NYK-TDG Maritime Academy Holds Commencement Ceremony in International Shipping News 10/03/2026 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. Front row, from right:1st: January S. Asuncion, President, NTMA2nd: Nobuhiko Kashima, Senior Managing Executive officer, NYK4th: Rashid H.Delgado, Co-Chief Executive Officer, TDG5th: Kazuya Endo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Philippines6th: Takaya Soga, President, NYK8th Jose Francisco B. Benitez, Director General Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)9th: J. Roberto C. Delgado, Chairman and Founder, Transnational Diversified Group (TDG)10th: Nieves R. Confesor, Chairperson, NTMA 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.” From left:Takaya Soga, President, NYKLanz Ruzzel A. Tulagan, Class of 2025 NYK-TDG Award of ExcellenceJ. Roberto C. Delgado, Founder and Chairman, TDG 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. Graduates tossing their caps NYK-TDG Maritime Academy Outline 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 focusi