We are proud to present the winning essays from the first-ever JENESYS Alumni Essay Contest. 
These essays reflect the personal journeys of alumni from ASEAN and SAARC countries, highlighting how their experiences in Japan have shaped their lives, careers, and aspirations. 
Through their words, we celebrate the lasting impact of international exchange and the enduring connections between Japan and the regions.
We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to everyone who applied.  
Your stories and reflections are a testament to the strength of the JENESYS community and its ongoing contribution to mutual understanding and friendship.

🏅 Awards Recipients 

Grand Prize Winner 
BHANDARI,Roshan 
Country: Nepal 
Program: JENESYS SAARC / Year: 2018  
Essay Title: What JENESYS Means to Me 

  

🥈Excellence Award Recipients 

Aung Si Kyaw  
Country: Myanmar
Program: JENESYS ASEAN / Year: 2022   
Essay Title: How JENESYS Sparked My Global Connection and Vision for Empowering Community 

MAGHUYOP, John Roger
Country: Philippines 
Program: JENESYS ASEAN / Year: 2010  
Essay Title: Change for the Better! 

 

🥉Special Award Recipients 

The Virtual Bridge Award 
CORALDE, Joshua 
Country: Philippines 
Program: JENESYS ASEAN / Year:2022  
Essay Title: Connecting Cultures Beyond Borders: What JENESYS Means to Me 

The Dream Chaser Award 
GARCIA, Jannie Dell 
Country: Philippines 
Program: JENESYS ASEAN / Year:2018  
Essay Title: Indeed, Third Time's a Charm 

 

The Power of Promise Award 
PHOMVICHIT, Xaikhone   
Country: Laos 
Program: JENESYS ASEAN / Year:2022  
Essay Title: A Journey Inspired by Kindness

The Expressive Writing Award 

YANG, Shirley 
Country: Singapore
Program: JENESYS ASEAN / Year:2016  
Essay Title: My Many First Times 

 

We have compiled the winning entries into an essay collection.  Please enjoy reading them through the links below!  

 

JENESYS Alumni Essay contest 2025 : Award Winning Essay Collection (PDF)
＊By clicking on the table of contents within this essay collection, you can directly navigate to the corresponding essay. 

＜Table of Contents＞ 

・Forward  
・Grand Prize: What JENESYS Means to Me 
・Excellence Award: How JENESYS Sparked My Global Connection and Vision for Empowering Community
・Excellence Award: Change for the Better! 
・The Virtual Bridge Award: Connecting Cultures Beyond Borders: What JENESYS Means to Me 
・The Dream Chaser Award: Indeed, Third Time's a Charm 
・The Power of Promise Award: A Journey Inspired by Kindness 
・The Expressive Writing Award: My Many First Times