THE ASIA-JAPAN YOUNG LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

-MYANMAR-

2-7 December 2013

Organized by

Institute for International Studies and Training

This booklet was subsidized by the JKA through promotion

funds from KEIRIN RACE

http://ringring-keirin.jp/

Table of Contents

1. Background and Objective ........................................................................................... 1

2. Program ........................................................................................................................ 1

3. Participants .................................................................................................................. 3

4. Accomplishments ......................................................................................................... 4

(1) Historical Ties ......................................................................................................... 4

(2) Advanced Technology and Operation ..................................................................... 4

(3) Tradition and Modernization .................................................................................. 5

(4) Persistent Efforts and Innovation .......................................................................... 5

5. Participants’ Reports ................................................................................................... 6

(1) Ei Kay Thwe Khine ................................................................................................. 6

(2) Hanefa Dawood ..................................................................................................... 11

(3) Kyaw Dewa............................................................................................................ 16

(4) Lai Lai Aye ............................................................................................................ 18

(5) Pyi Soe Maw .......................................................................................................... 21

6. Photos ......................................................................................................................... 26

1

The 1st Asia-Japan Young Leadership Program

-Myanmar-

In 2013, Institute for International Studies and Training (IIST) launched “The Asia-Japan

Young Leadership Program” inviting young prominent business people, who are expected

to contribute to deepening relationships between countries in Mekong region and

Japan. For the first year of the program, IIST invited 5 participants from Myanmar to

Japan. They were selected among prospective candidates who were recommended by

Japanese-affiliated companies in Myanmar and the Union of Myanmar Federation of

Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI). The program was held in Tokyo, Aichi

and Kyoto from 2 to 7 December, 2013.

1. Background and Objective

Despite much interest in Myanmar by Japanese companies, there is still limited

investment or trade relations between Myanmar and Japan compared with other countries.

To facilitate future economic relationship between Myanmar and Japan, encouraging the

mutual understandings among young people is important. Thus, invited participants from

Myanmar are expected to deepen their knowledge of Japanese economy and society

through lectures, opinion-exchanges and field trips, so as to develop more accurate views of

the current situations in Japan and have a closer tie with Japan.

2. Program

At the beginning of the 6-day-program, two lectures were provided. The lectures enhanced

understanding of the 5 participants about Japanese history, industry and society. Those

sessions also contributed to deepen the participants’ knowledge on historical and current

relationship between Myanmar and Japan. The site visits in Tokyo, Aichi and Kyoto

followed the lectures.

The companies to visit were selected mainly from 3 perspectives: high-technology,

high-quality and safety consciousness which were widely recognized as sources of global

competitiveness of Japanese industry. Discussion with staff of the companies facilitated

participants’ understanding on business tendencies in Japan. The knowledge and

experience obtained will help formulate their successful careers as well as developing

closer links between the two countries. The detailed program is as follows.

2

The Schedule of the 1st Asia-Japan Young Leadership Program

- Myanmar –

DATE / VENUE TIME ACTIVITIES

Mon., 2 Dec. Tokyo

AM

Arrival at Narita Airport

Orientation/ Lecture by Mr. Koichiro AKATSU,

Vice President & Managing Director, IIST

PM

Lecture by Mr. Toshihiro KUDO, Senior Researcher,

Institute of Developing Economies (IDE)

Visit to Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)

Tue., 3 Dec. Tokyo

AM Visit to Obayashi Corporation

PM

Visit to TOKYO SKYTREE

Visit to a trading company

Wed., 4 Dec. Tokyo & Nagoya

AM Visit to Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen General Control Center

PM Visit to Kewpie Koromo factory

Thu., 5 Dec. Nagoya & Kyoto

AM Visit to TOYOTA Commemorative Museum of Industry

and Technology

PM Visit to Asahi Shimbun printing factory

Fri., 6 Dec. Kyoto

AM Visit to Eriko Horiki & Associates Co., Ltd.

PM Wrap-up meeting

Sat., 7 Dec. AM Departure for Myanmar

3

3. Participants

Ei Kay Thwe Khine

Executive Director, Senior Consultant, Japan SAT

Consulting Co., Ltd.

Hanefa Dawood

Senior Accountant, Finance Department, NTT DATA

Myanmar Co., Ltd.

Kyaw Dewa

Central Executive Committee member, Union of Myanmar

Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI)

Managing Director, UKD World-Class International Co., Ltd.

