Kennesaw State University has formalized a new partnership with Fukuoka University in Japan to expand educational opportunities in financial technology for students at both institutions. The agreement was signed during a visit from a Japanese delegation, which included Fukuoka Mayor Sōichirō Takashima, Fukuoka University President Kiyofumi Nagata, and Consul General Mio Maeda. Representatives from the City of Kennesaw and KSU faculty also attended.
“This agreement is not only a partnership between two universities,” said Kennesaw Mayor Derek Easterling. “It represents a partnership between the cities of Fukuoka and Kennesaw. As Kennesaw hosts students from Fukuoka and vice versa, it is my hope that our students will learn to celebrate each other’s differences while embracing what makes them the same.”
The collaboration establishes ties between Fukuoka University and KSU’s Master of Science in Digital Financial Technologies program. Under the terms, students from Fukuoka will attend fintech courses at KSU next year, with reciprocal visits planned for KSU students to Japan.
“This partnership is a powerful example of how global engagement can create economic opportunity,” said Dr. Robin Cheramie, Dean of the Michael J. Coles College of Business. “Our students will gain firsthand experience in international markets, preparing them to lead in a rapidly evolving financial technology landscape.”
Kennesaw State has expanded its fintech offerings over recent years by introducing Georgia’s first fintech master’s degree as well as additional graduate certificates and undergraduate minors. The Atlanta region processes about 70 percent of all U.S. transactions through local companies, contributing to its reputation as “transaction alley” and making it an attractive destination for international fintech education.
The initiative aims not only to deepen knowledge in financial technology but also to foster cross-cultural understanding among participants.
“Fintech is transforming how we live, work, and do business,” said Dr. Nick Suppiah, Director of Fintech Programs at KSU. “This collaboration ensures our graduates are not only technically skilled, but globally minded.”
The timing of the agreement coincides with the 20th anniversary of Atlanta’s sister city relationship with Fukuoka. According to Mayor Takashima, the partnership originated after discussions at last year’s Fintech South conference in Atlanta.
“We at Fukuoka City are delighted that this partnership was sparked by a meeting between our staff and Dr. Nick Suppiah at Fintech South last year,” said Takashima.
“As we aim to become an international financial hub, we believe that global exchange and innovation led by young talent are essential,” added Takashima. “Through this agreement, I hope students from both universities will grow into globally active fintech professionals who contribute to the development of Japan and the world.”
Fukuoka University President Nagata expressed enthusiasm for future student exchanges and research initiatives resulting from this collaboration.
“We are excited about this new partnership as it will provide us with many opportunities for student exchanges, joint research, and faculty collaboration,” said President Nagata. “In particular, we look forward to exploring initiatives in the field of fintech in cooperation with the City of Fukuoka.”
After signing the agreement on campus, delegates toured KSU before attending an event celebrating two decades of ties between Atlanta and Fukuoka.
“The agreement signed today is only the beginning,” Cheramie said. “We at the Coles College look forward to many years of collaboration, innovation, and mutual success.”
