UTokyo Alumni Association of Nepal (UTAAN) hosted its “Benkyokai 2025” on March 23, 2025, at the Universal Engineering and Science College in Kathmandu. UTAAN was established in 2016 to benefit its members, strengthen ties with the University of Tokyo, and contribute to Nepal’s development by applying world-class knowledge. The core principles of UTAAN’s mission are knowing, learning, sharing, and supporting. Its Benkyokai serves as a platform for fostering collaboration and mutual support. Linking research outcomes to practical implementation is becoming increasingly important.
Professor Toshiro Nishizawa from GraSPP participated in Benkyokai 2025, reuniting with alumni from the University of Tokyo, including those from GraSPP. Mr. Suman Dahal, a GraSPP alumnus (Class of 2013) and the president of UTAAN, led the team in organizing the Benkyokai and the networking reception.
Professor Nishizawa, a Japan Scholar who was part of the Study in Japan from South Asia program, delivered lectures at Ullens School and Kathmandu University with the support of Mr. Suman Dahal during his stay in Kathmandu.
Many GraSPP alumni in Nepal now hold senior government positions, playing vital roles in policy design and implementation at key organizations, including the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, and Nepal Rastra Bank (the central bank).
Messages of participating GraSPPers
“I felt honored to have the opportunity to participate in the UTAAN Annual Meeting and Benkyokai 2025. I take the esteemed presence of Professor Toshiro Nishizawa in the meeting as evidence of the continued support and commitment of GraSPP, the University of Tokyo and, of course, that of the professor himself to our alumni. Before the meeting, a short and sweet interaction at the Financial Comptroller General Office would contribute to further cooperation between the Government of Nepal and the University.” Nirmal Neupane (Class of 2012)
“The Benkyokai was an enriching experience, providing a platform for insightful discussions among GraSPPers and UTokyo alumni in Nepal. The participation of Professor Nishizawa and Shioyama-san added great value, offering deeper perspectives on global and regional issues. As the president of the UTokyo Alumni Association of Nepal (UTAAN), I see firsthand how challenging it is to coordinate and organize events without direct support from the university. Despite these hurdles, alumni’s strong engagement and enthusiasm reaffirm the importance of such gatherings in strengthening our network and fostering collaboration.” Suman Dahal (Class of 2013)
“Participation in UTAAN Benkyokai 2025 in Kathmandu was quite fruitful in maintaining informal and professional relationships with intellectual elites of diverse areas, viz. Government, Taxation, Audit, Politics, Education, Engineering, Infrastructure, INGOs, etc.” Ram Kumar Timalsina (Class of 2015)
Related articles
What graduation from GraSPP meant to me | GraSPPers Voice (Radhika Aryal, Class of 2012)
GraSPP memoirs: A chapter in my life | GraSPPers Voice (Deepak Dhakal, Class of 2015)
Discover GraSPP for aspiring public policy professionals in Nepal