January 22-23, 2026 International Collaborative Symposium & Workshop
Global Advancement of Skills Systematization and Micro-credentials
Exploring the Transition to a Skills-Based Society in Response to Global Labor Market Transformation
AI translation (Japanese-English) available | Speakers will present in English
Register Now
Understanding International Trends
Provide participants with international best practices and challenges in skill systematization and micro-credential implementation through examples from the UK, Australia, Singapore, and Thailand.
Clarifying Policy Issues
Together with participants, organize specific policy issues regarding governance, funding, and certification methods to meet labor market needs. In particular, explore what insights overseas cases offer regarding the challenges highlighted in the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's analysis report.
Promoting Industry-Academia-Government Collaboration
Facilitate dialogue and networking among industry, educational institutions, and government officials, creating a foundation for practical cooperation toward building Japan's skill ecosystem.
International Symposium Day 1 & Workshop Day 2
1
January 22, 2026 (Thursday)
14:00 - 18:00
(Reception opens 13:30)
Overview of global skills-first policies and micro-credential operations (Seminar format)
2
January 23, 2026 (Friday)
10:00 - 12:30
(Reception opens 9:30)
Exchanging opinions on the prospects of a skills-based society and implications for Japan, introducing the Skills-First Readiness and Adoption Index by organizations like OECD (Workshop format)
Venue
Hybrid event (On-site/Online *Online on January 22 only)
On-site
(January 22) Kansai University Tokyo Center Conference Room (Sapia Tower 9F, 1-7-12 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
Online
Zoom (January 22 only)
100
Capacity (Jan 22)
Seminar format
50
Capacity (Jan 23)
Workshop format
Organizers
  • Japan Micro-Credential Organization
  • JSPS KAKENHI Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B) "Empirical Study on Micro-credential Operation in University Networks in the Asia-Pacific Region"
  • JIGE (Japan hub for Innovative Global Education) / Kansai University
  • Japan Council for Open Online Education
Endorsed by
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (application pending), Research Consortium for International Education (RECSIE), Open Badge Network
Registration Form
Register Now
Access the registration form from the link below.
https://forms.gle/WHUM2jLQznrmdjsTA
Invited Speaker

Michele Tuccio (Ph.D)
Senior Economist, OECD Employment, Labour and Social Affairs Directorate
Leads adult learning and skills policy, involved in designing systems such as micro-credentials and individual learning accounts. Has conducted research on skills intelligence, green transition, and recognition of prior learning, and provides policy advice to member countries. Previously worked at the World Bank (Washington D.C.) and the International Labour Organization (ILO / Jakarta).

Christopher Ziguras
Director, Centre for the Study of Higher Education, University of Melbourne
Leads research and policy development in international higher education. Conducts research on key themes such as the international diffusion of policies and regulations, cross-border educational mobility, digitalization of education, and international recognition of professional qualifications. Carries out a wide range of collaborations and projects with UNESCO, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the British Council, APEC, and others, promoting research, education, and policy support.
Jos Beelen（Ph.D）
The Hague University of Applied Sciences（Netherlands）
Professor of Global Learning
Reinout Klamer（Ph.D）
The Hague University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands)
Virtual Collaboration Coordinator
Alfonso Díaz Segura（Ph.D）
Fundación Universitaria San Pablo CEU (Spain) / CEU Educational Group
Corporate Director of Business Operations, Marketing, and Internationalization
Jintavee Khlaisang（Ed.D）
Chulalongkorn University (Thailand) / Thailand Cyber University Project (MHESI)
Professor, Department of Educational Technology and Communications, Faculty of Education / Director
Thapanee Thammetar（Ph.D）
Silpakorn University (Thailand) / Thailand Cyber University Project (MHESI)
Associate Professor, Faculty of Education / Senior Advisor
January 22 (Thursday)
Location: Kansai University Tokyo Center Conference Room (Sapia Tower 9F, 1-7-12 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) & Zoom
Access: JR Tokyo Station Nihonbashi Exit, Tokyo Metro Otemachi Station Exit B7 closest
(No walk-ins on the day, registration required)
Section Meeting 16:45-17:30 (In-person only)
Room A
16:45-17:30
Session for Universities "Utilization of MC in Universities"
Room B
16:45-17:30
Session for Corporations "Significance of MC in a Skill-Based Society"

17:30-18:00
Concluding Discussion / Networking Session
Participants from both rooms reconvene to share discussion outcomes and foster networking among attendees.
Friday, January 23: Workshop Format
[Practical Approach to a Skills-First Society]
Micro-credential Workshop
Location: Chiba University Sumida Satellite Campus (1-19-1 Bunka, Sumida-ku, Tokyo)
Access　Nearest to Tobu Kameido Line Omurai Station, 10 minutes by bus from Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line Oshiage Station
Time
10:00-12:30
Program
Examine how a skills-first approach (focusing on capabilities rather than degrees) can help alleviate talent shortages, uncover hidden potential, and build a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
Outline practical steps organizations can take to begin this transition, from gradually adapting recruitment and performance management practices to redesigning training and leadership models around demonstrable capabilities. Also, focus on how governments can strengthen the frameworks, data systems, and institutional support needed to ensure consistency and scalability of these initiatives across the labor market. Showcase successful case studies from around the world, including data from the newly released OECD/SUSS-IAL Skills-First Readiness and Adoption Index. The event will be conducted in a workshop format after a short presentation.
Please access the registration form from the link below.
https://forms.gle/WHUM2jLQznrmdjsTA
Guest Speakers
The following experts will speak at the workshop on the 23rd.
Michele Tuccio (Ph.D)
Senior Economist, Skills and Future Readiness Division, Directorate for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs, OECD
Christopher Ziguras
Professor, Director of Centre for the Study of Higher Education, Faculty of Education, Melbourne University
Inquiries
For questions or inquiries regarding the symposium, please contact us at the details below.

Japan Micro-credential Organization Secretariat
We look forward to your participation!