The Value of Inclusiveness for the Hitachi Workplace

Dear Colleagues,

For the first time ever, Hitachi’s internal event, "Global Women's Summit (GWS) 2018" was held on 2 October in Singapore. It was my first time attending the GWS and it was a huge success! I was overwhelmed by the ladies’ high energy and motivation levels!

The event was attended by Mr. Toshiaki Higashihara, President and CEO of Hitachi, Ltd., Ms. Cynthia Carroll, Outside Director of Hitachi and approximately 160 female employees from 17 countries and regions. This year, the ladies who attended the GWS held a variety of positions from junior roles to managerial representatives and I was honoured to have communicated directly with some of the attendees.

Some of the feedback I gathered include the disadvantages of being the minority at their workplace. That made me think of how we should accelerate activities on diversity within the Hitachi Group worldwide.

Let’s make our workplace an inclusive working environment where everyone can work happily together despite gender, age or culture differences. Let’s respect and value individual and group differences and embrace the diversity of backgrounds and perspectives of employees. Respect can help each one of us to reach our fullest potential and ultimately lead to develop Hitachi’s business and contribute to our stakeholders with better solutions and values.

On 10 November, the annual Orchard Road Christmas Light-Up in Singapore was officiated with a spectacular opening ceremony. This year marks the 28th year of our sponsorship. This is a valuable opportunity for us to show our commitment to the community as a responsible corporate citizen. I am so proud of how Hitachi is able to give back to the local community year after year. I believe that through such events, we are able to engage with the public and make them feel closer to Hitachi.

In conjunction with Christmas, we have an upcoming CSR event on 7 December where Hitachi Plays Santa returns to spend an afternoon with selected social service families. Through this event, the Hitachi Group of Companies in Singapore hope to extend a helping hand to the Singapore community. On top of an afternoon of fun at the Great Christmas Village, each family can look forward to receiving a food bundle, courtesy of donations raised by Hitachi staff volunteers. I hope all of you will actively participate!

In all that you do, please remember that we are a responsible member of society. Our daily contribution at work not only increases the company profit, but also to the community in which we belong to.

One more month left to the end of 2018. It is timely for us to reflect on the past year and look forward to a new year and progress together to 2019!

Kosuke Horiuchi
Managing Director
Hitachi Asia Ltd.