Lai Lai Aye

Executive Committee member, Myanmar Young

Entrepreneurs Association

Chairperson, Mandalar Minn Express

Pyi Soe Maw

Project Manager, Offshore Development Center, DIR-ACE

Technology Ltd.

4

4. Accomplishments

In this program, the participants attended 2 lectures and visited 8 companies

/organizations along with some historical sites in Kyoto. They discovered many things such

as historical ties between Myanmar and Japan, potential advantages of their countries and

even some hint of solutions for challenges they face. The followings are essential factors

that they found during the program.

(1) Historical Ties

Visiting Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) helped the participants to enrich

their understanding on a long term relationship between Myanmar and Japan as well as

practical knowledge of Japanese ODA loans and grant aid. They learned how close the two

countries were. Even during the economic sanctions era, Japan provided various kinds of

assistance through JICA for the improvement of people’s livelihood, human capacity

building, development of infrastructure, etc. On the other hand, Mr. Kudo of the Institute

for Developing Economies explained that a close bilateral relationship dated back well

before the World War II.

(2) Advanced Technology and Operation

Most of the companies they visited showed their high-tech facilities. The participants were

amazed that specially developed equipment at Kewpie Koromo Factory cracked 600 raw

eggs per minute to obtain yolks. Printing machinery at Asahi Shimbun Kyoto factory

prints 50 copies of newspaper per second. Impressively enough, all the advanced

technologies there were associated with accurate, punctual and systematic operation.

One of the typical examples of accuracy was Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen General Control

Center. At the beginning of discussion with staff of the Center, interests of the participants

were focused on one thing: If and when they could see Shinkansen running in their home

country. As discussion with the staff unfolded, however, they fully understood that

operating Shinkansen safe and punctual would be far more difficult than just introducing

it. To secure the safety of passengers, various measures are incorporated to the operation,

such as everyday overhaul and periodical strict inspections for the trains and railway

tracks, full time monitoring and preparing for weather changes, delay, accident, natural

disasters. Those constant efforts led to Shinkansen’s reliability with an average delay of

only 0.6 minutes, no passenger fatalities and injuries due to train accidents as well as a

high level of safety the company boasted.

5

(3) Tradition and Modernization

Another distinctive aspect of Japan they found was creating something new from the old.

They witnessed it when they visited Obayashi Corporation before going to TOKYO

SKYTREE, the tallest free-standing broadcasting tower in the world. Obayashi is a

building constructor which built the tower in 2012. As the participants listened to the

explanation of Obayashi, they found that the tower embodied “the typical Japanese way”;

combining the old and the new. For building the tower, Obayashi did not only utilize

cutting-edge technologies but also applied the traditional one. The adopted technology

“Shinbashira”; a sway motion control mechanism against wind and earthquake. It was

named after the central pillar used in traditional five-story pagodas built in 6th century.

The other example was displayed at Eriko Horiki & Associates. Ms. Horiki, the founder

and the designer, created special lighting objects, lighting wall and tapestry from Washi

paper (Japanese traditional paper). Appealing feature of her works is innovative materials

with newly developed technologies while still retaining essentially traditional elements.

She developed new techniques to solve usual problems of Washi paper such as burning,

discoloring and color fading, tearing and shrinking.

(4) Persistent Efforts and Innovation

Under the program, the participants witnessed strengths of Japanese industry; advanced

technologies, high-quality services and operations, meticulous care about safety. They also

gained additional insights underlying those they heard and saw. Visiting TOYOTA

Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology might be a good example. The

museum shows not only the history of Japanese manufacturing technology, but also how

TOYOTA, one of the world’s leading companies, realized innovation with its patient efforts.

The participants understood that Sakichi Toyoda, the founder of Toyota Industries Co.,

Ltd., devoted his life to the research and development of automatic looms. The museum

staff explained that his motivation was easing the burden of weaving workers. He took a

process of trial and error for many years to improve weavers’ safety as well as their

productivities. The participants saw the history of TOYOTA as well as that of Japanese

industry.

6

5. Participants’ Reports

(1) Ei Kay Thwe Khine

I applied for and was chosen to participate in “The 1st Asia-Japan Young Leadership

Program”, which was arranged by Institutes for International Studies and Training (IIST).

