On January 13, 2026, APIE held an online information and onboarding session as part of the preparations for APIE Core Course Batch 08. The session was designed to support students who have already registered, as well as those considering participation, by helping them prepare for the start of the course.
This session was the first of two information sessions scheduled ahead of Batch 08, reflecting an effort to provide additional guidance and clarity before the course begins.
The session was opened by SOI Asia director Keiko Okawa, who welcomed participants and introduced the objectives and overall structure of the APIE Core Course. More than 40 students joined the session, representing partner universities across Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam. This batch also marks the first time students from Laos are joining the APIE program, further broadening the regional participation of the course.
A key focus of the session was onboarding and readiness. The APIE team walked participants through the main platforms and tools used throughout the course, including:
- SOI Asia accounts, mainly used for managing digital badges
- FutureLearn, where the core course content is delivered
- Google accounts, used for accessing course materials and managing attendance
Keiko also explained the course structure, schedule, and learning flow, with particular attention to time zone differences across the region. The session concluded with a short Q&A, addressing questions from participants related mainly to scheduling and participation.
The meeting closed with a group photo, marking an early moment of connection among participants as they prepare to begin the Batch 08 learning journey.
