Imphal, August 21, 2026: Nine students of Manipur University are among 16 candidates from the State set to take up employment in different parts of Japan under the State Livelihood Empowerment and Entrepreneurship (SLEE) initiative, marking a significant step in connecting skill-based education in Manipur with international employment opportunities.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh flagged off the 16 candidates at a programme held at the Chief Minister’s Bungalow in Imphal on Friday. Prof. R.K. Hemakumar Singh, Vice-Chancellor (In-charge) of Manipur University, attended the programme along with representatives of the State Government, State Bank of India (SBI), National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Manipur University.
Of the 16 candidates from Manipur, nine are alumni of Manipur University associated with the Department of Vocational Studies and Skill Development (DVSSD). They are Mutum Leishilembi Chanu, Hesleen Maisnam, Dhanapriya Tensubam, Yengkhom Rohit Singh, Timothy Daime, Aribam Tejeshori, Nongmaithem Bidyalaxmi, Angom Anju Chanu and Ningthoujam Daina.
The nine have secured placements with Tokyu Hotel & Resorts Co., Ltd., Japan, reflecting the growing linkage between vocational and skill-based education at Manipur University and employment opportunities in the international market.
Addressing the candidates at the Chief Minister’s Bungalow, Chief Minister Khemchand urged them to remain connected to their roots and take pride in their identity as Manipuris while pursuing their careers abroad.
As a symbolic reminder of their cultural heritage, the Chief Minister presented each candidate with a replica of the Pena, Manipur’s indigenous traditional musical instrument. He said the young candidates would experience a new country, culture, traditions and advanced development in Japan, but should never lose their connection with Manipur and its cultural identity.
Drawing an example from Singapore, CM Khemchand observed that people there take pride in their national identity. Expressing concern that some people in Manipur hesitate to identify themselves as Manipuris, he called for a change in this mindset and urged young people in particular to carry their identity with confidence wherever they go.
Prof. R.K. Hemakumar Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Manipur University, encouraged students and youths to keep pace with emerging trends in skills, technology, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities. He stressed the importance of acquiring relevant skills, adapting to changing professional requirements and remaining open to opportunities beyond the State and the country. He also encouraged young people to gain wider professional exposure while remaining connected to their roots and cultural values.
Among them, Dhanapriya Tensubam, who has secured employment at Miyakojima Tokyu Hotel and Resort in Okinawa, expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister and the agencies involved in facilitating the opportunity. She said she would carry out her professional responsibilities in Japan while remaining proud of her Manipuri roots.
An important component of the flag-off programme was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between SBI and SLEE to facilitate financial support for candidates pursuing overseas skill development and employment opportunities.
Five candidates undergoing Japanese language training have received skill loans from SBI under the initiative. They are Deepa Nongmaithem, Yumnam Linthoingambi Devi, Hongsha Moitungshel, Chuingamla Shinglai and Honleiphy Kashung.
The selected candidates have undergone Japanese language training at the NSDC International Academy and secured employment opportunities in different parts of Japan, including Tokyo, Hokkaido and Okinawa, primarily in the healthcare and hospitality sectors.
The candidates scheduled to leave for Japan during August and September 2026 include youths from different districts of Manipur, including Imphal East, Imphal West, Kakching and Bishnupur.
The overseas placement programme coincided with the observance of World Entrepreneurship Day 2026 by Department of Vocational Studies and Skill Development (DVSSD), Manipur University, on August 21 at the Department’s Training Hall. The programme was organised under the theme “Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Innovation and Inclusive Growth.”
The World Entrepreneurship Day programme focused on innovation, networking, learning, enterprise creation and social impact, encouraging students to look beyond conventional employment and explore entrepreneurship, vocational skills and emerging economic opportunities. Together with the send-off of its Japan-bound alumni, the observance highlighted Manipur University’s emphasis on preparing young people for a rapidly changing employment and entrepreneurial environment.
During the programme, Dr. Nambram Amulkumar, Head, DVSSD expressed the timely intervention of Finance Officer, Manipur University for facilitating student loan from the respective State Bank of India and Bank of Baroda. He also urges parents and guardian to motivate their wards to take this opportunity.
Dr Amulkumar also informed the general public to take advantage of the courses offered by the University which are an opportunity for students seeking job-oriented courses.
The placement of nine Manipur University alumni among the 16 candidates heading to Japan, together with the University’s observance of World Entrepreneurship Day, underscores the importance of connecting higher education with vocational skills, entrepreneurship, language training and international exposure. It also reflects Manipur University’s continuing effort to encourage students to respond to changing employment trends and explore opportunities in an increasingly interconnected global economy.
The programme brought together representatives of the State Government, Manipur University, SBI and NSDC. Among those present were MLA Kh. Joykisan Singh; Prof. R.K. Hemakumar Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Manipur University; Nongmaithem Bandana Devi, Secretary (SLEE), Government of Manipur; Dr. Nambram Amulkumar, Head, DVSSD, Manipur University; Dr. H. Jitenkumar Singh, DVSSD, Manipur University; Ejaz Ahmed, Deputy General Manager, B&O Zonal Office, SBI Shillong; Irengbam Priyokumar Singh, Regional Manager and AGM, RBO Imphal West, SBI; Dr. Meitram Uttam Luwang, LDM Imphal West and Nodal Officer of the SBI scheme; and Masotmi Zimik, State Engagement Officer, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).
