May 21, 2018 – After the successful participation in the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 8), President Tommy E. Remengesau, Jr. together with his delegation, visited his fellow alumni at the Soka University in Hachioji, Japan.
Remengesau was bestowed an Honorary Doctorate Degree by the Soka University from 16 years ago in June 2002.
This second visit by President Remengesau to Soka University was to deliver the Keynote address in the University’s 2018 Commencement Exercise.
During his recent visit, the Soka University recognized President Remengesau’s leadership in environmental protection, cultural preservation, and education awareness presenting him with the Soka University’s “Cultural and Educational Recognition Award”.
With over a 100 faculty members and students present, President Remengesau accepted the award on behalf of the people of Palau thanking the Soka University Board of Trustees, Soka President Mr. Yoshihisa Baba and expressed his deep appreciation for such an esteemed recognition from the University.
President Remengesau also took the opportunity to thank again, Soka University Founder Mr. Daisaku Ikeda for the university’s warm welcome during his first visit in 2002 and extended his gratitude for the many contributions of school supplies and cultural exchanges over the years between Palau and the University since their first meeting.
President Remengesau was impressed during this visit of the modern program and infrastructural enhancements undertaken by the school since his visit in June 2002.
“I am very excited to see the level of programs and degrees Soka University offers. I hope we can work together on establishing a scholarship program to bring Palau’s students to attend Soka University in the near future,” President Remengesau remarked.
And in efforts to further strengthen the relationship between Palau and Soka University, President Remengesau proposed for the University to become the central network hub for academic research for Palauan students attending Japan’s universities, colleges, and institutions giving Palauan students improved accessibility to educational information.
After his visit at Soka University, President Remengesau and his delegation met with Soka Gakkai International (SGI) and SGI President Harada at the SGI Headquarters in Tokyo.
The President discussed about fostering youth programs with SGI and the anticipated Palau Cultural Center that Soka University Founder Ikeda is contributing to Palau for its cultural and social activities for the community.
President Remengesau expressed his excitement on the completion of the cultural center in 2018 as a vital place for gatherings of activities and especially, for major events in Palau.
President Remengesau extended an invitation to SGI President Mr. Harada for SGI to collaborate with Palau on engaging international youths to participate in the “Our Ocean” Conference to be hosted by Palau in 2020.
President Harada expressed his support to Palau’s hosting of the event as they both recognize the importance of youth leading the movements for environmental protection and on carrying the torch for building peace and understanding for a brighter future. The meeting concluded with both President Remengesau and SGI President Harada extending their continued support for the close friendship between Palau and Japan. (PR)