Kyushu University Welcomes SYNNEX Corporation Founder Robert T. Huang as Special Advisor to the President, aiming to advance its endowment fund

Kyushu University is honored to welcome Mr. Robert T. Huang, founder of SYNNEX Corporation and an Honorary Doctor of the University, as “Special Advisor to the President.” With his support, the university aims to create an enduring environment that fosters a virtuous cycle between the growth of the “Kyushu University Endowment Fund”* and the expansion of support for education and research activities.

Mr. Huang is an alumnus of Kyushu University who spent his formative years here, founding the university’s ice hockey club and serving as its first captain. Over the years, he has generously supported Kyushu University through contributions to the Centennial Anniversary Project, the Robert T. Huang Entrepreneurship Center (QREC), and donations to the ice hockey club, with total contributions exceeding 300 million yen. Furthermore, Mr. Huang plans to make an additional donation of approximately 500 million yen, which has provided significant momentum for establishing the Kyushu University endowment fund.
After studying electronic engineering at Kyushu University, Mr. Huang pursued further education in the United States at the University of Rochester and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). In 1980, he founded SYNNEX, which later merged with Tech Data in 2021 to become TD SYNNEX—the world’s largest IT distributor.

Drawing on Mr. Huang’s extensive experience in nurturing young entrepreneurs and investing in businesses, Kyushu University appointed him as Special Advisor to the President in October 2025. Going forward, he will provide advice on the management of the endowment fund and other university funds, as well as guidance on promoting AI-driven university education.
With Mr. Huang’s strong support, Kyushu University will strive to achieve a lasting virtuous cycle of Fund Growth and Expanded Support for Education and Research,” aiming to become a leading global university that drives future transformation from Asia as a hub of innovation and business creation.

Term of Appointment as Special Advisor to the President:
October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2028

*About the Kyushu University Endowment Fund
Established in July 2025 to create a stable financial foundation and generate a virtuous cycle of Fund Growth and Expanded Support for Education and Research.” Donations are invested, and the returns are autonomously utilized for activities essential to the university.