NYK Hosts Global Maritime Exchange Program for Students in the Philippines
From August 23 to September 6, 2023, the NYK-TDG Maritime Academy (NTMA) in the Philippines hosted a global maritime student-exchange program. This initiative, organized by NYK and the Transnational Diversified Group (TDG), welcomed 32 students from eight educational institutions in Japan. The program aimed to enhance international understanding and cooperation among future maritime professionals.
Diverse Participation and Activities
Students from notable universities such as Kagoshima University, Kobe University, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, and others participated in this enriching experience. This year marked the first participation of Kagoshima University, alongside other institutions like Nagasaki University, Toyama College, Hiroshima College, Yuge College, and Oshima College. Over the course of two weeks, students engaged in classroom lectures, practical training, and cultural exchange activities.
During their stay, from August 23 to 30, students from four Japanese universities studied at NTMA, followed by students from the remaining four institutions from August 30 to September 6. The NTMA students will also visit various Japanese institutions from October 25 to 30, further expanding their international experience.
The program included practical training sessions focused on critical maritime skills. Activities featured voyage planning exercises using the Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS), ship-handling simulator training, and pump disassembly exercises. Additionally, students toured the NYK-Fil Maritime E-Training Inc. (NETI) facility, which houses advanced training resources, including state-of-the-art ballast water management training facilities.
Cultural Exchange and Personal Growth
Beyond technical training, the program emphasized cultural exchange. Participants visited the National Museum of Natural History and other significant sites in Manila, providing them with insights into Filipino culture and history. These experiences fostered mutual understanding and friendships among students from both countries.
Feedback from participants highlighted the program’s impact. Japanese students expressed that interacting with peers from different backgrounds broadened their perspectives and deepened their understanding of various cultures. They valued the opportunity to build relationships with Filipino students, who may become colleagues in the maritime industry.
NTMA students echoed similar sentiments, noting that cultural differences presented opportunities for learning and growth. They emphasized the importance of collaboration among diverse groups in the maritime sector.
Jan Soledad Asuncion, the President of NTMA, praised the program for fostering camaraderie and mutual understanding between the Japanese and Filipino students. Asuncion stated that the exchange not only enhances knowledge but also contributes significantly to the personal and professional development of future maritime leaders.
NYK remains committed to collaborating with academic and research institutions worldwide to nurture the next generation of professionals in the maritime industry. The ongoing partnership with TDG, a diversified conglomerate in the Philippines, further strengthens this mission.
