Speaking at the opening the University’s new campus this week Nippon Foundation chairman Yohei Sasakawa said the charity was willing to set up a special endowment fund worth $100m.
He said the fund would used to help the university establish itself as “an ocean and maritime research institution engaged in multi-disciplinary scientific research in the marine field.
Nippon Foundation also pledged a further $3m per year for 10 years to continue its existing student fellowship programme and enhance the Nippon Foundation Chair.
“It is my wish for WMU to keep moving forward to establish itself as an educational and research institution that can address ocean issues from not just the maritime but the greater oceanic field,” Sasakawa said.
IMO secretary-general Koji Sekimizu said: “The oceans and the shipping industry, both so vital to the future of mankind, must have leaders that are very well versed in ocean policy matters and can take a global view of the oceans and shipping.
“WMU will provide those leaders, and the pledge made by the Nippon Foundation today is a major step forward in achieving the expansive and innovative strategic directions adopted by the Board of Governors.”
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