Sekolah Pelita Bangsa (SPB) welcomed Professor Hironori Sasada and representatives from Hokkaido University on Saturday, 22 November 2025, for an information session aimed at expanding students’ understanding of international study pathways. The event brought valuable insights to SPB and Cirebon-area students interested in pursuing higher education abroad, particularly in Japan.
Hokkaido University—established in 1876 and located in Sapporo—is one of Japan’s top national universities, recognized worldwide for excellence in research, innovation, and scientific advancement.
Professor Sasada, a distinguished scholar in political economy and East Asian foreign policy, holds degrees from the University of California–Berkeley, the University of California–San Diego, and a Ph.D. from the University of Washington. His visit to Cirebon was inspired by the remarkable performance of two SPB alumni currently studying at Hokkaido University.
“Usually, students come from big cities like Jakarta, but there were two students from a school in Cirebon who were truly outstanding,” he remarked during the session.
One alumna, Asni S, earned a full scholarship to the Integrated Science Program, while Aalia, another SPB graduate, received a scholarship for the Modern Japanese Studies Program (MJSP). Their strong academic performance, involvement in university activities, and overall excellence left a deep impression on Professor Sasada and further highlighted the high-quality education provided at SPB.
The achievements of these alumni reinforce that with strong preparation, perseverance, and a supportive school environment, SPB students can compete at the global level and gain access to world-class education opportunities.
Through this visit, SPB looks forward to strengthening potential collaborations with Hokkaido University. With shared values in academic excellence, international partnership, and student development, both institutions see promising opportunities for future synergy.