The program was from 2nd to 7th Dec 2013. We visited Tokyo, Nagoya, and Kyoto. We had

great experiences in this field trip. We had chances of hearing from different kinds of

businesses, and had a chance to hear their points of view and opinions about Myanmar.

On the first day, we were lectured by Mr. Koichiro Akatsu and Mr. Toshihiro Kudo. Mr.

Akatsu is Vice President & Managing Director of IIST. And Mr. Kudo is a senior researcher

of Institute of Developing Economies (IDE). We had a chance to hear about the brief

history of economic development of Japan, characteristics of Japanese industry, and which

factors are overwhelming in the Japanese society. That was a short, simple, and effective

lecture to know about Japan. In Mr. Kudo’s lecture, I realized how the ODA came from

Japan in past years, and why and how it stopped. It was really a precious lecture for young

people like us. After that, we visited the office of Japan International Cooperation Agency

(JICA). We have JICA office in Myanmar too. JICA supports Myanmar in various ways

including technical supports, grant, ODA and so on. As a developing country, Myanmar

needs help and support like this. ODA from Japan had been stopped since 1988. And it was

opened again after the U Thein Sein became the president of the Republic of the Union of

Myanmar.

On the second day, we visited the Obayashi Corporation. It is well known as the builder of

the world’s highest stand-alone communication tower, TOKYO SKYTREE. Obayashi

Corporation was founded in 1892. Their businesses are building construction, civil

Lecture by Mr. Koichiro Akatsu

7

engineering, real estate, and so on. In 2009, they started to build the TOKYO SKYTREE.

It took nearly 3 years to finish the tower and totally 57,000 manpower were used. In

February 2012, it became the world’s highest communication tower with the height of

634m. We had learnt not only their technology but also their sprits. In the construction, no

one got injured, even in the Great East Japan Earthquake. Their technology is a mixture of

modern and traditional technology. I mean that is Japan. That is their specialty. In this

field trip, I learnt Japan did not neglect new and different things. They accept, mix up with

their own culture, and create their own new things. To protect from an earthquake, they

used their traditional technology, “Shimbashira”. They showed their future plan, “Space

Elevator in 2050”. I really admired them. May be it sounds crazy, but they are amazing.

They dare to dream. And it seems nothing is impossible for them. After that we visited the

TOKYO SKYTREE. Seeing is believing! It was really great. We went to 350th floor and

enjoyed the sky view of the Tokyo city. In the 340th floor, there was a glass floor from which

you can see the Tokyo city under your foot. I am really proud of all the members involved in

TOKYO SKYTREE project. After that we went to the Ginza, one of the most luxurious

shopping districts in the world.

On the third day, we went to the Tokyo Station and visited the office of Central Japan

Railway Company (JR Central). JR Central’s servicing area produces 64.1% of Japanese

GDP. As per comparison of intercity transportation, 85% passengers from Tokyo to Osaka

are using JR Central’s Shinkansen. We also visited “Shinkansen General Control Center”.

It was really amazing. The maximum speed of Tokaido Shinkansen is 250~270km/h. But,

there is zero passenger fatality or injuries due to the train accident such as derailment or

collision. Not even in the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. The annual average delay

is 0.6 minutes/operational train. The control center is a vital part and does not excuse a

tiny little mistake. All of the members need to pay full attention to their jobs all the times.

From the General Control Center, we moved to Nagoya by N700A, the latest model of

Shinkansen.

at Obayashi Corporation

8

At a Shinkansen platform of the Tokyo Station, there was a group of women, wearing same

pink track suits, were waiting for a train too. They were the world’s famous cleanup crews

of the Shinkansen. When all the passengers left out of the train, they went into it and

started to perform their duties. Their moves were so fast and so professional.In about 7

minutes, the train was in a ready-to-go condition; clean, neat, and tidy. They are valuable

workers. They are supporting to keep the trains running on time.

When we arrived in Nagoya, we went to Toyota City and visited Kewpie Koromo factory. It

was established in 1919. About 9% of the eggs produced in Japan is used by Kewpie factory.

The admirable fact about Kewpie factory is they throw away nothing. They produce

fertilizer, cattle food, calcium snacks, chalks, wallpaper, tires, and cosmetic products from

waste such as egg shells, membrane, etc. In our country, we still have plenty of resources.

The most important thing is to value what we have, and do not waste anything. That was

what I learnt from Kewpie.

