From Appenzell to Yokohama: 30th Anniversary SJCC Scholarship Fund
Zurich, 1 October 2018
On 1 October, the SJCC celebrated the 30th Anniversary of its Scholarship Fund, which was established on 1 October 1988 with the purpose of encouraging young Swiss residents to add a “Year in Japan” during the most formative years at the beginning of their professional careers.
Keynote speaker Dr. Felix Moesner presented his personal story from his “Year in Japan”:
“As a first awardee, I was granted the precious scholarship from the SJCC in 1990. My internship at Toshiba’s Intelligent Technology and Manufacturing Engineering Research Center in Yokohama gave me the early skills in robotics and artificial intelligence. This boost clearly impacted my academic and professional career.”
After many years in Japan (2003-2012), where he was in charge of the Science &Technology Office at the Embassy of Switzerland in Tokyo, he moved on as CEO of swissnex Boston (2012-2017) and is now heading swissnex China in Shanghai. Having seen all those dynamic cities he is convinced, that spending time in Japan is still very relevant and highly recommended.
Broad Support – in Switzerland and in Japan
The event was attended by over 70 enthusiastic participants, travelling all the way from Munich, Seoul, Shanghai or Tokyo. It was an excellent networking opportunity with former recipients, past and current donors, SJCC members and stakeholders. It was a particular honor to welcome SCCIJ president Michael Mroczek from Japan. His visit highlighted the strong bonds between the two Chambers, that will be further developed in the near future. The SCCIJ has been a very generous and strong sponsoring partner of the fund for the last three years. SJCC President Martin Herb also thanked Paul Dudler for the 15 years during which he acted as Chairman of the Fund (2001 – 2015).
Looking ahead, Ms. Jacqueline Tschumi presented the activities of the SJCC Young Professionals association here in Switzerland. The next generation going to Japan was represented by Ms Yasmine El-Safty that had just successfully passed the interview process for a scholarship from the SJCC. The young pharmacist shared with the guests her plans to pursue an internship in the pharmaceutical industry.
Martin Stricker, Chairman of the SJCC scholarship fund conveyed big thanks and gratitude to the very generous sponsors that have supported the fund over the last 30 years. He outlined the favorable trend of new sponsors and also highlighted the excellent cooperation with the SCCIJ. Mr. Stricker concluded that the 225 scholarship awardees that have spend a year in Japan are the best ambassadors of the scholarship program contributing also today to the ongoing success of the SJCC scholarship Fund.
