Day 3 - Virtual Summer Program

After 2 days of insightful discussions and hardwork, Wednesday began on a lighter and fun tone as we had an origami workshop conducted by Adjunct Prof. Naoko Yamamoto, who teaches Japanese Language at NUCB Business School. Starting with a brief introduction about the history and origins of Origami and its important place in the Japanese culture, the workshop began with 3 different models kabuto (samurai war helmet), hako (box) and tsuru (crane).

In ancient Japan when paper was a luxury item, it was a strictly ceremonial element which then became recreational while remaining ceremonial throughout the Edo period. It went to become widely available to everyone as a form of art and for recreational purposes, with kids learning it from a very young age.

Participants felt confident about their origami skills after finishing and wearing their kabuto, so everyone wanted to step up for a challenge and as such, the latter 2 proved to be rather demanding for everyone. Nevertheless, none gave up and kept trying until they could accomplish as much as possible.

After this relaxing (or perhaps not so much considering the challenges imposed by the last 2 origami models!) moment, participants moved onto a lecture and discussion session on Japanese Corporate Innovation and Sustainability, delivered by Associate Prof. Hakeem M. Moshin of NUCB Business School. Based on a case about Toyota's new business model geared towards creating a sustainable future, participants learned about nenrin management and how the current President Akio Toyoda was inspired by Ina Foods, which served as valuable lessons to revise operational and management strategies. Much of the discussions surrounded ESG (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance) that organizations are now starting to favor instead of having CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) as the corporate vehicle for positive contribution, as well as on the SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) set by the United Nations.

An important dialogue focused on how COVID-19 impended recent ESG efforts but also how it has been a reminder for everyone to rethink to better incorporate ESG.

Read about the Day 4 here.