Celebrating 20 years of bonds built through business, the WUB vow to “Work the Net Together” at conference in Hawaii

Celebrating 20 years of bonds built through business, the WUB vow to “Work the Net Together” at conference in Hawaii

Hawaiian Governor David Ige (3rd from the right), Okinawa Vice-Governor Moritake Tomikawa (2nd from the right), and WUB President Steve Kishaba Sombrero (3rd from the left) on the dais at the opening ceremony. September 1, 2017 at the East-West Center, Hawaii University


 

September 3, 2017 Ryukyu Shimpo

 

By Wu Li Jun

The Worldwide Uchinanchu Business Association (WUB), founded 20 years ago, held their 21st WUB Network Conference at Hawaii University’s East-West Center September 1.

The conference was attended by around 300 Uchinanchu from all over the world. The theme of this year’s conference was the Hawaiian word “hukilau,” which means to help one another while working together, and centered on strengthening the Uchinanchu network and promoting participation of future generations.

After the conference, they also had a celebration marking their 20th anniversary.

Opening ceremony greetings were given by Hawaiian Governor David Ige, Okinawa Vice-Governor Moritake Tomikawa, and the 7th President of the WUB, Steve Kishaba Sombrero.

Governor Ige said, “I realize that over the past 20 years, the Uchinanchu community has managed to come together after spreading throughout the globe.

Vice-Governor Tomikawa read a statement from Governor Takeshi Onaga, which stated, “The WUB’s engagement in business throughout the world holds immense significance in Okinawa.

This conference will assuredly lead to further economic and cultural development between Okinawa and the world.

President Sombrero added, “I want to grow the Uchinanchu network, and promote the participation of future generations.”

At the opening ceremony, all of the 6 previous WUB presidents gave keynote speeches.

There were also symposiums on green energy and building partnerships between colleges.

The WUB was founded in 1997, aiming to link people of Okinawan descent through business, cultural, and social activity.

The organization has about 500 members representing 24 chapters in 16 countries.

 

(English translation by T&CT and Sam Grieb)

 

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