The new NYK-TDG campus opens its doors to 180 students at its Calamba location (about 50 km south of Manila).
Two ceremonies were held — an opening ceremony for the sparkling new crew training facilities, maritime academy, classrooms, and lodgings, and then an entrance ceremony for the incoming class.
NTMA is jointly run by NYK and business partner Transnational Diversified Group (TDG). Students receive three years of classroom study that includes use of the academy’s ship-handling simulator and engine plant, and follow that learning with one year of practical onboard training. Graduates are then set to begin careers on board NYK vessels as officer candidates.
Joining NYK president Yasumi Kudo and TDG chairman J. Roberto C. Delgado at both ceremonies included invited guests Teresita R. Manzala, the chairperson of the Philippines’ Professional Regulation Commission; Keizo Takewaka, deputy chief of mission and consul general at the Japanese embassy in the Philippines; Roberto Vallarino, the Panamanian ambassador to the Philippines; and Conrad Oca, president of the Associated Marine Officer's and Seamen's Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP).
In his commencement address, Kudo encouraged the students by saying, “Competence is the ability to perform effectively and efficiently a certain task using the knowledge and theories coupled with the right values, skills, and discipline. In the shipping sector, competent and trustworthy seagoing personnel are necessary to ensure the safe and smooth operation of the ship and the safe delivery of cargo to its destination on time."
Kudo also commented on the completion of the new training center: "This new facility is committed to providing our seafarers with the tools they need as NYK crew members. I sincerely hope that this gift will inspire our crews to acquire the competencies needed for them to perform to the best of their abilities on board."
