selected among the applicants for the scholarship considering all the processes I have gone through, from the preparation of all the required documents, the medical examination to passport processing, including the seeking of permission from our agency.

Fortunate enough, that this dream is no longer a dream. I left for Japan last 18 September 2001 via JAL and met Ms. Madonna Magbanua (Donna) of Landbank and Ms. Emilyn Fostanes (Ems) of OOCL, my co-participants from our country, who became my constant companions for the entire duration of the training.

The General Orientation Course started last September 19, 2001 at the Seminar Room 11 of the Yokohama Kenshu Center (YKC). There were 37 participants from 18 countries who were divided into two groups - Y21 and Y22. Mr. Ota and Mr. Kawai of YKC facilitated the Opening Ceremony. Mr. Yoshiharu Shimamoto, the General Manager of CICC, and a representative of AOTS were also present to welcome the participants. All the participants were given time for individual introduction highlighting the education, field of work, agency, and areas of interest. After which, the succeeding days were focused on learning the Japanese culture.

All the activities and topics discussed were interesting and informative. However, the Yokohama Expedition and the discussion on Ergonomics facilitated by Mr. Sadao were the favorite topics of the participants aside from the study tours.

The Yokohama Expedition gave each participant the baptism of fire - an initial experience of life in Japan. Everybody had a good experience on exploring Yokohama and communicating with Japanese for the first time. One of the most memorable experiences of this activity was learning how to interact with Japanese. Many of them are accommodating while the others, maybe because of their difficulties in understanding English, preferred to be reserved.

The discussion on Ergonomics was a refreshing activity. Aside from the lectures, the participants were given a chance to apply its principles. Everybody enjoyed the activity and at the same time, YKC was able to get some suggestions on further improvements of their facilities.

Being connected with higher education in the Philippines, I appreciated the study tour in Kyoto University Data Processing Center. We saw their supercomputer which they use for their research and data processing activities. It was emphasized during the discussion that good infrastructure is needed to support the operation of the institution in delivering quality services.

I also appreciated the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge tour. The bridge, tagged as the world's longest suspension bridge, has shown the great effort and determination of the Japan Government in providing innovative technology for its people to improve their living.

It was during the two-week general orientation course, when the participants learned to know each other and were able to build camaraderie among each other. Inspite of different languages, cultures, beliefs, and traditions - there was harmony in the group. Finding new friends was also inevitable.

The Technical Training started with an orientation last 3 October 2001 at Kiku and Sakura Rooms of CICC in Tokyo. This was facilitated by Mr. Yoshiharu Shimamoto, General Manager - CICC Computer Education Division, with Ms. Hiroko Shirakura, Assistant Manager and Ms. Yoko Nakatsuka. The highlights of the orientation focused on the introduction of the participants and instructors, and the general regulations of CICC. The participants were divided accordingly into four technical courses: Object Oriented System Development; Instructional Design Course; Manufacturing and Financial Management System; and Integrated Network System Management. Donna and Ems attended the first two courses respectively. I attended the Integrated Network System Management which was handled by Mr. K. Sadachi and Ms. M. Higuchi of Hitachi Information Academy Co., Ltd.

The course was designed to train system engineers who are in charge of the computer or network systems in their respective companies. It provides discussion on theories and practices about network related topics and hands-on training on network system design and internet/intranet system creation. The types of computer used in this course are the Linux server, Windows NT4.0 server and Windows NT workstation clients. The servers and clients are connected via LAN and the Internet. It is expected that the trainees upon completion of the course can manage their own network system effectively.

I consider the course very timely, as the Commission is about to implement the CHEDLINK starting this first quarter 2002.

Now, as I review the CICC Guidelines for Trainees, I was reminded of the purpose of the training. It was mentioned that the "CICC is grateful if the training is helpful for us to learn technologies from our respective course to contribute in the development of our country's computerization. At the same time, CICC feels happy if we become familiar with the life, culture and custom of Japan."

I believe that the training was a SUCCESS. I have not only learned the technical side but also gained a lot as a person. Experiencing how to live in Japan for 73 days was already an awesome treat. I have seen the beauty of the country, the organized system, the friendliness and discipline of the people and their amazing culture. Meeting dynamic people from Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, India, Jordan, LAO P.D.R., Malaysia, Mexico, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Peru, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam was another treat.

Congratulations to our instructors and to the staff and management of CICC, AOTS, YKC, and PCS for the job well done. Thank you for selecting us to be your trainees for Batch September 2001.

Special thanks are also given to my Director - Dr. Jean C. Tayag, and to the rest of the CHED Administration headed by our Chairperson, Dr. Ester A. Garcia.

Thank you for the opportunity that you have given. Surely, I will keep the good memories and apply the learnings I gained from the training to the best of my capabilities in performing my functions not only for CHED but also in everyway it may fit.

Maraming maraming Salamat po!