Event Report: Breakfast Briefing with Minister Lawless

On 24th July, members of the IJCC Board of Directors were invited to attend a special breakfast briefing hosted by Ambassador of Ireland to Japan, Damien Cole at Ireland House in Yotsuya, Tokyo.

Those attending were joined by James Lawless TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. Minister Lawless, was visiting Japan as a part of a mission to promote Ireland's growing international reputation as a leading hub of research and innovation.

At the breakfast briefing we were delighted for the opportunity to speak on Chamber's role in the Ireland Japan business community, and how we foster further development and innovation within the community. In our discussion we touched on our cultural promotion efforts including the Green Ireland Festival, DEI initiatives, as well as our engagements with higher education institutes.

These include our mentorship programme with the University of Limerick and ongoing internship programme in partnership with Temple University Japan.

A valuable discussion was also facilitated by IJCC President Emeritus Matthew Connolly on the legacy of previous government-led graduate programmes, which were the start to many Irish graduates' professional careers both in Japan and Ireland - including many in the IJCC network.

Thank you again to Ambassador Cole, Minister Lawless, and the Embassy of Ireland Tokyo for the opportunity to connect with Minister Lawless during this imporant mission.