Before the Ajinomoto Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship, Rogie Royce Caradang was a college kid with a dream and global perspective. He knew he wanted to do more after he graduated, to expand his education so he could learn everything he could about science.

It was Rogie Royce's dearest wish to make a difference in the world of science. And before the Ajinomoto Foundation Scholarship Program he was in search of direction. Once he realized he was a perfect fit, a high achiever looking to broaden his horizons, he applied and pursued his postgraduate studies in Japan.

His experience in Japan was life changing. But Carandang knew that he was only going to get as far as he was willing to work hard. But in studying abroad and gaining a new springboard towards his dreams, he was able to breakthrough and even make consequential discoveries that may even lead to cures for illnesses like cancer.

Carandang started his Masteral Degree in Aquatic Natural Products Chemistry at the University of Tokyo in April 2013 and finished it in March 2016. He was able to publish his research in an international journal and parlayed his success into a position as a Postdoctoral Fellow at The University of Connecticut Health. His journey exemplifies the Ajinomoto Postgraduate Scholarship’s potential to create global impact while shaping professional and personal growth.

"This scholarship is not just financial support—it is a transformative opportunity to broaden your horizons, advance your career, and make a lasting impact in your field." says the now world-renowned Research Fellow. Carandang attributes his success to hard-work, finding the right focus, and then taking that leap off a springboard into more than he had ever thought he could achieve.

The Ajinomoto Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship program catapulted Carandang onto the international stage. Now it’s up to him to show the world what he is capable of. Nowadays, those goals are so much greater than he could have even imagined as a college kid. His post-graduate studies showed him new dreams, new problems, and new solutions and as a scientist, that’s all he could ask for.

The Ajinomoto Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship is a culturally immersive support program to encourage postgraduate studies in top universities in Japan. This grant supports deserving Filipino students looking to pursue master’s degree in Food Science and Technology, Human Nutrition, Chemistry, and Engineering. The Program is seeking applicants now for the 2026 cycle of awards. Visit https://www.ajinomoto.com.ph/whats-new-archive/2026-ajinomoto-foundation-postgraduate-scholarship-grant/ to know more.