Research Theme: Impact of Model Household Level Storage Practice, User Training on Post-harvest losses, Producer Price, Income, and Farmers' Preference: Evidence from Onion, Potato Producing Areas in Bangladesh  

My name is Masud Rana. I am from Bangladesh. Currently, I am a PhD. Student at the International Economic Development Program, Hiroshima University, under Agriculture and Rural Development Lab (ARDL) funded by APCU-BARC, PARTNER Program, World Bank. I also completed my Master's Course at IDEC under the JDS Scholarship in 2019-2021. I work as Deputy Program Director at the Department of Agricultural Marketing, Ministry of Agriculture. I have extensive experience with development project preparation and implementation with donor agencies for agricultural marketing development.

Research Theme: The Influence of the Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) Programs on Productivity 

My name is SAN Sras, I am from Cambodia. I am pursuing my PhD, under the JDS Scholarship at the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Science in the International Economic Development Program (IEDP). Back in my home country, I worked as a Director of the Research Unit at the General Secretariat of the National Council for Minimum Wage (GNCMW), Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT).  

Research Theme: The Role of Digital Remittances in Building Community Resilience and Financial Inclusion in South Asia

My name is Ikram Ullah, I am from Pakistan and am currently enrolled in PhD program at the Graduate School of Innovation and Practice for Smart Society, Hiroshima University. In Pakistan, I serve as a lecturer of Economics at Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences (BUITEMS), Quetta. I am also a MEXT scholar which is a Japanese Government Scholarship. Prior to my PhD, I have worked in research projects related to rural urban migration, microfinance, financial inclusion of Afghan refugees, and social networks in the informal economy of Balochistan. 

Research Theme: The Determinants of Poverty in Lao PDR: Evidence from the Sixth Lao Expenditure and Consumption Survey 2018/2019

Hello! My name is Yangxiong, I’m from Laos, you can call me Yang. I’m a PhD. I’m currently pursuing my PhD at the Graduate School of Innovation and Practice for Smart Society, Hiroshima University. In Laos, I work as a data analyst at the Lao Statistics Bureau, Ministry of Planning and Investment.

Research Theme: Revealing Hidden Behaviors in Forest Conservation and Restoration 

I am a forestry professional from the Ministry of Forestry of Indonesia, currently pursuing a PhD at Graduate School of Innovation and Practice for Smart Society, Hiroshima University under the JICA scholarship program. With a background in forestry science, my expertise focuses particularly on mangrove ecology and conservation.

My current research explores navigating behavior in forest conservation in Indonesia, with a focus on understanding the hidden dynamics behind of community in environmental programs. By applying behavioral insights and experimental methods, I aim to uncover the underlying motivations and barriers that shape community participation in conservation efforts—particularly restoration initiatives.

Research Theme: Community-based Climate Action: Evidence from Climate Villages towards a Circular Economy in Indonesia 

I am a PhD student at Graduate School of Innovation and Practice for Smart Society (SMASO). I am also a JICA Scholarship awardee under the Knowledge Co-Creation Program (KCCP) on Climate Change Policy. My current research explores climate change mitigation from waste management perspective, particularly application of evidence-based policy making.

In Indonesia, I serve at the Deputy of Climate Change and Carbon Governance, Ministry of Environment. I also a member of the Secretariat of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Operational Focal Point (OFP) Indonesia, which coordinates GEF Projects to achieve Multilateral Environment Agreements (MEAs) targets, such as UNFCCC, UNCCD, CBD, and Minamata Convention.

Research Theme: ...

I am a Ph.D. student at SMASO Hiroshima University, where I completed my master's degree. I am a member of Asian Center Studies of Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM) in Peru.

 My research theme in development focuses on two main strands: First, identifying constraints for development in Peru, especially in agriculture and rural areas. Second, reducing those constraints for development via innovative solutions.

Research Theme: Climate change adaptation in agriculture

My name is Kazi Khalid Hossain, and I am a Ph.D.  student at the Graduate School of Innovation and Practice for Smart Society at Hiroshima University. Climate change, agricultural economics, and econometric modeling are the focal points of my research. Back home in Bangladesh, I am Assistant Professor at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University in Gopalganj. 

Research Theme: Analysis of the Role of Agricultural Insurance in Agricultural Production in Nepal   

My name is Chen Yang from China. I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Social Innovation Science at the Graduate School of Innovation and Practice for Smart Society, Hiroshima University. My current research interest centers on agricultural insurance, with a particular focus on its role in agricultural production in Nepal. It has been a great pleasure to join the Agriculture and Rural Development Lab. I truly enjoy working alongside my lab mates in Room 513. 

Research Theme: The environmental effects of “Organic Fertilizer Replacing Chemical Fertilizer Policy” in China  

My name is SUN HAOYUE. I’m from China, and I am currently a master's student in the International Economic Development Program. I finished my undergraduate studies at South China Normal University in China. During my undergraduate studies, I participated in some rural development projects. After coming to Hiroshima University, I am now studying more specialized quantitative analysis knowledge, which will further lay a solid foundation for my future career in rural research. 

Research Theme: Impact of Credit Access on Agricultural Input Adoption, Productivity, and Household Food Self-Sufficiency 

My name is Tshering Pem. I am from Bhutan and pursuing a master's under the JDS Scholarship at the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences in the International Economic Development Program. I previously served as Regulatory and Quarantine Officer at the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority under the Royal Government of Bhutan. 

