【Declaration】
　Along with the rapid and wide spread of ICT in today’s society, the role of IEICE is becoming increasingly important. On this occasion I would like to point out three issues to strengthen functionalities of IEICE to fulfil new responsibilities.
　First, we need to have platforms to support a possible innovation stemming from technology fusion between ICT and vehicle, healthcare, agriculture or energy. Redesigning and reshaping of knowledge developing or knowledge exchanging fundamentals of IEICE is required. Secondly, IEICE should be more open to industry side. Participation of industry side to the activities of IEICE is to be the key for competitiveness of ICT industries since the involvement may stimulate young generation’s challenge for the ICT industries. Third issue is the enhancement of globalization. In the year 2014, we may be able to develop further collaboration with IEEE under the initiative by the new president Mr. Roberto de Marca who is more international than ever. A joint Asian symposium could be a possible step to the future. IEICE will celebrate 100th anniversary in 2017. Contributing to the step is my hope.

【Biography】
　Botaro Hirosaki received his BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Tokyo, and MSE degree in EE and Computer Science from the Princeton University, in 1970 and 1978, respectively. His doctoral degree was awarded from the University of Tokyo on the design of an OFDM system, in 1986. He joined NEC in 1970, and had been nominated as the Executive Vice President and Board in 2007 and the Senior Executive Vice President and Representative of the Board in 2008, respectively. Since 2010 he has been the executive adviser of NEC.
Dr. Hirosaki is the Fellow of IEICE, and Life Fellow of IEEE.