Meghalaya Inks MoU with Japan’s Asean One to Open Global Employment Pathways for Youth

EduNe Bureau

Shillong:  The Government of Meghalaya has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japan’s Asean One Co. Ltd. to create international career opportunities for its youth.

The agreement, formalized in Tokyo on September 5 through the Meghalaya State Skill Development Society (MSSDS), builds on Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma’s official visit to Japan in April 2025, where he outlined a vision for global skill development and workforce mobility.

The partnership will focus on equipping Meghalaya’s young workforce for Japan’s high-demand sectors such as healthcare, caregiving, hospitality, and information technology. It also includes Japanese language training and cultural integration programs to help candidates adapt to life and work in Japan. The initiative will begin with 500 candidates in its first year, scaling up to 5,000 placements over the next five years.

Speaking at the Indian Embassy in Tokyo, Meghalaya’s Labour, Employment & Skill Development Minister Shakliar Warjri said, “This MoU is not just an agreement; it is a gateway for our young people to access international careers while deepening the cultural and economic ties between Meghalaya and Japan.”

Asean One Japan, under the leadership of Chairman and CEO Toshiaki Nishikawa, has been actively building workforce mobility solutions between India and Japan. Nishikawa also engaged with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 15th India–Japan Annual Summit in Tokyo last month, highlighting the alignment of this initiative with India’s ambition to emerge as a Global Skill Hub.

With Japan facing acute labour shortages due to its ageing population, the agreement reflects a timely opportunity for Meghalaya to position its youth as globally competitive professionals. It also signals a deepening of India–Japan cooperation in skilling, employment, and cultural exchange.