Research Theme: The Importance of the Village Enlightening Program in Disseminating Information to Promote One Village, One Product, Community Tourism, and Arts. 

My name is Pricilia Fonseca from Timor-Leste, and I am currently a master's student in SIS, SmaSo at Hiroshima University under the JDS Program. I completed my undergraduate degree at the National University of Timor-Leste. I am enjoying my time as a member of the ARDL lab and am excited to explore Japan during my stay. It has been a wonderful experience to engage in research and connect with diverse cultures while discovering all that Japan has to offer.

Research Theme: Impact of cooperative-based training on the income of vegetable farmers in Cumilla district of Bangladesh 

My name is Mazumder Md Newaz Sharif. I am from Bangladesh. As a JDS Masters’ fellow I was enrolled in 2024 (Fall) under the International Development Economics Program at Hiroshima University. Before coming to Japan, I had been working in the Bangladesh Civil Service at the Ministry of Rural Development and Cooperatives. I have experience working as a District Cooperative Officer in Brahmanbaria district of Bangladesh. I was involved in the government’s various social safety networks and poverty alleviation projects.

Research Theme: The impact of Authorized Economic Operator Certification on the clearance Time, Volume of products imported and the Cost on the  Importers in Kenya 

My name is Alibashir Ibrahim Abdullahi, I am from Kenya currently pursuing Graduate Studies at Hiroshima University in Japan. I am enrolled in the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences under the International Economic Development Program (IEDP). I am honored to be a recipient of the JDS  Scholarship, which supports my academic journey in exploring global and local development challenges. Back in Kenya, I work for the National Land Commission.

 My academic interests focus on Digital Transformation and Trade Facilitation, particularly in the context of developing economies. My current research examines the impact of Authorized Economic Operator certification on clearance time, volume of products, and cost on the importers in Kenya. This work aims to provide evidence-based insights that can enhance trade efficiency and support economic growth through digital solutions.

 Through my studies and research, I am committed to contributing to sustainable economic development by supporting policy reforms and innovations that promote inclusive growth and international cooperation.

Research theme: Does ISPO certificate enhance the market demand of crude palm oil? 

My name is Hanifah Alfa Cahyani, and I am currently a master's student in Social Innovation Science at the Graduate School of Innovation and Practice for Smart Society, Hiroshima University. I completed my undergraduate degree at Diponegoro University in Indonesia. My research focus is in Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil. Currently, I am thoroughly enjoying and engaging in my research in the ARDL lab, collaborating with my lab mates at 509.  

Research theme: Innovation and Creativity in the Training and Development of the Electric Industry's Human Resources 

 I am Nguyen Hoang Anh from Vietnam. I was admitted to the International Economics Development Program at the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Hiroshima University under the JDS scholarship program. 

Research theme: The Impacts of Remittances, Foreign Direct Investment, Imports, and Reserves on Economic Growth in Bangladesh: An Empirical Analysis  

I am Islam Md Jahedul from Bangladesh. Currently, I am pursuing masters in the International Economic Development Program (IEDP) at Hiroshima University under the JDS scholarship program. Before joining this program, I was a researcher and central banker in External Economics Division at Bangladesh Bank (The Central bank of Bangladesh) since 2020. 

Research theme: Effect of Subsidy on Fruit Production in Nepal: An Economic Perspective 

My name is KAMAL Bahadur Sunar, a JDS scholar (2023-2025) from Nepal. I am a master’s student (Fall) at the Graduate School of Innovation and Practice for smart society at HU. I have completed my B.Sc. Agriculture from the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS), Nepal. I have been working as a plant protection officer under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development of Nepal.

Research theme: Consumers Attitude towards Genetically Modified Food in Bangladesh: Approach of Randomized Controlled Trial

I 'm a Bangladeshi named Md. Amzad Hossain. I am currently pursuing a master's degree through the JDS scholarship program, funded by JICA, Japan, at Hiroshima University’s Graduate School of Innovation and Practice for Smart Society. My research interests include genetically modified food, poverty, sustainable development goals, high-quality education, public health, climate change, and sociological theories, in addition to my work as an educator. Before enrolling in this program, I worked for the Ministry of Education in the Bangladeshi government's civil service.

Research theme: Assessing the Impact of Government Credit Policies on Farmers' Welfare in Rural Punjab: A Study of Income, Profit, and Crop Productivity

My name is Ruqiya Mehmood, currently enrolled at the Graduate School of Innovation and Practice for Smart Society, under Social Innovation Science Program as a master’s student. In Pakistan I am working as an Assistant Meteorologist in Ministry of Aviation.

With my work housed in the Agriculture and Rural Development Lab, my research focuses on key economic indicators such as income, profit margins, and crop productivity among farmers who have access to agricultural credit. By exploring the impact of such credit facilities in the rural regions of Punjab, my aim is to highlight how financial support can directly improve farmer welfare, enhance agricultural productivity, and contribute to rural economic development. Through my research, I intend to provide valuable insights that could improve policy decisions, guiding efforts to strengthen agricultural credit systems and foster greater economic resilience among rural farming communities.

Phyo Thandar Naing (Myanmar)