On the fourth day, we visited TOYOTA Commemorative Museum of Industry and

Technology. Toyota did not start from automobile factory. Mr. Sakichi Toyoda devoted his

Tokyo Station

at Kewpie Koromo factory

9

life to developing looms. His oldest son Kiichiro Toyoda adapted and developed the loom

technology to build automobiles and founded the Toyota Motor Corporation. I really like

their philosophy, “Good thinking, Good products”. I believe Toyota is the symbol of Japan’s

Monozukuri (Making Things).

Then, we rode Shinkansen again and moved ahead to Kyoto. In Kyoto, we visited an Asahi

Shimbun (Newspaper) printing factory. Asahi Shimbun was founded in 1879, and is one of

the most popular newspapers in Japan. In one clap, 50 copies of newspapers are printed.

We learnt the behind the scene of the newspaper production. After that we went to famous

sightseeing places, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kodai-Ji Zen Temple, and Gion. Although Japan is

a developed modern country, they value, maintain, and protect their culture and tradition.

I am really proud that Kyoto still has its own traditional ways of living. We saw a young

Maiko san on the way. We heard that to become a Geisha is not so easy. I saw both beauty

and bravery in her. She dared to choose what she likes. I really admired her.

On the last day, we visited Eriko Horiki & Associates, creator of Japanese paper. Ms. Eriko

Horiki beautifully combines the traditional and modern design, and creates a new thing.

at Asahi Shimbun printing factory in Kyoto

at Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology

10

All of her designs are amazingly beautiful and each design has different taste. Shan State,

Eastern part of Myanmar, has traditional paper like that. The production method is same.

But our weak point is that we are lack of sense. Japan is different. They accept all the

different things and mix up with their traditional ways. And create a new thing, and it

became their own. We should take lessons from that.

After that, we visited Nijo Castle, and Kiyomizu-dera. Both of them were splendid. We

have many interesting and beautiful places for sightseeing in Myanmar. We should

maintain and promote Myanmar tourism like in Japan. We have old palace in Mandalay.

But we cannot compare Japan’s standard of maintenance. Japan’s is high level. If we do

not learn and changed, one day we will lose our precious historical memories. We should

take this seriously.

As Myanmar was closed for several years, we did not know what was happening in the

outer world. After Myanmar was opened again, many countries are interested in doing

business in Myanmar. Many foreign companies and factories come and see Myanmar for

surveys. They called Myanmar as “Last frontier”. We have a lot of potentials. But what we

need is to look outside and learn. We should learn Japan’s way of “MONOZUKURI”

(Making Things). We should learn Japan’s philosophy of “OMOTENASHI” (Serve and

entertain the guests wholeheartedly). Next steps are waiting for us. In the near future,

foreign companies and factories will be increasing day by day. We have to get ready for that.

No one can deny that, after World War II, Japan rebuilt its country with the spirit of no one

can compete. I decided to share those spirits to our people. As we are doing an employment

agency, and, as we also have a training school, I plan to share and lecture to the students

what I have learnt in this trip. And I would like to make business together with Japanese

businesses in the future.

I would like to say words of gratitude to the Institutes for International Studies and

Training (IIST) for arranging this valuable field trip. Thank you very much!

at Eriko Horiki & Associates

11

(2) Hanefa Dawood

The program was from 02 to 06 December, 2013 in Tokyo, Nagoya and Kyoto. We all had

very enjoyable time learning new things in every visit.

Orientation

We were warmly welcomed by the IIST team at Tokyo Prince Hotel. Firstly, we introduced

each other and schedule was explained by the program coordinator.

Akatsu san gave us brief explanation about the program. The objectives of the program are

to promote mutual understanding and create human networks between Myanmar and

Japan.

We got the overall idea of economic development of Japan. Japanese attach importance to

lifelong employment and seniority system. They prefer long term sustainability rather

than short term profit.

At present time, some of the practices have been modernized but some factors such as

community oriented behavior, corporate culture etc. is still highly valued.

Though Japan is a developed county, it has some issues such as declining population

Lecture by Kudo san from Institute of Developing Economies (IDE)

The topic was about Myanmar and Japan relationship: Close Friends, Estranged and Close

Friends again.

Myanmar and Japan had “historically friendly relationship” in the post-World War II

period. We got knowledge about how ODA (official development assistance) provided by the

Japanese government and how it affected on Myanmar economy and a relationship of the

two countries.

