TRENTON, NJ – Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey recently embarked on a nine-day Economic Trade Mission to East Asia, focusing his efforts on Japan and South Korea to bolster economic ties and explore educational and research collaborations between these nations and New Jersey.
The mission initiated on a positive note in Japan, with Gov. Murphy witnessing the signing of several pivotal research agreements between eminent educational institutions from both regions.
On the Japanese leg of his mission, Gov. Murphy oversaw the forging of partnerships between Rowan University and both Shibaura Institute of Technology and Sekisui Chemical, a renowned global plastic manufacturer. Additionally, agreements were made between Kean University and Osaka University of Economics, aiming to bolster urban research initiatives.
The Governor also took part in reaffirming an agreement between Princeton University and the University of Tokyo. These alliances are anticipated to foster a rich exchange of ideas and resources, ultimately driving forward technological advancements and research innovations.
Subsequently, Gov. Murphy transitioned to South Korea, where he met with key political figures including the President of South Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol, and the Mayor of Seoul, Oh Se-hoon.
This meeting transpired on the first full day of his South Korean visit, marking the second phase of the 2023 New Jersey East Asia Economic Mission.
An important highlight of his visit to South Korea was the announcement of the expansion of a partnership between Rutgers and Seoul National University.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed to broaden an existing agreement, principally to enlarge student exchange opportunities, which was initially established in 2009. This expansion is seen as a significant step toward fostering global academic cooperation and enhancing the educational experiences for students from both universities.
Additionally, during the mission, Gov. Murphy actively showcased New Jersey to Japanese business leaders, hinting at the creation of new job opportunities in the state as a result of these international engagements.
The engagements are part of a broader initiative aimed at bolstering New Jersey’s economic and educational standing on the global stage, fostering long-term benefits for the state and its academic institutions.