What does it take to find a new identity, a new culture, and a new purpose halfway across the world?
Mudira: A Story from Oman is a documentary film tracing the remarkable journey of Dr. Suad Al Mudhaffar, a Japanese woman who embraced Islam, became Omani, and in the 1980s set out with a bold vision: to make education affordable and accessible for all.
Her pioneering efforts went on to transform the nation’s private education system and inspire generations. Recognised internationally, from Newsweek’s “100 Japanese People Respected by the World” to the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Award, Dr. Suad’s story resonates far beyond Oman.
The screening will open with remarks from the Ambassador of Oman, HE Dr. Mohamed Said Albusaidi, and followed by a dialogue and Q&A with Dr. Suad herself, facilitated by Aiste Dewulf, CEO of GLOBIS Europe.
GLOBIS is honored to host this screening as part of our ongoing collaboration with educational and cultural institutions in Oman. By bringing Dr. Suad’s story to our community, we are deepening the exchange between Japan and Oman around purpose-driven leadership and education.
Join us for this rare chance to hear directly from the woman whose kokorozashi - purpose - bridges two nations and continues to inspire across generations.
Seats are limited so make sure to secure yours early.
The times listed below are in Japan Standard Time (JST). Please note this is an in-person event only, held at GLOBIS Hall in Tokyo.
| 17:00 JST | Welcome from GLOBIS & Ambassador of Oman |
|---|---|
| 17:10 JST | Documentary screening |
| 17:35 JST | Dialogue and Q&A with Dr. Al Mudhaffar |
| 18:15 JST | Networking with refreshments |
| 19:00 JST | End |
Born in Tokyo, Dr. Suad Al Mudhaffar moved to Oman in 1980, where she embraced Islam, became Omani, and dedicated herself to transforming education. In 1990 she founded Azzan bin Qais School, serving as principal for 22 years and pioneering private education with her vision of “Affordable Education for Everyone.” Under her leadership, the school introduced innovative programs from early IT lessons to international student exchanges, while championing inclusivity and extracurricular learning.
Dr. Suad has been recognised internationally for her impact, including being named in Newsweek’s “100 Japanese People Respected by the World,” receiving the Japanese Ambassador’s Award, and most recently, the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Award. Her story has been featured on NHK, Newsweek, and Northwest Asian Weekly, and she continues to build bridges between Oman and Japan through cultural and educational exchange.
Beyond her professional legacy, Dr. Suad is also a mother and grandmother. Her daughter, a teacher in New Zealand, has followed in her footsteps, and her two grandsons carry forward her love of learning. She spends most of her time in Oman, returning to Japan at least twice a year.
Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to Japan
Dr. Mohamed Al Busaidi was appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Sultanate of Oman to Japan in 2018. Prior to assuming his duties, Ambassador Al Busaidi started his career as a Professor of Physics at Sultan Qaboos University joining the Foreign Ministry in 2009 and held prominent positions such as the Chief of the North American Affairs Department. His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Al Busaidi is also the Non-resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Sultanate of Oman to Australia, and New Zealand.
Aiste is President & CEO of GLOBIS Europe BV and Managing Director at GLOBIS Corporation, dedicated to empowering leaders to innovate and build better societies worldwide. She has led numerous learning and development initiatives tackling complex management challenges across Japan, Europe, and the Middle East. In 2022, she played a key role in establishing GLOBIS Europe in Belgium and continues to drive its expansion across the EMEA region.
Before relocating to Belgium, Aistė spent 15 years in Japan, gaining deep insight into Japanese business practices, culture, and values—perspectives that shaped her approach to sustainable, long-term business. Earlier in her career, she worked for eight years as a solutions consultant at a Japanese automated controls manufacturer in Tokyo, leading major projects in building and industrial automation. Originally from Lithuania, she has also lived and worked in Germany and Canada, enriching her global outlook.
At GLOBIS University, Aistė lectures on Critical Thinking, Effective Communications, Change Leadership, and Corporate Philosophy in Leadership. She is passionate about helping leaders think deeply, challenge assumptions, and harness their strengths to make better decisions, communicate with impact, and lead sustainable change.
MASA, The University of British Columbia (Canada)
BSS, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (Japan)
Sumitomo Fudosan Kojimachi Bldg., 5-1 Niban-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
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