Chairman Nakakita’s Message (CONNECT Oct 2020)

Dear Colleagues,

Welcome to FY2020 Shimo!

It has been several months since I last travelled for work. What used to be “normal” for me became a strange yet liberating experience as I sat in the airplane, waiting to arrive in Singapore. I have not met many of you in person in a long while, but thanks to the HAS Bi-annual Gathering, I am happy to have “met” all of you again virtually.

FY2020 Kami was challenging for all of us as the world battled a new and deadly disease. As we enter a new term, I am heartened to see the strong display of Harmony, Sincerity and Pioneering Spirit – Hitachi Values that have kept us all united, as we embraced the new normal. Thank you for believing in me as your leader, and in Hitachi’s capabilities.

Looking back on our latest financial results, COVID-19 has certainly impacted our business. With that said, there are also many new opportunities. I was personally impressed by one of our team’s effort, in particular their fast thinking and reaction to help the authorities combat the disease with an innovative digital solution. This spirit is commendable and is what we need in Hitachi so we can continue powering good in our society.

Other valuable collaboration includes Lumada forming a strategic alliance with Microsoft to advance next-generation digital solutions for manufacturing and logistics. Our recent partnership with Nasket Retail Company Limited will also see the expansion of our digital solutions for smart cities. The solutions that we co-create with our partners will bring in more innovative and digital solutions to enable better and happier lifestyles in urban cities.

Bringing you back to my video message in June 2020, I mentioned that this is a good time for us to revisit our lifestyle. In today’s context, we need a different approach to tackle society’s challenges. There would be a constant need to relook and rethink at how we can continue to communicate our solutions effectively to our customers, even when we are working remotely.

With the increase of virtual meetings, and how it may take a few more months before a larger workforce returns to the office, I want all of you to take stock of your health. Not just physically, but also the mental well-being and emotional health of your team. Look out for one another, be kind and lend a helping hand whenever you can. We are in this together.

As your leader, I am committed and confident to journey with you through these extraordinary times. Stay strong with me and maintain a positive disposition. We are One Hitachi!

Kojin Nakakita
Chairman
Hitachi Asia Ltd.