CONNECT October 2021 – Message from MD Sasaki

Dear Colleagues,

I hope you are all doing well.

Even amidst the restrictions on global travel and in-person gatherings, I was glad for the chance to see many of you virtually during the recent HAS Bi-annual Gathering.

Looking back at the first half of this financial year, there were many changes.

In recent months, we have seen the pandemic situation take a turn for the worse in many countries in ASEAN.

To all our employees who are struggling to cope with the many challenges COVID-19 has brought, I want to express my deepest sympathies and condolences. At the same time, I want to share my heartfelt appreciation for your hard work to keep our business going strong. Thank you very much for your efforts.

In late June, we were saddened to receive news that Chairman Emeritus of Hitachi Ltd., Mr. Hiroaki Nakanishi, had passed on. Under Nakanishi-san’s strong leadership, Hitachi was able to recover from huge losses after the global financial crisis. All of us deeply appreciated his efforts to bring Hitachi to where it is today and we will strive to maintain the legacy he left behind.

Earlier this year, Mr. Toshiaki Higashihara took on the role of Executive Chairman & CEO of Hitachi Ltd. and we welcomed our new President & COO of Hitachi, Ltd., Dr. Keiji Kojima. This is, without a doubt, a historic moment in our company’s history as we embark on a new journey under their leadership to establish Hitachi as a global leader in the Social Innovation Business.

We are now in the final year for the FY2021 Mid-term Management Plan. I sincerely ask for your cooperation in working hard towards achieving our targets before we move into the next Mid-term Management Plan. Please take the time to review your goals and assess if you are on track to completing them. I would like to encourage you to do your best to meet these targets and never give up, whatever the circumstances.

Next, as many of you prepare for the upcoming FY2024 Mid-term Management Plan, I want to emphasise that one of the key business areas Hitachi will focus on is ‘Environment and Digital’.

Many of you already know that Hitachi Ltd. is the Principal Partner of COP26, which is happening next month. This is a clear signal that Hitachi wants to send to the world that we are sincere in our efforts to create new environmental value for society.

In that same spirit, I would like all of you to seriously consider how you can contribute to creating a sustainable society for the many future generations to come, both in your personal life and through our business. As I shared in my earlier message in April, there are many great business opportunities relating to the environment. I look forward to seeing all the innovative new business ideas that you will come up with in the days ahead.

Finally, let us continue to stay united as One Hitachi in our goal to improve the quality of life for the people of ASEAN. Together, we can power good!

Takatoshi Sasaki
Managing Director
Hitachi Asia Ltd.