That relationship drastically changed in 1988 due to the military coup. Due to the

sanctions and pressure by Western countries, Myanmar expands its trade relation with

neighboring countries. Myanmar and Japan became estranged for some period.

However, Myanmar’s Open – Door policy steadily increased foreign trade. The new

reformed government announced four economic policies and allowed foreign investments

which contribute to developing its economy. The nature of economy and strategies for

growth were well explained by Kudo san.

12

It is undeniable that Myanmar is a resource rich country and it needs to utilize own

resource inside the country for its own people. The lecture highlights the facts and

situations which are vital for Myanmar economic growth.

Visit to Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)

JICA’s activities of providing comprehensive assistance to developing countries and areas

across the globe reflecting its group vision “Inclusive and Dynamic Development”. JICA is

giving aid not only in terms of monetary but also technology and infrastructure

development through technical cooperation in developing countries across the world.

During our program, we got the overview of the operation of Southeast Asia and Pacific

Department and JICA’s contribution to economic corridors in the region.

In addition, it broadened our view about the assistance JICA has provided in Myanmar.

JICA is providing assistance for the improvement of people’s livelihoods, for capacity

building to sustain economy and society, for the development of infrastructure for economic

development through ODA loan, grant aid as well as technical cooperation in Myanmar.

I realized that with the great help from Japan through such organization, physical and

mental condition of local people will improve and it will be a boost for the country moving

towards development.

Visit to a trading company

We were thrilled to get a chance to visit a trading company, “Sogo Shosha” and the tour

was filled with enthusiasm. Management strategy and history of the company gave us

some background knowledge. We understand the Japanese term “Sogo Shosha” means the

unique business model born in Japan and grown in the world. It provides a variety of

products and services which make the entity goes beyond “general trading”. There were

some discussions about their operations in Myanmar and the contributions to Myanmar

economy. We also got valuable suggestions to improve ourselves and our career life as well

as the facts to keep in mind in dealing with Japanese businesses.

Obayashi Corporation and TOKYO SKYTREE

TOKYO SKYTREE, one of the tallest towers in the world and its main construction

contractor Obayashi Corporation was one of the most exciting moments during the trip.

The video on the construction of TOKYO SKYTREE was very heart touching and

admirable. The method they used and the determination of not to let anything dropped

13

down were very remarkable. After watching and listening to how the tower was built, we

had a tour to the site. The feeling we got when going up to the tower reflected the scene

and hard world of the construction site. We saw the sky rocking towers of Tokyo from the

observation deck.

Visit to Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry & Technology

We were very excited to visit the museum. By visiting the museum, we got deeper

understanding of how the Toyota automotive factory started. The perseverance and

innovation of Sakichi Toyoda and Kiichiro Toyoda is exemplary for today’s youths.

Visits in Kyoto

As Kyoto is famous as historical and cultural city, many historical temples are on the

UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. It seems like everywhere you turn is a temple or

shrine to see. I was lucky to be in Kyoto in early December, so the Japanese maple trees

were at their full strength in autumnal red and weather was cool but comfortable.

The visit to Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji Temple) was unique experience for us. It was very

interesting to listen to the history of the pavilion and it gave us the true essence of

Japanese culture.

Next, Kiyomizu dera, located halfway up Otowa Mountain is one of the Historic

Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. It gave us knowledge about Japanese beliefs and shrines.

The clean water of Otowa fall is very famous for long life and we all got the chance to taste

the water.

Nijo castle is an excellent example of social control manifested in architectural space. The

building houses several different reception chambers, offices and the living quarters of the

shogun. One of the most striking features of Nijo Castle is the "nightingale floors" in the

corridors. To protect from sneak attacks and assassins, the builders constructed the floors

of the corridors in such a way as to squeak like birds when anyone walks on them. Some of

the rooms in the castle also contained special doors where the shogun's bodyguard could

come out and protect him. It shows the lifestyle of the shoguns.

The castle area has several gardens which were designed by the famous landscape

architect. The garden has a large pond with three islands and features numerous carefully

placed stones.

Kyoto also has Gion, the Geisha area. This seemingly pedestrian area (until a taxi crept

14

up behind me) is old and traditional looking. Gion is a particularly beautiful and calming

area, equally attractive at night with lanterns and dimly lit doorways, with a simple but

elegant wooden construction.

