Virtual signing ceremony unites U.S. accreditation body with The Kyoto College of Graduate Studies for Informatics, launching ATMAE JAA to expand quality assurance access across Japan and the Asia-Pacific region.
The Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE) today formalized a landmark international partnership with the The Kyoto College of Graduate Studies for Informatics (KCGI) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and the simultaneous establishment of the ATMAE Japan Accreditation Alliance (ATMAE JAA). The virtual ceremony, held on June 12, 2026, brought together more than 26 participants from the United States and Japan, representing both organizations’ boards, faculty, and leadership.
A Three-Year Vision Realized
The partnership traces its origins to September 19, 2023, when Dr. Sanford Gold, Chief Academic Officer at KCGI and newly appointed Chairman of ATMAE JAA, first contacted ATMAE to explore the possibility of bringing U.S.-style accreditation to Japanese higher education institutions. What began as a single phone call evolved over nearly three years into a comprehensive framework for international accreditation outreach.
In January 2024, Dr. Paul Resetarits, Chair of the ATMAE Board of Directors, visited KCGI in Kyoto, Japan — a visit he described as pivotal in confirming the alignment between the two organizations. “Successful partnerships are built not only on shared goals, but also on personal relationships and first-hand experiences,” Dr. Resetarits remarked during the ceremony. “I had the opportunity to see firsthand the institution’s commitment to innovation, student success, and educational quality.”
KCGI itself is a milestone institution. Founded in 2004 as Asia’s first professional ICT graduate school, it began with just 80 students and has since grown to over 2,000 students, becoming the largest IT-focused college in Japan and drawing students from around the world. Rector Wataru Hasegawa noted the significance of today’s agreement: “With the establishment of ATMAE Japan, American-style democratic accreditation can now be realized in Asia.”
About the ATMAE Japan Accreditation Alliance
Under the terms of the MOU, ATMAE JAA will serve as the exclusive outreach and support affiliate for ATMAE accreditation activities in Japan. ATMAE retains full ownership of its accreditation process, standards, and intellectual property, while ATMAE JAA provides on-the-ground guidance, cultural and linguistic support, and institutional outreach across Japan and potentially the broader Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.
Key responsibilities of ATMAE JAA include identifying prospective institutions for accreditation, providing translation services, supporting institutions through the self-study and accreditation process, and ensuring alignment with ATMAE standards and CHEA recognition requirements. ATMAE, which has been recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) since 2003, will continue to hold all final accreditation decisions through its Board of Accreditation.
Dr. Ahmad Zargari, Chair of the ATMAE Board of Accreditation, emphasized the collaborative spirit that defines the initiative: “Accreditation is most effective when it serves as a framework for reflection, improvement, and accountability. This partnership has been developed thoughtfully and intentionally, with a focus on supporting institutions, strengthening academic programs, and creating value for students and employers.”
Founding Members of ATMAE JAA
The ATMAE Japan Accreditation Alliance launches with the following founding members, all of whom are affiliated with KCGI and The University of Informatics (KCG Group):
- Sanford Gold — Chairman, ATMAE JAA — Chief Academic Officer, The University of Informatics
- Masayoshi Tezuka — Member — Professor and Senior Staff, The University of Informatics; former Senior Researcher, Fujitsu Laboratories
- Shozo Naito — Member — Professor, The University of Informatics; former NTT researcher; Director, Cyber Kyoto Laboratory
- Koji Ueda — Member — Professor, The University of Informatics; alumnus of Rochester Institute of Technology; former JICA Expert in Mozambique
- Shoji Kishimoto — Member — Councilor, The University of Informatics; former Administrative Director
- Yoichi Kito — Member — Auditor, The University of Informatics; former representative, RICO Information Systems
Path Forward
The immediate next step for ATMAE JAA is seeking approval from Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT). A submission window opens in January 2027, and both organizations will spend the remainder of 2026 developing the required documentation, business and operational plans, and accreditation training materials. Dr. Gold noted that ATMAE JAA has already conducted preliminary market research to identify candidate institutions and expects to approach prospective accreditation clients formally once government approval is secured.
“Bringing ATMAE to this region of the world will not only benefit ATMAE and its future expansion, but also have a real impact on the educational institutions in this region, and consequently, for the students it serves,” said Dr. Gold. “We look forward to a bright future together.”
Remarks from Leadership
“Today is the culmination of a journey that began nearly three years ago. This partnership has always been about creating opportunities — for institutions, for students, and for international collaboration.”
— Amy Good, Managing Director of Accreditation, ATMAE
“Today we celebrate an agreement. Tomorrow, we begin the work that will give that agreement meaning. On behalf of the ATMAE Board of Directors, I am proud to affirm our support for this partnership.”
— Dr. Paul Resetarits, Chair, ATMAE Board of Directors
“The Board of Accreditation will do everything within our power to help the ATMAE Japan Accreditation Alliance become successful. I am confident that the work we begin today will create lasting benefits for institutions throughout Japan.”
— Dr. Ahmad Zargari, Chair, ATMAE Board of Accreditation
“I am pleased that with the establishment of ATMAE Japan, American-style democratic accreditation and quality assurance can now be realized in Asia.”
— Dr. Wataru Hasegawa, Rector, The University of Informatics (KCGI)
About ATMAE
The Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE) is a professional organization dedicated to advancing excellence in technology, management, and applied engineering education. ATMAE accredits associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs and administers nine professional certification examinations. ATMAE has been recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) since 2003.
Website: atmae.org | Email: admin@atmae.org | Phone: 1-724-201-6477 | @theATMAE
About KCGI — The Kyoto College of Graduate Studies for Informatics
Founded in 2004 as Asia’s first professional ICT graduate school, KCGI is part of the KCG Group based in Kyoto, Japan. Beginning with 80 students, the institution has grown to more than 2,000 students from around the world and is Japan’s largest IT-focused college. KCGI is committed to innovation, internationalization, and advancing the quality of technology education.
Website: kcg.edu | Email: admission@kcg.edu | Phone: +81-75-681-6332
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Contact: Amy Good, Managing Director of Accreditation
Email: accreditation@atmae.org
Phone: 1-724-201-6477
Website: atmae.org
Contact: Yoko Iwayama, Secretary of ATMAE Japan Accreditation Alliance (ATMAE JAA)
Email: info@atmaejaa.org
Phone: +81-75-762-2455
Website: atmae.org