On November 16, the NYK-TDG Maritime Academy (NTMA), which is located in the suburbs of Manila and jointly run by NYK and the Transnational Diversified Group (TDG),* proudly graduated the 171 students comprising the academy’s Class of 2018.
NYK president Tadaaki Naito and TDG chairman J. Roberto C. Delgado, in addition to invited guests that included Philippines Bureau of Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero, participated in the graduation ceremony for the students, all of whom had enrolled in 2014.
President Naito encouraged the students in his commencement address by saying, “This is a memorable time for graduates to harvest what they have planted four years ago. During the long way through the curriculum of NTMA, I hope you have learned to develop a keen awareness of what is going on around you and learn to develop foresight, or the ability to anticipate what might happen next. The shipping industry is still faced with a challenging situation, NYK has to prepare, to plan, and to act swiftly to implement the most appropriate and effective approaches to survive. Remember that the lessons, mistakes, and experiences you have gained here have strengthened your roots, and your steady foundation makes you ready to move on the next step of your life.”
The most excellent cadet, Kurt Crichton B. Condez, made a speech saying “My classmates and I want to give appreciation to the many people who supported us. We finally reached today interacting with each other, and we have already prepared for our next voyage. We’ll never forget what we have learnt here at NTMA and cherishing today’s fresh feelings, we will work hard for our familiy, future and county.”