Women's university in Bangladesh makes appeal for corporate support

As members of the Asian community, more Japanese corporations should help support fledgling Asian University for Women in Bangladesh, one of the keys to the continent's continued growth, according to a board member of the university's support foundation.

"Most donations come from Europe and the United States, and most of the assistance from Japan is from individuals. We hope Japanese companies will support AUW," Kathy Matsui, managing director of Goldman Sachs Japan Co. and a board member of AUW Support Foundation, said at a news conference Thursday in Tokyo.

Asian University for Women, an internationally supported institution that offers liberal arts and science curricula in English, opened last year in Chittagon, southeastern Bangladesh. Students at AUW are young women from across South and Southeast Asia and the Middle East with limited opportunities to receive a higher education. All receive scholarships.