Good morning, everyone.

I am obviously pleased to have this opportunity to meet with you in my capacity as Chairman of the Nissan Science Foundation... and to congratulate this year's award recipients.

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Today, let me describe two education programs we will implement in fiscal 2006.

The first project we have called "Nissan Leadership Program for Innovative Engineers." Its purpose is to develop a cadre of engineers who can lead the way in identifying technological solutions that contribute to social progress.    Dr. Sawako Takeuchi, Professor of Kyoto University and Advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, will be the director for this program.   Please join me in thanking her for taking her time and dedication to support these initiatives.

This program is not about teaching specific knowledge. Instead, through six months of group activities - assisted by teleconferencing and the internet - participants will learn how to lead in creating socially beneficial business solutions.  

Each group will identify challenges where technology does not yet meet the needs of humanity or the environment. They will consider the issues, discuss and propose potential solutions.

The program will include young, high-potential engineers and post-graduate students... and diversity will be considered as important element in selecting participants. At the end, an audit board will present an award to the group that comes up with the best, most feasible solution... and provide further support to realize that solution.

The Nissan Science Foundation will organize the program, and fund it with 30 million yen each year. I see this as an excellent way to develop leaders who can harness technology in support of real-world social needs.

The second initiative is an international exchange program designed to promote the growth of the healthy automotive culture in Southeast Asia. It aims to foster awareness of sustainability and the environment in traffic-related issues among the region's next-generation leaders.

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It is a great joy to be among so many distinguished scientists whose work has such great potential to benefit humanity and our environment.

Nissan and the Nissan Science Foundation share a belief that scientific progress is the best hope for humanity. You are the people who can make it happen... and we are committed to supporting your efforts and delivering your results.

I look forward to getting together with you again and, let us hope, celebrating the success of your scientific endeavors.

Thank you for your kind attention.