Infrastructure and advanced information technologies at the “Hitachi Social Innovation Forum in Philippines” hosted by Hitachi Asia Ltd

Hitachi Asia Ltd., a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., recently hosted the “Hitachi Social Innovation Forum in Philippines” at New World Hotel, Makati City.

Hiroaki Nakanishi, Chairman & CEO of Hitachi Ltd., with Mitsuhiko Shimizu, General Manager of Hitachi Asia Ltd. Philippine Branch during the media brief of the “Hitachi Social Innovation Forum in Philippines” held at the New World Hotel, Makati City, February 12, 2016.

The aim of the forum was to discuss the need for sustainable solutions to address the challenges facing the Philippines and the region. 

Mr. Arnel Paciano Casanova, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Philippines Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), graced the event as guest-of-honor. 

Through hosted exhibition and business seminars, the forum showcased a broad range of solutions in Hitachi’s “Social Innovation Business”, which combines infrastructure and advanced information technologies.

Customers, business partners, and major stakeholders in the Philippines were able to have a better understanding of Hitachi’s key business fields such as information and telecommunication systems, power systems, healthcare, and transportation.

The Social Innovation Forum provided an opportunity to discuss technological answers to various societal issues particularly in the Philippines. The keynote speech by Mr. Hiroaki Nakanishi, Chairman & CEO of Hitachi explored global mega trends that require Social Innovation and how Hitachi’s expertise can drive these opportunities. 

Included also were Hitachi speakers Mr. Mitsuhiko Shimizu, General Manager of Hitachi Asia Ltd. Philippine Branch, Mr. Alistair Dormer, Global CEO of Hitachi - Rail and Chairman of Hitachi Rail Europe, and Mr. Alireza Aram, Senior Vice President of Energy Solutions Company. They shared their views on the Philippines’ market growth and upcoming challenges, and introduced some of Hitachi’s solutions to meet the market needs of urbanization from the view of Energy Management, Urban City Development, and Public Transportation supported by Information Communication Technologies. 

It was the third Hitachi Social Innovation Forum to be held in Southeast Asia (SEA), following successful events in Singapore in 2014 and Myanmar in 2015. Hitachi is placing increasing emphasis on SEA as it aims to increase its overseas sales ratio from 45% in FY2013 to over 50% in FY2015 under its “2015 Mid-term Management Plan”. Asia is one of the most important markets for the Hitachi Group, and the Company is aiming to increase its revenue in Asia (excluding China) from 989.9 billion yen in FY 2013 to 1,100.0 billion yen in FY2015. To further expand its Social Innovation Business in this region, Hitachi is planning a series of upcoming Social Innovation Forums in other SEA countries in FY2016. 

Mr Ichiro Iino, Chief Executive for Asia Pacific, Hitachi, Ltd. said:

"Throughout our long history in Asia, Hitachi has been working closely with various countries to support the region's long- term development. 

For the Philippines, this began 86 years ago when we supplied hydro turbines to Davao. We are very excited to see the country's rapid economic growth particularly in recent years, driven by strong government support. Through the Social Hitachi Innovation Forum held in the Philippines, we hope to showcase some successful examples of Hitachi's Social Innovation Business and how these can contribute to the Philippines and this region.” 

Hitachi aspires to drive innovation together with all of its stakeholders in ways that make positive contributions to society and seeks to inspire a world that provides safety, comfort and convenience to people throughout the planet, as well as for future generations.