Visit to Asahi Shimbun printing factory and Kewpie Koromo factory

It was very interesting to see the factories running with lots of robots and machines.

Operations were controlled systematically by the experts. The high technology and

expertise used are interesting. Asahi Shimbun is printed in a speed of 50 sets per second

which is highly admirable.

It was very informative tour to visit such production sites as they gave a lot of information

of Japanese manufacturing sectors and we got to learn management and operation styles.

Food and other visits

I was very grateful with the arrangements of IIST team. We tasted various kinds of

Japanese food and other cuisines. The accommodation arrangements were also very nice at

main locations. We experienced the real touch of the Japanese word “OMOTENASHI”

which means the heart of Japanese hospitality.

As I work for a Japanese firm in which I have to interact with many Japanese people and

associations, the program helped me to understand more about the working culture. Apart

from it, the manners and the characteristics of the local people were very impressive and

appealing. I realized that my decision to work under the Japanese management was right

and proud of myself.

To conclude, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the whole team of IIST for

accompanying us in the whole trip and taken care of us. Mr. Horikawa, CEO of NTT DATA

Myanmar who gave me a chance to participate in the program. Last but not least my

thanks to the officials from respective organization we visited and the interpreters and

guides who helped us to understand in details.

15

Welcome Dinner (Gompachi) Orientation

Kewpie Koromo factory

Golden Pavilion

Beauty of Kyoto

16

(3) Kyaw Dewa

My personal point of view is that Japanese business groups are likely to make sure for their

businesses (i.e. doing research, survey, planning, etc. for knowing the possibility of

interesting business fields with enough information) before they decide to start any

business locally or internationally.

Fig (1) Our Myanmar Delegation Group photo

Some culture of Japan, like paying respect to each other especially to elder ones, is very

similar to that of Myanmar. Japan is threatened for its future by declining population and

Myanmar is facing challenges of providing social security and public health for more and

more population here.

We really envy the time management and punctuality of Japanese people as our people still

need to get practiced. Most of the facts in Japanese traditional values and 8 S* should be

applied in Myanmar as well. Actually, in our Buddha’s teaching, there are also “dos and

don’ts” for people to follow but our people are not strong to apply, that is the weakness.

IIST program is well designed for effective variety of fields for excursion and the lectures

as well. We got the clear picture of the procedure for ODA loan and grant aid and JICA’s

activities. Moreover, there was frank and transparent discussion between a trading

company and our delegation. During the discussion, we have learned that our country were

regarded to have three weaknesses, i.e. Electricity, Infrastructure and Government

decision making takes time and because of that, investors might change their mind to shift

the investment in other LDCs like Cambodia and Laos.

*5S (Sorting, Setting in order, Shining, Standardizing, Sustaining the discipline) & 3S*

(Manner, Firmly and Persistently, which starts with an “s” in Japanese, i.e. sahou,

shikkari and shitsukoku )

During early 1980’s, in Myanmar, there was good condition for assembling and production

of vehicles (e.g. Mazda, Hino) jointly together with Japanese industry and Myanmar

Industry. Our country was advanced of car production that time among ASEAN countries.

17

Moreover, that time foundry under the Ministry of Industry was the biggest in the

Southeast Asian Region. Due to the political situation starting from 1988, most of the

foreign investment and cooperation became less and less, of course, our country lost

opportunities of technology transfers, foreign direct investments, exchange programs, etc.

We even faced with economic sanctions by countries especially from the West.

Fig (2) At TOYOTA Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology

Fig (3) My thanking words on behalf of Myanmar Young Leaders

Thilawa Special Economic Zone project is now very promising and Myanmar businessmen

and people are very much interested in buying Kyats 10,000 shares (which is just started

inviting for shares in state owned newspapers) to invest in Thilawa Special Economic Zone

Development and so do I. I recently attended the Knowledge Management Introductory

Course conducted by Myanmar Japan Center giving lectures by Japanese professors.

Capacity building for our human resources is the urgent matter to be materialized to catch

up with neighboring countries’ human resources capacity and skills. For me, I am

interested in not only doing business with Japanese people but also embracing training

from the well developed and technology advanced country like Japan. Thanking for

choosing me to participate in your program!!!

18

(4) Lai Lai Aye

It is my pleasure to make a general report on the Asia-Japan Young Leadership Program.

