June 14, 2013

Hitachi Selects Four Students to Represent the Philippines at the 12th Hitachi Young Leaders Initiative

— Students will join delegates from six countries at the regional forum in Bangkok, from 1-5 July 2013 –

Manila, June 14, 2013 – Hitachi Asia Ltd. today announced the university students selected to represent the Philippines at the 12th Hitachi Young Leaders Initiative (HYLI). The event, which will be held in Bangkok from July 1 to 5, 2013, will bring together prominent regional opinion leaders from the private, public and academic sectors to discuss regional economic and social infrastructure issues and engage in dialogue with the student participants. The students will work together to present their ideas about how these issues can be addressed.

The students chosen to represent the Philippines are:

1. Mr. Francis Louie Karunungan, University of the Philippines
2. Mr. Wesley Paul Cortez, University of the Philippines
3. Mr. Jan Joel Simpuco, University of Santo Tomas
4. Ms. Ira Gayll Zamudio, De La Salle University

They were selected after passing a rigorous application and evaluation process that included a panel interview conducted by a highly esteemed panel chaired by former Supreme Court Justice Antonio Eduardo Nachura. Students from five universities – University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, University of Santo Tomas, and University of San Carlos – were eligible to apply.

Mr Yukio Toyoshima, Managing Director, Hitachi Asia Ltd. said, “HYLI offers a unique opportunity for students to have their ideas heard by prominent leaders. The line-up of speakers for the 12th HYLI is comprised of some very prominent leaders from Thailand and around the region. We are gratified to once again receive support from these individuals who share our belief in grooming Asian youths with strong leadership potential.”

Established by Hitachi, Ltd. in 1996, HYLI has brought together some of the best and brightest students in Asia. Each year, four outstanding students below the age of 28 are chosen to represent their country for the program. Currently, seven countries participate in HYLI: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Japan.

“For over a hundred years, Hitachi has maintained its role as a responsible corporate citizen. That commitment includes inspiring the next generation of leaders and HYLI is a key element in Hitachi’s long-term corporate social responsibility efforts in the region,” Mr Toyoshima added.

12th HYLI theme focuses on ASEAN

With AEC 2015 just two years away, a great deal of work remains to be done and some observers question the impact greater economic integration will bring. Connectivity will play a critical role in the continued success of the region. Accordingly, the theme of the 12th HYLI is The Road Ahead: ASEAN’s Role in Asia and the Global Economy. An impressive line-up of speakers will convey their thoughts on two sub-themes:

• Sub-theme 1: The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) 2015: What can ASEAN really expect and Asia’s significance in the global economy
• Sub-theme 2: Connectivity: The driver of ASEAN competitiveness

From the Philippines, Mr Rolando Tungpalan, Deputy Director-General for Investment Programming of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) will be the guest speaker and will speak on the topic “Opportunities and challenges of economic integration” during the HYLI event.