In a major step toward expanding international employment opportunities, the Meghalaya government inaugurated a dedicated Japanese language training centre in Shillong on Monday. The initiative is aimed at preparing the state’s youth for overseas placements in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, and IT. According to officials, the state already sees tangible benefits from overseas skilling. 37 nurses currently working in Japan reportedly send an average of ₹1 lakh per month back to their families, highlighting the long-term economic potential of international employment for Meghalaya’s workforce.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma described the launch as “a very important and a very big step for our state and for our youth,” adding that the programme aspires to enable 10,000 to 15,000 young men and women to work in Japan over time. Addressing the trainees, he said, “You are getting an opportunity which others did not get… the kind of opportunities that will open up is going to be unlimited.”Labour and Employment Minister Methodius Dkhar stated that the institute could serve as a gateway for youth across the North East, while ASEAN Group Chair Nishikwa Toshiaki, partnering with Meghalaya for placements, pledged to facilitate employment in reputable Japanese companies to maximize earnings for candidates.
The training centre follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Meghalaya State Skill Development Society and the ASEAN Group on September 5, 2025, in Japan, with targets to train 500 candidates in the first year and 5,000 over five years.