From August 17 to 31, NYK conducted an international maritime student-exchange program, sending 29 students from leading Japanese maritime schools to interact with their peers at the NYK-TDG* Maritime Academy (NTMA) operated by NYK in the Philippines. The Japanese participants came from Kobe University, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Nagasaki University, Toyama National College of Technology, Hiroshima National College of Maritime Technology, Yuge National College of Maritime Technology, and Oshima National College of Maritime Technology.

The program aims to cultivate international mindsets and build cross-cultural networks among future seafarers from Japan and the Philippines. Students stay in each other's countries for approximately one week, engaging in classroom lectures, practical training, and sightseeing to experience language and cultural differences firsthand. Launched in 2015, this marks the seventh iteration of the program.

Program Overview

• Students from Kobe University, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, and Nagasaki University studied at NTMA from August 17 to 24.
• Students from Toyama, Hiroshima, Yuge, and Oshima colleges of the National Institute of Technology studied at NTMA from August 24 to 31.
• NTMA students are scheduled to visit Yuge National College of the National Institute of Technology, the NYK head office, and various NYK Group companies from October 26 to November 1.

The program featured a range of hands-on activities, including exercises using Japanese coastal charts to determine positions, welding practice with NTMA equipment, engine simulator training to operate pumps and other machinery via PC, a tour of the adjacent NYK-Fil Maritime E-Training Inc. (NETI) training facility,** and a sightseeing tour of Tagaytay City — renowned as a summer resort in a lush highland area. Additionally, NTMA students presented short stories in Japanese, while their Japanese counterparts did so in English, during a “kobanashi” show designed to humorously introduce each other's cultures and deepen mutual exchange.

NYK remains committed to collaborating with educational and research institutions in Japan and abroad to contribute to the development of young people who will be the future of the maritime industry.

Comments from Japanese Students
"The Filipino students actively participated and responded cheerfully to teachers and peers, creating a positive atmosphere throughout the program. This experience made me realize the importance of taking the initiative to speak up."
"Imagining working on a ship alongside these Filipino friends has strengthened my resolve to become a navigator on an oceangoing vessel."

Comments from NTMA Students
"Participating in this program was a journey of learning, cultural discovery, and personal growth that has shaped how I view the world."
"This program allowed me to learn more about Japanese culture and tradition, communicate better with people from other countries, and ultimately make new friends."

Jan Soledad Asuncion, NTMA President
"This program demonstrates the strength of cooperation between Japan and the Philippines. It significantly contributes to developing the next generation of maritime leaders by enhancing the communication skills essential for transformational leadership and facilitating the sharing of experiences and knowledge among participants. I am deeply grateful that NTMA cadets can participate in such a program."


* Transnational Diversified Group (TDG)
A business group established by Chairman J. Roberto C. Delgado. Business activities include vessel agent services, seafarer manning, training, and cadet education, as well as other logistics businesses. TDG and NYK have maintained a cooperative relationship since the establishment of TDG.

** NYK-Fil Maritime E-Training, Inc.
A wholly owned subsidiary of NYK-Fil Ship Management Inc. The company was founded in 2013 to train Filipino seafarers on NYK-operated vessels.


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