Landmark gift to establish first OIST endowment fund

The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) today announced a landmark gift from Ms. Setsuko Orita, eldest daughter of the founder of the Okinawa supermarket chain San-A.

One of the most significant philanthropic gifts in OIST's history, Ms. Orita's donation will establish the university's first endowment fund, creating a long-term source of support for its future priorities and development. The endowment will provide OIST with flexibility to support areas of greatest need as those needs evolve over time.

Initially, income generated through the endowment will help recruit and provide early support for outstanding young faculty members from Japan and around the world. Competition among leading universities for talented emerging researchers is increasingly strong. Many of these researchers go on to become leaders in their fields, driving future discoveries, innovation, and societal impact.

By helping OIST attract and support the next generation of scientific talent, the endowment will strengthen research and education that contribute to Okinawa, Japan, and the wider world.

OIST Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Daniel Zajfman commented, “OIST is profoundly grateful to Ms. Setsuko Orita for her exceptional generosity and—especially—her far-sightedness. OIST was founded in Okinawa to compete with the world’s best. Building an endowment is essential for any ambitious, top-tier scientific institution. Ms. Orita’s philanthropic support will allow OIST to establish its first endowment. We will use its returns to invest in new generations of Okinawan, Japanese, and international scientific talent, and in discoveries that help address Okinawa’s most pressing challenges.”

OIST Vice President for Advancement, Reid Alan Ching says, “This gift from Ms. Setsuko Orita is extremely special, both in terms of its scale and because it is ‘made in Okinawa’. Ms. Orita’s remarkable generosity was facilitated by our strategic partner and supporter, the Bank of the Ryukyus. This gift reflects the deep confidence and trust within the prefecture in OIST’s purpose and future, for which we are deeply grateful.”