On March 5, the NYK-TDG Maritime Academy (NTMA) — a merchant marine academy jointly operated by NYK and the Transnational Diversified Group (TDG)* near Manila, Philippines — held a commencement ceremony for the 76 students comprising the academy’s 15th batch of graduates.

The ceremony was graced by several distinguished guests, including Kazuya Endo, ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Japan to the Philippines, and Jose Francisco B. Benitez Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)—the government agency responsible for technical education, vocational training, and skills development in the Philippines. From NYK, key figures such as President Takaya Soga, Senior Managing Executive Officer Nobuhiro Kashima, and other top executives attended the event. TDG Chairman and Founder J. Roberto C. Delgado also joined to congratulate the graduates.

In his remarks, President Soga noted: “When you entered NTMA in 2021, the world was still struggling with a global pandemic. You began your maritime education not here on campus, but online — far from the shared experiences that usually mark the start of academy life. Despite these unusual and difficult circumstances, you continued forward. Your presence here today proves your strength, discipline, and determination. I truly commend each one of you for this achievement.”

Soga also referred to NYK’s 140th anniversary and emphasized once again the importance of the Group’s mission, “Bringing value to life.”

NTMA has long served as a center for developing seafarers of “NYK quality,” supporting the human resource needs of the future maritime industry. Under an educational environment that respects diversity, the academy is committed to cultivating individuals who contribute to society and to the development of the Philippines’ maritime sector. As the maritime industry undergoes major transformations driven by decarbonization and digitalization, NTMA aims to nurture “transformative leaders” who take initiative, pursue lifelong learning, and continue to grow in an ever‑changing environment.

• Established: June 3, 2007
• Number of students per year: 140 per academic year in two academic disciplines, 70 in marine navigation and 70 in marine engineering
• Total Enrollment: 431 (as of Feb 2026) — of which female students account for over 9%
• Instructors and staff: 94
• Location: Canlubang, Calamba City (a suburban city about a one-hour drive from Manila)
• Curriculum: Four years, including three years of academic study and one year of onboard training
• Mission: To foster global seafarers through world-class, high-quality education by focusing on building an individual’s sense of humanity and providing training in practical maritime technologies

* 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.