Mitsubishi gift enables studies in Japan
Contact:
Ellen Yang, Mitsubishi Canada Limited, 604.654.8209, ellen.yang@mitsubishicorp.com
Erica Branda, SFU Advancement, 604.291.3353/778.231.1274, ebranda@sfu.ca
Simon Fraser University students have a new opportunity to experience Japan thanks to a $60,000 gift from Mitsubishi Canada Limited. The gift is in celebration of Mitsubishi’s 50-year history in Canada.
The gift was matched by SFU to create a $120,000 endowment. It will support annual awards for undergraduate students who study in Japan on a formal exchange program with one of SFU’s Japanese exchange partners.
“Japan is Canada’s second largest business partner,” says Fumikazu Matsuura, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Canada Limited. “While the business relationship is stable, there has been little growth in recent years. These awards will allow students to learn more about Japanese culture, with each student having the potential to improve and expand relationships between Canada and Japan.”
Says SFU President Michael Stevenson, “International education is a life-changing experience that prepares students to become better global citizens. I praise Mitsubishi Canada Limited for its leadership in recognizing the impact that student support will have on encouraging international education, and I hope other corporations and individuals will follow to create more opportunities for learning beyond the classroom walls.”
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