Shillong: Meghalaya State Skill Development Society (MSSDS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japan’s Asean One Co. Ltd. to train and place youth in international careers. The initiative aims to create 5,000 opportunities over the next five years in healthcare, IT, caregiving, and hospitality sectors.
In a significant move to position Meghalaya as a contributor to the global workforce, the state government has forged this partnership at the Indian Embassy in Tokyo starting with 500 candidates to be trained and placed in Japan in the first year.
The partnership aligns with Japan’s growing demand for skilled foreign professionals to address labor shortages. Asean One’s Chairman and CEO, Toshiaki Nishikawa, recently met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting the initiative’s role in supporting India’s vision of becoming a “Global Skill Mecca.”
Officials from both sides emphasized that the agreement enhances Meghalaya’s skill development framework and fosters stronger cooperation between India and Japan in workforce development and international employment mobility.
The agreement is an outcome of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma’s official visit to Japan in April this year, during which he laid out a vision for equipping Meghalaya’s youth with skills tailored for international careers.
Sangma had emphasized the need for expanding state’s engagement with advanced economies such as Japan, which faces a growing demand for skilled professionals in healthcare, caregiving, hospitality, IT, and other service sectors.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony hosted at the Indian Embassy in Tokyo, Shakliar Warjri, Meghalaya’s Minister for Labour, Employment & Skill Development, said, “This MoU is not just an agreement; it is a gateway for our young people to access international careers while deepening the cultural and economic ties between Meghalaya and Japan.”
Asean One Japan, led by Chairman and CEO Toshiaki Nishikawa, has played an active role in building workforce mobility solutions between India and Japan. Nishikawa also held discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 15th India–Japan Annual Summit in Tokyo (August 29–30, 2025), underscoring how this initiative aligns with India’s broader vision of becoming a Global Skill Hub.
Japan’s ageing population and acute labour shortages have prompted Tokyo to strengthen its recruitment of foreign talent, particularly from India. The Meghalaya–Japan partnership reflects this trend, while also highlighting the state’s proactive role in linking its youth with international employment opportunities.
This agreement marks not only a significant boost for Meghalaya’s skilling ecosystem but also strengthens India–Japan cooperation in the areas of workforce development, cultural exchange, and economic mobility.
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