Over two days on Monday, August 3 and Tuesday, August 4, a special program titled "AI Translation Class Program 'Borderless'" was held at the East Building of Mita Campus for high school students from Keio University affiliated schools. This program is an experimental initiative designed with the concept of "understanding, thinking, and learning beyond language barriers without relying solely on English proficiency," aiming to realize learning that transcends language barriers and to foster the "ambition" that will open up the students' futures. Although all lectures were conducted in English, by utilizing a real-time AI translation system (CoeFont), students were able to attend the lectures while understanding the content in real time through Japanese translations on screens, their own PCs, and smartphone screens.
During the program, a diverse group of instructors active at the global forefront of international relations, business, and academia took the stage, delivering passionate lectures and Q&A sessions based on their respective fields of expertise and global insights.
Speakers
Izumi Nakamitsu (UN Under-Secretary-General)
H.E. Shihab Ahmed Mohamed Abdulrahim AlFaheem (Ambassador of UAE to Japan)
Miki Tsusaka (President, Microsoft Japan)
Mitsuru Chino (Managing Executive Officer, Itochu Corp.)
Philipp Osten (Professor of Faculty of Law, Keio University)
Kohei Itoh (President, Keio University)
President Itoh gave a lecture on his field of expertise, quantum computing, explaining the evolution and practical examples of quantum computers using familiar examples such as games and map applications. He also mentioned his own career choices and spoke about the importance of taking on various challenges with curiosity, as well as the importance of meeting and interacting with people. In the Q&A session, there were many questions ranging from those about quantum computing to how to find a field that suits oneself, and a lively exchange of questions and answers took place in both Japanese and English.
These two days of direct exposure to the words of leaders active on the world stage provided a valuable opportunity for students to foster high ambitions and a spirit of inquiry for their future international careers. Keio University will continue to provide learning opportunities that incorporate the latest technology and new knowledge, striving to cultivate individuals who will become "leaders of society" with a high sense of purpose and the spirit of "Independence and Self-Respect."