Students & Alumni

Ermek Abdubaliev

Kyrgyz Republic

The Project for Human Resource Development (JDS) Scholar

Why did you choose Ritsumeikan University?

Ritsumeikan University, located in Kansai region, is renowned for its academic excellence, diverse range of programs, faculty expertise, global perspective, cultural significance, resources, and career opportunities. The university consistently ranks among the top universities in Japan and Asia, attracting students seeking a high-caliber education and international experiences. Ritsumeikan offers students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Japan's rich cultural heritage while preparing for successful careers in their chosen fields. Ritsumeikan University offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple disciplines. The university is particularly well-regarded for its programs in economics, international relations, law, business, science, engineering, and the humanities. The university boasts a faculty of accomplished scholars and professionals who are leaders in their respective fields. Students have the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with experts who are actively engaged in research and innovation.

About study in Ritsumeikan University

Studying at Ritsumeikan University's provides a comprehensive academic experience in the field of economics. The curriculum covers diverse topics such as economic theory, quantitative methods, applied economics, and specialized areas like macroeconomics, microeconomics, econometrics, environmental economics etc. Students engage in interdisciplinary approaches, collaborating with faculty and exploring intersections with fields such as sociology and political science. University fosters research through various avenues, including research centers, seminars, and workshops with scholars worldwide. Students undertake thesis projects under faculty mentorship, contributing to the advancement of economic knowledge.

Theme of Master Thesis, About reality of research

Theme of my Master Thesis was: Public-private partnerships for the Kyrgyz Republic based on examples from other countries.
Nowadays, we are trying to cope with the problem of timely and full financing of infrastructure projects. Consider, for instance the energy sector of Kyrgyzstan. Energy is a primary industry of the economy of Kyrgyzstan. Reliable and effective functioning of an electric-power industry, and satisfaction of consumers’ energy demand is a basis for progressive development of the country’s economy. To response to these issues we can search and use different tools to improve this situation. One of such tools is the Public Private Partnerships (PPP). That is why I chose this theme for my Master Thesis

Story about the difficulty that you faced

a. The language barrier:
Armed with my trusty book of Japanese phrases, I ventured into conversations with the locals. It felt like a friendly game of guess the tune—my attempts to communicate resulted in nods and smiles, but the underlying message seemed to be, “We may not fully understand this, but your efforts are charming.”

b. Cultural features:
I can't help but mention the Cultural nuances of my graduation trip to Japan, bringing my own humor into everyday life. Bowing, an essential element of Japanese etiquette, has become a daily physical exercise in precision.

Recommending points about Ritsumeikan University

Situated in the vibrant Kansai region, Ritsumeikan University stands as a beacon of academic excellence, offering an array of programs spanning diverse disciplines. At the heart of Ritsumeikan lies its distinguished faculty, comprised of leaders and innovators in their respective fields. Students benefit from engaging with these accomplished scholars, fostering a culture of research and innovation within the university community. Ritsumeikan's commitment to internationalization is evident through its extensive network of global partnerships, enabling students to participate in exchange programs, internships abroad, and collaborative research initiatives.

Career path after graduation

After graduating university, I came back to Kyrgyzstan in 2020 I got a job at the Jogorku Kenesh (Parliament) of the Kyrgyz Republic, focusing on the country's energy sector. I took on a big challenge: improving the rules and laws about energy in the country. Using what I learned in my thesis about Public Private Partnerships, I suggested new ideas to make Kyrgyzstan's energy future better. One of these ideas was to work with both the government and private companies to build power stations and implement other renewable energy projects.

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