New Year Greetings from the Chief Executive Director, Chair of the Board

Happy New Year! As we begin 2025, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to all members of the Chuo University community and to our broader network.

After COVID-19 was reclassified as a “Category V Infectious Disease” on May 8, 2023, we were able to resume our pre-pandemic social activities. The pandemic left a lasting impact by accelerating digital transformation (DX), reshaping societal functions, and driving the adoption of online methods in educational, research, and operational activities on campus. This shift has added significant flexibility to our work styles. For example, executive approval procedures have moved online, significantly speeding up the process. Looking ahead, I anticipate that the continued application of DX on a global scale will further enhance the efficiency and convenience of our daily operations.

Globally, we are confronting escalating challenges due to the increasing frequency and severity of international conflicts. In this difficult context, we, as members of the university community, must emphasize the critical importance of fostering peace and actively strive to strengthen bonds of solidarity that transcend national boundaries.

The University’s mid-to long-term project plan, Chuo Vision 2025, launched in 2016, is set to conclude in the academic year 2025. Over the past decade, we have achieved significant milestones, including the establishment of the Faculty of Global Management and the Faculty of Global Informatics, which have contributed to the expansion of our educational framework. In addition, the completion of the renewed Building 1 on the Korakuen Campus marks the fulfillment of the improvement projects across the Tama and central Tokyo campuses.

However, the development of Chuo University does not end here. The forthcoming mid-to long-term project plan, Chuo Vision 2035 (tentative name), aims to propel us toward 2035, the year of our 150th anniversary. This plan will guide our continued growth and enhance the University’s appeal. As we prepare for this next chapter, I warmly invite all faculty members and staff to share their valuable insights as we shape the future together in academic year 2025.

I envision Chuo University becoming a 'university with a global presence' by excelling in cutting-edge education and research, fulfilling its role in industry-academia-government collaboration, and making significant social contributions—all made possible by the unwavering dedication of our faculty members and staff. This will enable our students to engage in advanced and practical learning experiences.

We, the Executive Directors, will do our utmost to promote these efforts and greatly appreciate the continued support of our faculty, staff, and alumni.

I wish you all a prosperous and successful New Year ahead.

 

January 1st, 2025

Masahiko Omura

Chief Executive Director, Chair of the Board
Chuo University