How JCI Partnerships Elevated the ASPAC 2026 Experience

Every JCI Area Conference is built through the dedication of volunteers, organizers, local partners, and leaders who work together to create an unforgettable experience. Alongside those efforts, JCI's global partners and Club100 members bring expertise, innovation, and opportunities that enrich the conference experience for everyone involved.

Throughout the 2026 JCI Asia-Pacific Conference in Niigata, Japan, six JCI partners contributed across key moments of the event. From the General Assembly to leadership forums, entrepreneurship programs, networking spaces, and AI-powered interpretation, each collaboration created new opportunities for members to learn, connect, and grow.

Each collaboration reflected a shared commitment to developing leaders for a changing world.

Partnerships Take Center Stage

One of the highlights of ASPAC 2026 was the Partnership Ceremony held during the General Assembly, where delegates celebrated organizations that continue to strengthen JCI's mission through collaboration and shared purpose.

The ceremony also marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for JCI with the official announcement and signing of a Global Partnership Agreement with RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools serving professionals in science, healthcare, legal, and risk management.

Representing RELX, Dr. Márcia Balisciano, Global Head of Corporate Responsibility, delivered a keynote address emphasizing the importance of cross-sector collaboration in advancing sustainable development. The official signing ceremony, led by JCI President Alejandra Castillo and JCI Secretary General Elvin Teo alongside Dr. Balisciano, launched a partnership that will connect JCI's global network of young leaders with the RELX SDG Resource Centre, expanding access to trusted research, practical tools, and knowledge that support action toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The ceremony also welcomed BNI Japan, one of JCI's valued global partners. Representing the organization, Mr. Hiroki Sasada, Chairperson of the BNI Japan–JCI Partnership Committee, addressed delegates during the ceremony, highlighting the importance of building meaningful relationships and creating opportunities through collaboration. Following his remarks, BNI Japan received a recognition in appreciation of its continued commitment to supporting JCI and its members.

The celebration concluded by recognizing JCI's Club100 Members present at ASPAC 2026: NMT Group, Techno Drugs, and Matsugashita Metalworks. Representing their organizations were Mrs. Hoyhouy Lay, Mr. Arefeen Raafi Ahmed, and Mr. Hiroshi Matsugashita, who received certificates acknowledging their continued investment in JCI's mission. Throughout the conference, they also participated in exclusive networking opportunities and VIP engagement activities, strengthening relationships with JCI leaders and fellow partners from across the Asia-Pacific region.

Partnerships Beyond the Stage

The impact of JCI's partnerships continued throughout the conference, creating opportunities for learning, collaboration, and meaningful connections.

One of the conference's featured business events was the Business Summit Powered by BNI Japan, which welcomed participants from different countries  interested in strengthening their business leadership and expanding their professional networks. The keynote address was delivered by Hironori Fujimoto, Regional Leader of BNI Tokai CORE Region and President & CEO of Car Match, who shared practical insights on relationship-based business growth, leadership, and referral networking.

Throughout the conference, the BNI Japan booth served as a vibrant meeting point where members connected with representatives, explored collaboration opportunities, and learned more about one of the world's largest business networking organizations.

Behind every successful partnership are dedicated people who transform ideas into action. Throughout ASPAC 2026, Satoshi Iwahashi  and Noisuk (Fon) Saranya from the BNI Japan National Office worked closely with JCI to coordinate activities, support speakers, and create opportunities for meaningful connections. Their dedication helped ensure that the partnership came to life throughout the conference experience.

JCI's Creative Young Entrepreneur (CYE) program showcased another example of partnership in action. Takashi Fukunaga, BNI Japan Advisor, joined the international jury, offering his business expertise and constructive feedback to the competing entrepreneurs. Representing NMT Group, the official sponsor of the CYE program, Mrs. Hoyhouy Lay also served as a jury member and had the honor of presenting the awards to this year's winners. Their participation reflected a shared commitment to encouraging innovation, entrepreneurship, and the continued development of future business leaders.

RELX continued its engagement through the Women in Leadership Forum, where Dr. Márcia Balisciano joined distinguished speakers in a conversation focused on inclusive leadership, corporate responsibility, and creating environments where future leaders can thrive. Her participation brought valuable global perspectives to one of the conference's flagship leadership sessions.

Breaking Language Barriers

ASPAC 2026 also demonstrated how innovation can strengthen international collaboration.

Through its partnership with TransPerfect, JCI introduced AI-powered live interpretation and real-time captions across several of the conference's flagship sessions. Participants were able to follow presentations through live subtitles or audio interpretation using their own mobile devices, creating a more accessible experience for members from different linguistic backgrounds.

The technology supported the Opening Ceremony,  First Timers Orientation,  JCI In Business, JCI Action Framework 2.0, Awards Ceremony, and Closing Ceremony, helping more participants engage with speakers and discussions in real time.

As JCI continues to bring together leaders from around the world, innovative partnerships like this help make international events more inclusive, accessible, and connected.

Looking Ahead

The conversations that began in Niigata will continue long after the conference has ended.

New partnerships have been established. Existing relationships have grown stronger. Fresh ideas have been shared across cultures, industries, and generations. Every connection made during ASPAC 2026 represents another opportunity to create positive change in communities around the world.