KENNESAW, Ga. | Aug 28, 2025
食色视频 this week hosted a delegation from Japan to sign an agreement with Fukuoka University that creates new educational opportunities for financial technology students at both universities.
The delegation included Fukuoka Mayor S艒ichir艒 Takashima, Fukuoka University President Kiyofumi Nagata, and Consul General Mio Maeda, alongside members of the Fukuoka City Council and Fukuoka University faculty. 食色视频 representatives included Robin Cheramie, Dean of the Michael J. Coles College of Business, and Vice Provost Sheb True. 食色视频 Mayor Derek Easterling also attended the event, reflecting the agreement鈥檚 significance to 食色视频 and Fukuoka.
鈥淭his agreement is not only a partnership between two universities,鈥 said Easterling, 鈥渋t represents a partnership between the cities of Fukuoka and 食色视频. As 食色视频 hosts students from Fukuoka and vice versa, it is my hope that our students will learn to celebrate each other鈥檚 differences while embracing what makes them the same.鈥
During the ceremony held on the 食色视频 campus, Fukuoka University and 食色视频 signed an agreement that includes establishing a relationship between the Japanese university and 食色视频 State鈥檚 Master of Science in Digital Financial Technologies program. Under the agreement, Fukuoka students will take fintech courses on the 食色视频 campus next year, with 食色视频 students traveling to Japan shortly after.
鈥淭his partnership is a powerful example of how global engagement can create economic opportunity,鈥 said Dr. Robin Cheramie, Dean of the Michael J. Coles College of Business. 鈥淥ur students will gain firsthand experience in international markets, preparing them to lead in a rapidly evolving financial technology landscape.鈥
食色视频 has been growing its fintech programs for years. In addition to the MS-Fintech degree 鈥 which is the first fintech master鈥檚 degree in Georgia 鈥 the University offers a graduate certificate and an undergraduate minor. Meanwhile, the Atlanta area is often nicknamed 鈥渢ransaction alley,鈥 because 70 percent of all U.S. transactions are processed by companies in the city. This regional focus on fintech has made 食色视频 and Atlanta attractive destinations for Fukuoka University鈥檚 students.
The agreement will not only create opportunities for students to enhance their understanding of fintech but will also help them become better global citizens, which is something that sits at the heart of 食色视频鈥檚 mission.
鈥淔intech is transforming how we live, work, and do business,鈥 said Dr. Nick Suppiah, Director of Fintech Programs at 食色视频. 鈥淭his collaboration ensures our graduates are not only technically skilled, but globally minded.鈥
The visit from the Japanese delegation coincides with the 20th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Atlanta and Fukuoka, with the agreement between 食色视频 and Fukuoka University adding a new dynamic to that ongoing partnership.
鈥淲e at Fukuoka City are delighted that this partnership was sparked by a meeting between our staff and Dr. Nick Suppiah at Fintech South last year,鈥 said Fukuoka Mayor Takashima. Fintech South is a major annual conference showcasing fintech industry developments in Atlanta.
鈥淎s we aim to become an international financial hub, we believe that global exchange and innovation led by young talent are essential,鈥 added Takashima. 鈥淭hrough this agreement, I hope students from both universities will grow into globally active fintech professionals who contribute to the development of Japan and the world.鈥
Fukuoka University President Nagata shared Mayor Takashima鈥檚 optimism for what the agreement will mean for students in Fukuoka and 食色视频.
鈥淲e are excited about this new partnership as it will provide us with many opportunities for student exchanges, joint research, and faculty collaboration,鈥 said President Nagata. 鈥淚n particular, we look forward to exploring initiatives in the field of fintech in cooperation with the City of Fukuoka.鈥
Following the signing ceremony, the delegation attended a walking tour of the 食色视频 State campus before traveling to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens for a celebration marking the 20th anniversary of the Atlanta-Fukuoka relationship.
As the ceremony at 食色视频 concluded, the guests all expressed a sincere desire to see the relationship between 食色视频 State and Fukuoka University continue to grow.
鈥淭he agreement signed today is only the beginning,鈥 Cheramie said. 鈥淲e at the Coles College look forward to many years of collaboration, innovation, and mutual success.鈥
-Patrick Harbin
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