From August 23 to September 6, NYK conducted a global maritime student-exchange program between students of the NYK-TDG Maritime Academy (NTMA), a merchant marine academy jointly operated by NYK and the Transnational Diversified Group (TDG)* in the Philippines, and students studying maritime industries in Japan.

A total of 32 students from eight institutions visited NTMA and interacted with their peers. Participating institutions included Kagoshima University, which joined the program for the first time this year, as well as Kobe University, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Nagasaki University, National Institute of Technology (KOSEN), Toyama College, Hiroshima College, Yuge College, and Oshima College.

The program aims to cultivate an international mindset among students aspiring to become seafarers in Japan and the Philippines while building networks with like-minded peers beyond national boundaries. By visiting each other’s countries and participating in classroom lectures, practical training, and sightseeing activities during approximately one week of stay, students gain firsthand experience of differences in language and culture. Launched in 2015, this year marks the eighth implementation of the program.

Program Overview
・Students from Kobe University, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Nagasaki University, and Kagoshima University studied at NTMA from August 23 to 30.
・Students from Toyama College, Hiroshima College, Yuge College, and Oshima College studied at NTMA from August 30 to September 6.
・NTMA students are scheduled to visit Toyama College, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, and NYK Group companies from October 25 to 30.

The program featured a variety of practical training activities, including voyage planning exercises using ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System), ship-handling training using simulators, and pump disassembly exercises using actual equipment. Students also toured the adjacent NYK-Fil Maritime E-Training Inc. (NETI)** facility and deepened their understanding of its educational infrastructure, including its state-of-the-art ballast water management training facilities.

In addition, participants visited the National Museum of Natural History and other locations in Manila to learn about the Philippines’ nature, culture, and history. Through these practical exercises, facility visits, and exchange activities, students from Japan and the Philippines broadened their knowledge of the maritime field while gaining exposure to each other’s cultures and values, strengthening mutual understanding and friendship.

Comments from Japanese Students
“Experiencing different cultures and values broadened my perspective,” and “Interacting with friends from different countries deepened my understanding of other cultures.” Some also noted that “Building relationships with Filipino students who may become future colleagues in the maritime industry was an invaluable experience.”

Comments from NTMA Students
“We learned that cultural differences are not barriers but opportunities to learn and grow together,” and “The exchange deepened mutual understanding and international friendship through interaction with students from another country.” Others remarked that “As future maritime professionals, we realized the importance of working together with people from diverse backgrounds,” highlighting the meaningful outcomes of the global exchange program.

Comments from Jan Soledad Asuncion, President of NTMA
“The NYK Global Maritime Exchange Program highlights the strong bond and shared passion for the maritime profession between Japanese and NTMA cadets. Beyond the exchange of knowledge, this shared learning experience fosters genuine camaraderie, deepens mutual understanding, and contributes significantly to the personal and professional growth of our future maritime leaders. We are truly grateful for this continued partnership and the enduring relationships it builds.”

NYK will continue to cooperate with educational and research institutions in Japan and abroad to contribute to the development of young people who will shape the future of the maritime industry.


* Transnational Diversified Group (TDG)
A Philippine-based diversified conglomerate consisting of more than 40 companies engaged primarily in logistics services, ship agency operations, seafarer manning, travel services, and information and communications technology. The group also invests in renewable energy, agriculture, and real estate. NYK and TDG have maintained a cooperative relationship since TDG’s establishment in 1976 and continue to strengthen their partnership as strategic partners in the Philippines.

** NYK-Fil Maritime E-Training Inc. (NETI)
A wholly owned subsidiary of NYK-FIL Ship Management, Inc., a Philippine crew management company in which NYK has invested. Established in the Philippines in 2000, NETI provides training for seafarers assigned to vessels operated by the NYK Group.