This program is designed for providing its participants with knowledge about Japanese

economy and culture. I was very happy when I received the acceptance letter from

Institute for International Studies and Training (IIST). I was very lucky to get the chance.

I participated in the program representing the Myanmar Young Entrepreneur’s

Association (MYEA).

IIST has launched this program for developing closer relationship between Japan and

Mekong sub-region countries. IIST invited us to Japan to enhance economic relationship

between the two countries; Myanmar and Japan. Japan is one of the top developed

countries in the world. This was my first visit to Japan. So I got a lot of knowledge and

idea from this program.

The program was designed for promoting better understanding on Japanese economy and

society through lectures, opinion-exchanges and field trips. It offered us to engage in

dialogue with some business people of companies and organizations. I learned all kinds of

good things from this program for my business and organization, MYEA.

Some of them were time management, good manners and systems, respecting a rule,

company’s CSR and caring for environment, recycle system etc…. Our country (Myanmar)

actively uses open economic system and released a new investment law for foreign

investors. I can share my knowledge in leadership skill, sustainable success of a big

business and how to make a balance for business between “profit-oriented” and

“eco-friendly”.

Japanese businesses have been continuously working on research and development mainly

at their research facilities. So they have succeeded in developing a new method.

Renovations to replace and strengthen existing structures to improve that can make their

work efficient.

They also care about environment. Today, the global warming is the pressing issue. When

we do our businesses, we need to make many environmentally- friendly project .That will

be meaningful for all of us. When I visited Japanese companies, they always made efforts

for better environment. So good to see the healthy lifestyle and culture are alive and well

in Japan.

The most impressive experience during the program was Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen

19

General Control Center. The core of JR Central’s operations is the Tokaido-Sanyo

Shinkansen. My line of business is intercity transportation. So I learned not only about the

company’s structure but also about service, performance and so on. That is why I think

that I can apply to my knowledge to my business.

What I have learned from respective visit were as follows.

(1) Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)

- One of the largest aid agencies in the world.

- Projects economic cooperation to Myanmar.

- Provides assistance for investment, trade and SME sector in Myanmar.

(2) Obayashi Corporation

We learned so many things such as TOKYO SKYTREE’s history and team work

process.

- Creating a safe, secure and comfortable society with exceptional technologies.

- Their businesses were very well in construction, engineering, real estate and

overseas expansion.

(3) Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen General Control Center

We learned that the Center was controlled systematically. It was very strict about

time management and maintaining system.

- The main transportation network linking Japan’s principal metropolitan areas of

Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka.

- Renovation process and technological developments made this company achieve a

high level of safety.

(4) Kewpie Koromo factory

We learned production way of the factory. We also see the cleaning and recycle

system.

(5) Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology

We learned not only industrial technology of Toyota but also Japan’s automobile

history.

20

(6) The Asahi Shimbun printing factory

We learned that it was very important to make it just in time. Additionally, we

learned how to use recycle paper and produce them.

- We learned printing process.

- Just in time process, speedy and continuous delivery.

(7) Eriko Horiki & Associates

I learned innovation and value adding process of traditional Washi.

This program assisted us to understand various aspects of business, culture and bilateral

relationship between Japan and Myanmar by using the suitable program of assistance

which consists of not only lectures but also many visits to interesting places. For my

company and organization, I will make best use of lessons learned from this program.

Thank you.

21

(5) Pyi Soe Maw

PURPOSE

The main purpose of this trip is to develop close relationship between Japan and countries

of the Mekong sub-region. As the 1st step of this goal, IIST (Institute for International

Studies and Training) invites young prospective leaders from Myanmar to Japan to

enhance economic relationship between the two countries.

INTRODUCTION

The very first program, “The 1st Asia-Japan Young Leadership Program”, organized by

IIST was started by inviting Myanmar Young Leaders from different sectors such as IT,

Transportation, Finance, Consultancy and Trading. The program took only 5 days but

included some useful discussions with famous companies of Japan to create better business

relation with Myanmar in the future. By discussing with them, all of the participants could

get very useful information and knowledge about how to improve the way of doing business

in Myanmar to become a well-developed country.

The program had also included for seeing around the famous places of Tokyo, Nagoya and

Kyoto to learn more about Japanese culture and history which helped the participants to

understand more about them. This program also helped the Myanmar people to think

more carefully and consider the best way of our country development in the future.

