Author: Inge Odendaal Stellenbosch University Japan Centre kickstarted 2024 with its first research forum titled “Japanese Industry and Development in Africa.” In January, the SUJC, with the support of a grant from the Toshiba International Foundation (TIFO), hosted this forum which focused on addressing the understudied topic of the influence of Japanese businesses on African…
Author: Inge Odendaal
Author: Inge Odendaal Artificial intelligence (AI) reach is widespread, affecting many sectors across public and private spheres, both positively and negatively. Through the Hiroshima AI Process, G7 members have recognized the real-life implications of both AI and generative AI’s immense potential.[1] It can drive innovation, upskill workers, stimulate entrepreneurship, and improve healthcare outcomes and system…
Author: Inge Odendaal In the past year, the debate over artificial intelligence (AI) has shifted from whether to regulate[1] it to how to regulate it effectively. Governments worldwide are grappling with the challenge of establishing regulations that can keep pace with the rapid developments in AI, respect state sovereignty, and establish international norms and practices.…
Author: Inge Odendaal Stellenbosch University (SU) is a member of the International Network of Universities (INU), a global consortium dedicated to promoting international collaboration and innovation in higher education. In August, this network hosted two events: the International Student Seminar for Global Citizenship and Peace and the INU Leaders’ Summit. These events took place in…
Author: Inge Odendaal The launch of ChatGPT, a generative artificial intelligence (AI) tool, has been a watershed moment.[1] In just two months after its release in November 2022, it attracted over 100 million users, propelling generative AI into the mainstream and expanding accessibility.[2] This impact extends to Japan, where its influence on society has been…
In this interview, Scarlett Cornelissen, SUJC director, engages in a discussion with ‘Japan Up Close,’ the online magazine of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). The discussion focuses on the longstanding diplomatic ties between Japan and African states, and Japan’s development cooperation with Africa. There is also discussion of the implications of these relations and the…
Author: Inge Odendaal The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on the global travel industry, leading to the implementation of stringent border controls and travel restrictions worldwide. Japan, like many other countries, took measures to contain the virus, resulting in significant disruptions to its tourism sector. These measures had far-reaching consequences, including a sharp decline…
Author: Inge Odendaal Japan is bidding farewell to its COVID-19 policies and restrictions. Since early 2020, the country has implemented various measures to control the spread of the virus, including border closures, population movement restrictions, mask mandates, and a shift to online education and teleworking.[1]Japanese residents restructured their lives to avoid closed and crowded places…
Author: Emma Ruiters In recent years, Japanese Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has been rising in African countries. A new development has been that Japanese FDI has been flowing to information and communications technology (ICT) & Digital Technologies. African countries are growing rapidly which is likely underpinning rising investment, but African economic development is already demonstrating…