AGIA has always adopted knowledge-sharing as an effective tool to foster collective intelligence and nurture innovation. More than the mere exchange of information, it is a dynamic process that enriches not only the individual participants but the entire organization.
For CY 2025, the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA)-Japan served as host for the knowledge-sharing and benchmarking activities of the AGIA on May 22, 2025 at the IIA Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. As centers of learning, the IIA-J and AGIA both serve as backbone for skills development, professional advancement, and the cultivation of expertise in internal auditing practice in the private and public sector, respectively.
The AGIA team was welcomed by Mr. Koji Watanabe, IIA-Japan General Manager and Mr. Toru Hanada, Manager, Planning Group, Planning and Research Department. Mr. Watanabe set the tone by explaining the purpose of the activity, followed by the formal introduction, via ppt presentations, of IIA-J and AGIA by Mr. Hanada and AGIA President Dinah E. Pichay, respectively. Mr. Hanada discussed IIA-J’s extensive training programs that include certification courses, self-paced learning modules and ladderized training courses, which AGIA hopes to incorporate and adopt in the future. For her part, Pres. Pichay shared the current status and the challenges in internal auditing in the Philippine public sector.
One of the highlights of the day’s activity was the question-and-answer hour with two (2) invited IA practitioners in Japan: Mr. Tadashi Tominaga, Audit & Supervisory Board Member, Anicom Insurance, Inc. and Ms. Mari Yonezawa, General Manager, Head of Global Internal Audit Office, Asteomo Inc. This session provided a venue for AGIA participants to learn about Japan’s private and public internal audit regulatory framework, the extent of government’s IA oversight, the use of technology in internal auditing, emerging IA risks, trends in the IA practice, among others.
This open sharing between IIA-J and AGIA of practical experiences, best practices, and lessons learned transcends textbooks and gains real-world relevance. It facilitated professional growth by introducing new perspectives, while forging strong industry connections in the global arena. Thank you, IIA-Japan for a wonderful experience!
After concluding the benchmarking program, the AGIA delegation had the distinct honor of visiting the Philippine Ambassador to Japan, Her Excellency Mylene de Joya Garcia‑Albano, at the Philippine Embassy in Roppongi Hills, Tokyo. The Philippines’ first female Ambassador to Japan, Ambassador Garcia-Albano extended a warm and gracious welcome to the group. She expressed heartfelt appreciation for AGIA’s work and reaffirmed her full support for future initiatives, pledging to back collaborative efforts in any capacity needed. The visit was both meaningful and encouraging, underscoring a fresh bond between AGIA and the Embassy and reflecting her personal commitment to fostering closer ties and shared progress.
