OREANDA-NEWS. April 28, 2011. Sumitomo Corporation's fiscal 2011 welcoming ceremony for new staff was held at the Company's head office on Friday, April 1, 2011.

An atmosphere of anticipation prevailed as the 152 new employees (124 career-track personnel and 28 clerical personnel) listened attentively to the President's speech before receiving their letter of appointment.

Susumu Kato, president and CEO, began his speech by offering condolences to the victims of the Tohoku- Pacific Ocean Earthquake. He then talked about Sumitomo's business philosophy, urging his listeners to "Never forget our philosophy of 'integrity and sound management' and the injunction to 'never pursue easy gains.' Keeping these in mind, I hope each one of you will actively seek out new challenges." He also encouraged them to be ambitious, noting that "For the next few years, you will have to master a mountain of information, such as company rules, shipping processes, industry knowledge, information about foreign cultures, and more. Amidst all this, you should have a clear image of the person you want to become, think about what steps you can take to come closer to being that person and then take the necessary actions accordingly."

President Kato also referred to the company's approaching centennial (Sumitomo Corporation turns 92 this year), saying "The Company will soon be celebrating its 100th anniversary. I look forward to watching the current crop of new employees grow into capable personnel who will make the second hundred years of the Company possible."