Establishment of "Nikon Scholarship Program"

Nikon Corporation (President: Michio Kariya) has established the "Nikon Scholarship Program" to support youth education in Thailand. This contribution to international society also commemorates the 90th anniversary (July 25, 2007) of Nikon's founding.

Nikon has been involved in Thailand for years. For example, in 1990 Nikon (Thailand) Co., Ltd. started manufacturing Nikon digital SLR cameras, interchangeable lenses and digital camera components in Ayutthaya province.
Today, Thailand is richer than ever, but the country is beset with various problems including educational disparities, environmental destruction, etc. Through internal discussions, Nikon concluded that the support for education could be of most value to the future of Thailand in the view of nurturing people that will contribute to the nation's progress.
Disparities in wealth are great among regions in Thailand, so many young people are deprived of educational opportunities. The "Nikon Scholarship Program" will support junior and senior high school and university students by defraying their basic educational expenses. Through this program, Nikon hopes to cultivate talent that will create bridges between Japan and Thailand in the future.
Nikon, in cooperation with the Shanti Volunteer Association of Japan and Sikkha Asia Foundation of Thailand, which have conducted social contribution activities in Thailand, will administer the program under the institution of "Nikon-Shanti Scholarships". These grants will be awarded to approximately 150 junior and senior high school students (about 25 students selected from each of six grades) and approximately 20 university students (about 5 students selected from each of four grades).
The "Nikon Scholarship Program" not only supports basic education. It also promotes higher education. In cooperation with Thai universities, one university graduate will be awarded each year and an opportunity to advance to master and doctoral programs of Japanese universities.
For the future, Nikon anticipates that this program may nurture a range of human resources more seamlessly from junior high school to graduate school.
Nikon sincerely hopes with introduction of this scholarship program that it will contribute to the best of Thai society. Well recognizing importance of social contributions as one of its corporate roles, Nikon will promote its social involvement with further programs.