Our primary objective at SBG is to maximize net asset value (NAV). NAV represents shareholder value, calculated as the equity value of holdings minus net interest-bearing debt. How do we achieve this? We focus on two key strategies: evolution and multiplication. Evolution involves continuously refining our business model to offer something unique. Multiplication refers to leveraging our sales capability to effectively market and distribute this unique value. Throughout our history since its foundation, SBG has experienced cycles of evolution and multiplication. What a journey it has been, and how the time has flown. The process of evolution and multiplication involves a succession of challenges. While we have made missteps along the way, we have persevered and increased our shareholder value.

While evolution and multiplication are vital for business growth, it is the concept of evolution that holds particular importance for the future of humanity. I am more energized than ever because I have realized our ultimate mission: the evolution of humanity. This mission will be accomplished through the realization of artificial super intelligence (ASI)—AI that is ten thousand times more intelligent than human wisdom.

It has been 200,000 years since the birth of humans. Unlike other species, we invented tools and technologies that drove progress. Until now, the evolution of humanity has been driven by our own hands. Every now and then, geniuses such as Leonardo da Vinci and Albert Einstein emerged, sparking new ways of thinking and driving the evolution of humanity. Currently, leading tech companies are working to develop artificial general intelligence (AGI) —a form of AI with generalized intelligence that enables it to autonomously perform a wide range of learning and problem-solving tasks. In less than ten years, AGI will be realized and drive the accelerated evolution of humanity. However, AGI will only be as great as any human genius. Moreover, as long as AGI operates within the norms and boundaries of humans, it will bring no dramatic changes in our way of life or in society’s rules and systems.

ASI is completely different. ASI will be the culmination of a network of AGI models stimulating each other to rapidly accelerate their evolution. My view is that ASI will be ten thousand times more intelligent than humans and realized in about ten years. The realization of ASI, which will far surpass human wisdom, will mark a turning point in human history. ASI transcends the digital world. One day, ASI-powered smart robots will perform all kinds of physical tasks on our behalf, including manufacturing, transportation, construction, and housework.

Arm provides the foundational technology for ASI. As great as Arm is, no single company can realize ASI on its own. Critically, while all of the SoftBank Group will be working as one to achieve this goal, we will not be acting alone. In both technological and financial aspects, we will seek to collaborate with partners who share our aspirations.

Some people say that SBG changes its core business too often, but in reality, our core business has remained unchanged all these years. Everything we do is inspired by our corporate philosophy, “Information Revolution — Happiness for everyone.” All that has changed is the means to achieve this end. As technology evolves, so too must our methods. ASI is the latest means by which we fulfill our mission to drive the evolution of humanity forward.