Casio marks 60 years of calculator legacy, reinforcing commitment to education and innovation

Khaleej Times

3 days ago

Casio Computer Co Ltd has commemorated 60 years since the debut of its first desktop calculator, marking a major milestone in the evolution of professional and educational tools. To honour this achievement, Casio Middle East & Africa FZE (CMEA) hosted a gathering of regional distributors and key partners at the Habtoor Palace in Dubai, reaffirming its commitment to the markets it has served since the 1970s.
Over the decades, Casio calculators have played a central role in enabling precision and productivity across sectors, including education, finance, engineering, and retail. In the Middle East and Africa, the company's emphasis on scientific calculators has supported math education in schools across the region, where CMEA has built longstanding relationships with educators, institutions, and students.
'Casio has been active in the Middle East for over five decades, with scientific calculators at the core of our educational contribution,' said Koji Shimada, general manager of the education business division at Casio Middle East & Africa. 'What started with the introduction of desktop calculators in the region has evolved into a commitment to support the evolving needs of educators and learners. Today, scientific calculators are not just tools; they are part of the learning journey across thousands of classrooms in the UAE and wider region.'
He continued, 'We go beyond simply providing calculators. Through our Gakuhan initiative, former mathematics teachers on our team work directly with school educators to show them how to integrate scientific calculators into classroom instruction effectively. They offer training workshops, provide exam prep support, and even help design teaching materials. This level of educational engagement is unique to Casio, and we believe it is one of our strongest differentiators in markets like the UAE, where education standards continue to rise.'
Reflecting on Casio's legacy and future direction, Shimada added: 'This 60-year milestone allows us to revisit our origins and renew our promise to innovation. As part of the anniversary, we are reintroducing updated desktop calculator models, which were the foundation of our business. These will meet the demands of today's retail, finance, and office professionals. At the same time, we are doubling down on our commitment to the education sector by continuing to innovate and support math learning.'
Addressing one of the challenges faced by the brand, Shimada noted, 'While we're grateful to receive consistent positive feedback from users on product quality and performance, we are also aware of the issue of counterfeit Casio calculators in some developing markets. This is especially critical in regions where affordability remains a barrier to access. In response, we've launched localised, lower-cost models tailored to these markets. For example, in Nigeria, to ensure students and professionals can access genuine Casio quality without compromise.'
Commenting on the future of learning tools, he said: 'Despite growing interest in AI and smart technologies in education, foundational skills like mathematics are still best developed through focused learning. Unlike smartphones or tablets, calculators provide a distraction-free environment, which is why they continue to be widely adopted in schools. In fact, these core math skills are essential for students to even begin to understand and engage with more advanced tools like AI.'
Ryosuke Torigoe, education marketing general manager at Casio Middle East & Africa, further elaborated on Casio's philosophy around calculator use in classrooms: 'There's an appropriate stage for students to begin using scientific calculators, and it comes only after they've mastered the basic arithmetic principles. At that point, calculators can help them avoid mechanical repetition and redirect their focus to developing logical thinking and analytical skills.'
He also discussed the challenge of balancing digital advancement with learning discipline. 'Many students today are digital natives. They're used to tablets and smartphones. But these devices often lead to distraction. That's why dedicated offline tools like scientific calculators remain essential. They are purpose-built to enhance focus and help students grasp mathematical concepts more deeply, without diverting attention away from learning objectives.'
Torigoe concluded: 'At Casio, we see our role not just as a technology provider, but as an enabler of better education outcomes. As we look ahead, we will continue to support educators in the Middle East with both the tools and the knowledge needed to foster the next generation of thinkers and problem solvers.'
The event included hands-on demonstrations of Casio's latest calculator models, some specially designed for the 60th anniversary, as well as regional success stories from partners. Guests were treated to a cultural reception featuring traditional performances that celebrated the heritage and diversity of the Middle East and Africa.
'Reaching our 60th anniversary is a testament to the trust professionals and businesses have placed in Casio,' Shimada concluded. 'We're proud of our legacy and excited to support the next generation of students, teachers, and professionals across this region.'
The celebration reinforced Casio's dual focus on educational innovation and product authenticity, setting the tone for continued growth in one of the brand's most strategically important regions.