OBSERVATION

1) Tokyo

On the 1st day of arriving in Tokyo, IIST arranged the very interesting presentations in

the orientation session at Tokyo Prince Hotel given by Mr. Koichiro AKATSU and Mr.

Toshihiro KUDO. The presentation topic was very attractive to us because we can learn

more about Japanese industry and culture briefly. In addition, Mr. KUDO explained the

22

history of Myanmar-Japan relationship and how should the two countries try to create a

better relationship in the future.

After the orientation session, we went to Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)

office to learn and discuss their operation and cooperation with Myanmar. JICA explained

how they provided ODA and grant to Myanmar to become a well-developed country. Based

on their explanation, we could understand what was necessary to get ODA and grant and

also what kind of operation and processes were undertaken in Myanmar by JICA. By

discussing with Obayashi Corporation and a trading company, we have learned a lot about

both technology concerns and the way of doing business with corporations.

While Obayashi Corporation is only targeting to civil engineering and construction

business, trading companies are doing almost everything they can do for their business.

Anyway the way of doing business is not so different because they always start thinking

about safety and then quality by following the profit. That way of thinking is also the same

in JR Central (Central Japan Railway Company). JR Central explained the process of their

maintenance and how important it was.

23

2) Nagoya

The most interesting and valuable idea was given to us when we have visited to TOYOTA

Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology.

Because we really were surprised to learn that TOYOTA’s first invention was a looming

machine. Myanmar also has that kind of manual looming equipment but we never tried to

invent automatic looming machine before.

Before going to TOYOTA Commemorative Museum, we visited Kewpie Koromo factory and

watched the actual mayonnaise production. Using the very fast egg breaking machine to

produce mayonnaise and dressings which is very remarkable. They have innovative ideas

to produce different products from eggs and even eggshells in order to reduce the waste.

For the production, we couldn’t get a photo because of the restriction.

3) Kyoto

The Kyoto trip was mainly for getting knowledge about Japanese history. We visited

famous places like Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji), Kodai-ji Zen Temple, Nijo Castle and

Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Also visited Gion where the famous Geisha-san are living.

Before we visit historical places in Kyoto, went to Asahi Shimbun printing factory to watch

and learn how they are printing a huge amount of newspaper to deliver door-to-door in time.

The secret is the pretty fast printing machine which they said can print 50 sets of

newspaper in 1 second.

At Eriko Horiki & Associates, a product show was given and it made us think of creating

something great based on our own tradition. She was really brilliant and hard working to

create Washi paper based on Japanese tradition.

24

25

CONCLUSION

The 1st Asia-Japan Young Leadership Program included visits to various places in Japan

and famous companies and factories which helped the participants to gain the knowledge

and experiences that they cannot get if they visit Japan by themselves. Especially, we could

learn and experience how Japanese people behave and think to do business with effective

management. The common thing is all of Japanese people care most about the safety and

quality than any other things which is very great.

We obtained better understanding about Japanese business culture and industries by

visiting various companies and factories. And the program duration was very appropriate

for us because it took only one week. The program schedule was also really convenient for

all the participants. Because Myanmar becomes popular internationally, most of

companies in Japan are interested to do business with Myanmar that is a good chance for

us.

In participating in this trip, we had chances to discuss with the great company leaders

which will be very helpful to do business with Japanese people later.

26

6. Photos

Orientation meeting (2 Dec.) Mr. Toshihiro KUDO gives lecture (2 Dec.)

JICA (2 Dec.) Obayashi Corporation (3 Dec.)

Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen General Control Center (4 Dec.)

In front of Shinkansen train at Tokyo Station (4 Dec.)

27

TOYOTA Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology (5 Dec.)

Kewpie Koromo factory (4 Dec.)

Asahi Shimbun printing factory (5 Dec.) Eriko Horiki & Associates (6 Dec.)

Group photo at Tokyo Prince Hotel (2 Dec.) Group photo in front of Asahi Shimbun printing factory in Kyoto (5 Dec.)

IIST

Institute for International Studies and Training

2nd Floor, Toranomon Jitsugyo Kaikan

1-1-20 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan

〒105-0001

http://www.iist.or.jp/en/

E-mail: info@iist.or.jp

TEL: +81-(0)3-3503-6621

FAX: +81-(0)3-3501-0550