Japan-Singapore Diplomatic Relations 50th Anniversary Commemoration: Sports Conference Held

On May 2, the "Sports Conference" (Organized by: SJ50 Sports Conference Executive Committee; Sponsored by: All Nippon Airways, ASICS, Canon, Eishinkan, Mitsubishi Electric, WakuWaku Japan, Yakult; Planned, Implemented, and Operated by: Dentsu Inc. Sports Asia) was held at the Sports Hub, Singapore's largest stadium. The event commemorated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Singapore and aimed to boost enthusiasm for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Southeast Asia, including Singapore.

The event began with a signing ceremony for a cooperation agreement between the Japan Sports Agency and the Singapore Sports Council. Kazumi Daito, President of the Japan Sports Agency, delivered opening remarks. Speakers included Japan's Olympic men's swimming gold medalist and current Sports Agency Commissioner Daichi Suzuki, and women's marathon silver medalist Yuko Arimori. From Singapore, speakers included Singapore Sports Council CEO Lim Tek Eng and Asian Games men's swimming gold medalist Ong Peng Siong. They discussed sports and education in Japan and Singapore, doping issues, and other topics. Additionally, a panel discussion by the Tsukuba International Academy of Sports (TIAS) was held, with 360 participants from sports-related organizations in both countries listening intently.

Following the conference, TIAS hosted a swimming clinic where children from various countries deepened their friendship through swimming.