Microsoft Japan partners with the TOMODACHI Initiative and Launches a Program that Invests in Next Generation Global Leaders
Microsoft Japan Co., Ltd. (Microsoft Japan) announced the launch of a new partnership with the TOMODACHI Initiative (TOMODACHI), a public-private partnership led by the U.S.-Japan Council and U.S. Embassy in Tokyo that invests in the next generation of global leaders.
Starting August 2016, Microsoft Japan will launch the “TOMODACHI Microsoft iLEAP Social Innovation and Leadership Program” which aims to cultivate the next generation of global leaders. This program will take place in collaboration with Microsoft Corporation, headquartered in the United States, the TOMODACHI Initiative, and iLEAP, a U.S. nonprofit organization that fosters young leaders and social entrepreneurs. This program will provide opportunities for a total of 150 individuals, ranging from 18 to 24* years old. The program will take place twice a year for three years. (*Must have Japanese citizenship)
Beginning in August of this year, individuals will attend training sessions and workshops at Microsoft Corporation Headquarters and learn about the use of IT services such as cloud for social innovation, engage with Microsoft employees, attend leadership training, and participate in an internship with five NPOs. Upon returning to Japan, the participants will present their experiences and newly attained knowledge to NPOs in Japan.
The TOMODACHI Microsoft iLEAP Social Innovation and Leadership Program aims to build young leaders who can utilize their expertise in IT services in order to catalyze and enhance social innovation. Through the partnership with the TOMODACHI Initiative, Microsoft Japan will help cultivate the next generation of global leaders.
In January 2016, Microsoft announced that they will donate 1 billion dollars of cloud IT services to 70,000 NPOs over the next three years, and the TOMODACHI Microsoft iLEAP Social Innovation and Leadership Program is a part of this project.
President of U.S.-Japan Council, Irene Hirano Inouye remarked, “We are honored that Microsoft Japan has joined the TOMODACHI Initiative as a Strategic Partner. Microsoft Japan’s generous contribution will help foster the next generation of leaders that are invested in contributing to social innovation in Japan. I am confident that the U.S.-Japan relationship will continue to strengthen through these people-to-people connections.”
Executive Director and Founder of iLEAP, Britt Yamamoto commented, “This new partnership is exciting, not only for us and the young people who will benefit from the experience, but also for how it will influence the future of Japan. These young people are the next generation of leadership and it is critical that they have a global mindset and the social awareness to shape their collective futures.”
Regarding the partnership with the TOMODACHI Initiative, Assistant General Counsel, Corporate, External and Legal Affairs of Microsoft Japan, Susanna Mäkelä, stated, “The 4th industrial revolution introduce changes that will shape the way interact and work. We see transformation as a positive resource and as in any transformation it is important to ensure that no one is left behind. This principle – to ensure no one is left behind – leads our Philanthropies mission. This is why we are here today.”
- For more information on the TOMODACHI Microsoft iLEAP Social Innovation and Leadership Program, click here
For media inquiries, contact:
Microsoft Japan Co., Ltd.
Corporate Communication Department, Ishii
TEL：03-4535-8055 EMAIL: mskkpr@microsoft.com
U.S.-Japan Council (Japan), TOMODACHI Initiative
Communications Department, Horita/Noguchi
TEL: 03-4510-3400 EMAIL: tomodachi@usjapancouncil.org
