Okayama University Appoints Associate Professor Ooi Lia as Vice-Chair of UNESCO Chair

May 6, 2026 National University Corporation Okayama University https://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/ ◆ Overview Okayama University (Headquarters: Kita-ku, Okayama City; President: Yasutomo Nasu) has appointed Associate Professor Ooi Lia (Specially Appointed) of the Graduate School of Environmental and Life Sciences as Vice-Chair of the Okayama University UNESCO Chair, effective April 1, 2026. This is the first time a foreign faculty member has been appointed as Vice-Chair of the university's UNESCO Chair. On the same day, an appointment ceremony was held at the university, where Vice President Atsufumi Yokoi (Global Engagement), who is the UNESCO Chair Holder, presented the letter of appointment. Associate Professor Ooi is the research representative for the "Carbohydrate and Plant Biochemistry Course," a joint research program with Nagase Viita Co., Ltd., promoting research focused on the functions of carbohydrates and plants. This research aims to solve global issues such as climate change and food problems, and is expected to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society through industry-academia collaboration. This appointment will further strengthen the international activities of the university's UNESCO Chair, expand research, education, and information dissemination both domestically and internationally through collaboration with local companies, and further accelerate efforts towards realizing a sustainable society. Please continue to look forward to the initiatives of Okayama University: an open regional core and distinctive research university. This matter was released on May 6, 2026. ◆ Comment from Associate Professor Ooi Lia (Specially Appointed) I am deeply honored to be appointed as Vice-Chair of the Okayama University UNESCO Chair. As the head of the "Glycobiology and Plant Chemistry Laboratory," a joint research program between Nagase Viita Co., Ltd. and our university, I intend to contribute to the further development of this initiative and the enhancement of its international influence. Furthermore, I am committed to leveraging my expertise in glycobiology, agricultural science, microbiology, environmental science, and sustainable food systems to collaboratively create new and meaningful value. As Vice-Chair, I am highly motivated to further advance the university's mission of promoting research and education for sustainable development in close cooperation with the United Nations. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, I will strive to generate transformative ideas, nurture the next generation of researchers and leaders, and contribute to the realization of a more sustainable, inclusive, and better society. ◆ About Okayama University UNESCO Chair The Okayama University UNESCO Chair was certified in 2007 as a hub for promoting "Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)" based on UNESCO's "UNESCO Chair/UNITWIN Programme." Its purpose is to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society through education, research, and social collaboration. Currently, Professor Atsufumi Yokoi, Vice President (Global Engagement) of Okayama University, serves as the UNESCO Chair Holder, promoting international collaboration and educational research activities. https://globalengagementoffice.okayama-u.ac.jp/unesco-chair/ Appointment ceremony scene Commemorative photo ◆ References ・Okayama University Global Engagement Center https://globalengagementoffice.okayama-u.ac.jp/ ・Okayama University UNESCO Chair https://globalengagementoffice.okayama-u.ac.jp/unesco-chair/ ・Okayama University Research and Innovation Co-creation Organization https://www.orsd.okayama-u.ac.jp/ ・Nagase Viita Co., Ltd. https://group.nagase.com/viita/ ◆ Reference Information ・[Okayama University] Established joint research course "Carbohydrate and Plant Biochemistry Course" with Nagase Viita Co., Ltd. ~Challenging food problems in the era of global warming by utilizing the power of carbohydrates and plants~ https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003554.000072793.html Okayama University Tsushima Campus (Kita-ku, Okayama City) ◆ Contact for this matter Okayama University Global Engagement Center, Contact: Harada, Tsunami 2-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture 700-8530 Okayama University Tsushima Campus TEL: 086-251-8326 (Planning Department, International Planning Division) https://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/tp/news/news_id15250.html Okayama University Hospital New Medical Research and Development Center 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture 700-8558 Please inquire about relevant cases from the URL below http