Lanka Nippon BizTech Institute (LNBTI) is proud to announce that Prof. Ananda Kumara, President/Vice Chancellor of LNBTI, has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Japan Association for Global Competency Education (JAGCE) with effect from 1 April 2026.
JAGCE has been playing a key role in global human resource development in Japan, and members from nearly 250 universities are affiliated with the association.
Prof. Kumara has made a longstanding contribution to JAGCE over many years, serving in major leadership roles including Executive Director, Vice President, President, and now Chairperson. Through his active involvement, especially in the area of international exchange, he has helped create valuable opportunities for Japanese university and high school students to interact with young people from Sri Lanka and other countries through academic events organized by the association.
It is understood that this is the first time a non-Japanese member has been appointed to such a senior leadership role, including positions such as President and Chairperson, within JAGCE. This marks a significant milestone in the association’s history and reflects Prof. Kumara’s outstanding contribution to global competency education.
A particularly memorable achievement was the 6th National Conference of JAGCE, held at Meijo University in 2018, which also marked the 5th anniversary of the association. The conference was led mainly by the organizing committee chaired by Prof. Kumara as Executive Committee Chair. With more than 400 participants, it became the largest national conference in JAGCE history at that time.
Prof. Kumara has consistently encouraged young Japanese students to engage in academic and international exchange activities from an early age, ideally from junior high school or high school. At the 2018 conference, he invited many school student presenters, whose participation attracted considerable attention and appreciation from the audience.
In addition to its national conference, JAGCE also conducts regional branch conferences, and LNBTI students and staff have participated online in these prestigious academic activities over the years.
Following his appointment as Chairperson, Prof. Kumara has expressed his commitment to further strengthening JAGCE’s mission by promoting more initiatives that connect Japanese youth with young people from Sri Lanka and other countries.
LNBTI warmly congratulates Prof. Ananda Kumara on this remarkable achievement and wishes him continued success in this important leadership role.