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

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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.

Hitachi Launches 13th Hitachi Young Leaders Initiative : “ASEAN Perspectives on the Social and Environmental Challenges of Designing and Implementing Public Transportation Systems”

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Hitachi Asia Ltd. held the 13th Hitachi Young Leaders Initiative (HYLI) with the 31 students selected from over 230 applications from 51 universities in the region.

High-profile regional leaders gather in Manila to address pressing transportation issues.

This year, 31 top university student leaders from eight countries – Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Japan gathered in Manila and held meaningful discussions with high-profile regional opinion leaders on pressing transportation challenges facing the ASEAN region.

All student applicants were put through a rigorous selection process based on their academic results, participation in extra-curricular activities, leadership capabilities, fluency in the English language and knowledge of current regional issues.

The students, divided into four groups, were tasked to present what they’ve learn in the past three days and were allowed to make recommendations with regards to the over-all theme.

The event, which is held between 27 and 30 July 2015, sees a strong line-up of speakers from the region. 

Mr. Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya

Mr. Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya, Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications of the Philippines, graced the event as Guest-of-honour.

Under the theme “ASEAN Perspectives on the Social and Environmental Challenges of Designing and Implementing Public Transportation Systems”, the first two days of forum discussion will centre around the following three sub-themes:

A snapshot of the current state of urbanization and sustainability in ASEAN 

An overview of the infrastructural options for people-centric and environment-friendly transportation systems  

Shaping a culture of sharing: Lifestyle changes for efficient transportation 

“For almost two decades, it has been extremely encouraging and heartening for us to be supported by many of the most respected and prominent leaders in the region. Their passion and enthusiasm in grooming the future generation has allowed HYLI to cultivate a strong community of leaders in ASEAN with a sound understanding of the region’s challenges. Our HYLI alumni will prove to be an important asset to bring about a brighter future for the region,” said Mr. Hirohiko Morisaki, Managing Director, Hitachi Asia Ltd. 

This year, providing significant insights on Southeast Asia’s transportation issues to the HYLI delegates during the four-day event are (in order of speech): 

Mr. Arnel Paciano Casanova, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) from the Philippines 

Ms. Nana Soetantri, Transport Specialist, Regional and Sustainable Development Department, Asian Development Bank 

Prof Dr. Danang Parikesit, President of the Indonesia Transportation Society 

Dr. Somprasong Suttayamully, Director of Business Development, Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand 

Mr. Nobukazu Nagai, Director, International Policy and Project Division, Railway Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan 

Mr. Jiro Yasuda, Division Director, International Business Development & Sales Division, Hitachi, Ltd., Rail Systems Company 

Mr. Mohinder Singh, Advisor, LTA Academy, Singapore 

Mr. Laurence Cua, General Manager, Uber Manila 

Ma. Pham Thanh Tung, General Director of International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Transportation Vietnam 

Honorable Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, Senator, Senate of the Philippines and 3rd HYLI alumni also graced the event on the second day. 

Mr. Ichiro Iino, Chief Executive for Asia, Hitachi, Ltd. said, “HYLI provides a unique platform to broaden the regional and global outlooks of students through interactive discussions with regional subject experts. In addition, it also allows Hitachi to understand real issues faced in the world, which is crucial in ensuring that Hitachi develops solutions that answer society’s challenges."

Apart from various forums and workshops designed to ensure students rich networking and learning opportunities, the students will also visit Gawad Kalinga Village and Bonifacio Global City on the third day of the programme. These visits will provide students with the opportunity to experience first-hand the various types of transportation systems used in different parts of the country, to understand how transportation and urban development affect the lives of residents. 

Finally, students will share what they have learnt over the course of HYLI at the Student Presentation. Their recommendations will subsequently be published in a white paper, and shared with the business, government and academic sectors for their consideration.

Tsunehiro Takahashi, Vice Chairman, Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Myanmar (JCCM) 

About Hitachi Young Leaders Initiative (HYLI)

The "Hitachi Young Leaders Initiative" (HYLI) is a community relations programme that aims to identify and nurture potential Asian leaders by bringing them together to discuss regional issues with influential government officials, prominent business leaders, academics and NGO representatives. Since its inauguration in Singapore in 1996, the HYLI has been successful in bringing the best and brightest students in Asia together. From 2015, Myanmar will join existing participating countries Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Japan in the program. The initiative offers student participants a unique platform to broaden their outlook on regional and global issues while promoting Asian values and cross-cultural understanding.

For more information, please visit http://www.hitachi.com/csr/sc/activities/hyli/. 

About Hitachi Asia Ltd.

Hitachi Asia Ltd., a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. and established in Singapore in 1989, has offices across seven Asian countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam). Focusing more than ever on the Social Innovation Business, Hitachi Asia’s business includes information systems, power and industrial systems, R&D, international procurement and Centre of Excellence. For more information on Hitachi Asia, please visit the company's website at http://www.hitachi.com.sg.