NEWS
Honorary Doctorate
- Publish Date：2024-05-30
Japanese Telecom Tycoon Sachio Semmoto Awarded Honorary Doctorate by NYCU; Family of Brain-Injured Student Expresses Gratitude for Educational Support
President Chi-Hung Lin (left) conferred the honorary doctorate to Sachio Semmoto (center). On the right is Dean Jyh-Cheng Chen of the College of Computer Science.
Translated by Chance Lai
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On May 28th, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) conferred an honorary doctorate upon Japanese telecommunications magnate Mr. Sachio Semmoto for his outstanding achievements in the telecommunications industry and significant contributions to society.
On the day of the ceremony, a family member of the computer science student who had been struggling due to an accident attended and publicly expressed gratitude. They thanked Mr. Semmoto for his donation, which helped the student and their family navigate challenging times. Additionally, a profoundly moving gratitude video was played featuring Classmate Liu, a student who suffered a brain injury in an accident, expressing his admiration and appreciation for Mr. Semmoto through handwritten words.
On the day of the ceremony, a family member of the computer science student who had been struggling due to an accident attended and publicly expressed gratitude. They thanked Mr. Semmoto for his donation, which helped the student and their family navigate challenging times. Additionally, a profoundly moving gratitude video was played featuring Classmate Liu, a student who suffered a brain injury in an accident, expressing his admiration and appreciation for Mr. Semmoto through handwritten words.
Classmate Liu, who received assistance from Honorary Doctorate Sachio Semmoto, his father attended the event to present flowers as an expression of gratitude.
Sachio Semmoto: Japan's Most Successful Serial Entrepreneur and Telecommunications Industry Legend
Sachio Semmoto an outstanding entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in the Japanese telecommunications industry. He joined Japan's largest telecommunications company, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT), in 1966, and in 1984, he co-founded Japan's first private telecommunications company, Daini Denden (DDI), with partners. Subsequently, he successfully took the company public, becoming the second-largest telecommunications company in Japan with a market value of 85 billion USD.
In 1996, Sachio Semmoto transitioned into academia, becoming a professor of entrepreneurship at Keio University. However, his success in the business world did not stop there. In 1999, he founded eAccess, quickly becoming a leader in the Japanese ADSL market and ranking second globally. In 2004, eAccess went public, after which he founded Japan's fourth-largest mobile network operator, EMOBILE. The company was acquired by SoftBank Group in 2013, bringing about a new era in the Japanese telecommunications industry.
In 1996, Sachio Semmoto transitioned into academia, becoming a professor of entrepreneurship at Keio University. However, his success in the business world did not stop there. In 1999, he founded eAccess, quickly becoming a leader in the Japanese ADSL market and ranking second globally. In 2004, eAccess went public, after which he founded Japan's fourth-largest mobile network operator, EMOBILE. The company was acquired by SoftBank Group in 2013, bringing about a new era in the Japanese telecommunications industry.
In Addition to Business Excellence, Dedication to Philanthropy and Education Endeavors
In 2017, Sachio Semmoto established the Frances & Sachio Semmoto Foundation, which supports outstanding students from the Asia-Pacific region. In 2023, he founded the Walking Together Hand-in-Hand with Children Foundation, focusing on assisting abused children and bringing hope to vulnerable communities.
Currently, Sachio Semmoto serves as the Honorary Chairman of RENOVA Inc., Japan's leading renewable energy company. Additionally, he holds director positions in multiple international companies, including NetApp and Thomson Reuters Corporation. He is also a member of several global academic organizations, such as the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA), IEEE, and IEICE, showcasing his academic influence and leadership.
Sachio Semmoto's Adventurous Outlook on Life
Following the honorary doctorate ceremony, Dr. Sachio Semmoto engaged in discussions with fellow students and distinguished university guests. As Japan's most successful serial entrepreneur, Dr. Semmoto advised against being confined to small screens, encouraging everyone to travel the world. Furthermore, he emphasized, "Don't take risks, nothing happens," urging everyone to pursue their dreams courageously.
This honorary doctorate ceremony serves as recognition for Dr. Sachio Semmoto and a grand celebration of his remarkable achievements. Dr. Semmoto will continue to significantly contribute to society, bringing forth more hope and possibilities for the future world.
