introductory essay
Have you heard about our innovative efforts to expand educational and employment opportunities for people with disabilities and to create a society where everyone can play an active role?
This seminar will welcome entrepreneur Shashank Awasthi from India, who will introduce the forefront of “disability-inclusive innovation” that is advancing in South and Southeast Asia.
As co-founder of v-shesh, a start-up company that provides employment support services for people with disabilities, Mr. Awasthi continues to take on the challenge of solving social issues through business. This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from him about his experiences in the field and concrete solutions to overcome challenges faced by people with disabilities.
In addition to JICA, we will be joined by the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), which has been working with JICA for many years, and Digi-Riha Corporation, which is committed to value creation through innovation. which is engaged in value creation through innovation, will join us for a panel discussion.
We look forward to your participation.
Outline of the event
Date: Friday, December 19, 2025, 16:00-17:45 (Japan time)
Method: Hybrid of face-to-face (JICA Kojimachi HQ* Conference Room 113) and online (Zoom)
*Nibancho Center Building, 5-25 Nibancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Draft Program:
16:00 Opening Remarks (Shohei Hara, JICA Executive Director)
16:10 Presentation by Mr. Shashank Awasthi
16:40 Panel discussion with Asia Pacific Center for Persons with Disabilities and Digireha, Inc.
Moderator: Kenji Kuno, JICA International Cooperation Specialist
17:15 Q&A session
17:45 Closing remarks
18:00 Networking session (18:30 end)
Guest Speaker: Shashank Awasthi:
He is co-founder of v-shesh and Anyssa Venture Capital. Mr. Awasthi is co-founder of v-shesh, an award-winning impact company in India and abroad that helps people with disabilities access education, training, and quality jobs, and supports organizations that advance the employment inclusion of people with disabilities. v-shesh supports the inclusion efforts of over 500 leading companies worldwide. and has received the National Award for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities from the President of India (2016).
Mr. Awasthi is also a co-founder of Anyssa Venture Capital, which is launching a unique fund dedicated to disability inclusion in Asia. In addition, Mr. Awasthi serves on the Inclusive Education Policy Development Committee at the National Institute of Open Learning, the world’s largest open schooling platform.
Panelists:
Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD): Mr. Wacharapong Chuenchalong, Chief of Networking and Collaboration
She was born in Looi, Northeastern Thailand. She holds a B.A. and M.A. in English Studies from Looi Rajabhat University. After working as a librarian, she joined APCD in 2010. She is the Chief of Networking & Collaboration and manages the Project Cycle Training.
Kanako Nakamura, Director, Digireha Inc.
Physical therapist. Graduated from Kitasato University. She was in charge of emergency, orthopedic, internal and neurological diseases of adults and the elderly as well as NICU and day care rehabilitation of children with disabilities at a university hospital. She also worked in the NICU and the day-care rehabilitation of children with disabilities. He then joined the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) and worked at a special needs school in Guatemala, Central America. She completed a master’s course in disability studies at the University of Leeds in the UK.
Information Security and Interpretation
Japanese-English interpreters will be provided.
Sign language interpretation, PC text interpretation, and provision of electronic data in advance will be available. If you wish to use these services, please register your interest in these services by Wednesday, December 5, 2012, in the registration Forms below.
*Please note that printed materials will not be distributed on the day of the event.
contact information (for inquiries) (e.g. corporate phone number)
■Conference Content Inquiries
Social Security Team, Human Development Department: Eriko Kobayashi [email protected]
Application Forms (Deadline: Wednesday, December 17, 2025, 17:00 (Japan time))
https://forms.office.com/r/9rCSF6unpz
*If you have difficulty applying through the above Forms, please contact us at the e-mail address provided with your name and affiliation.
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