The first-ever Global Saijuku training for managers of overseas business units successfully ended with a final presentation on 4th March 2016 in Kyoto, Japan. 12 attendees from SEKISUI subsidiaries across North America, Europe, India, Korea, Japan and China participated in the programme, consisting of three modules held in different places – Tokyo in June 2015, Roermond in September 2015, and Kyoto in March 2016.
The main goal of the Global Saijuku Programme is the communication of SEKISUI culture and value and their importance in the socio-ecological environment. The programme solidifies the appreciation and understanding of SEKISUI leadership principles with an emphasis on upholding ethical business practices. To meet these objectives, the advanced training (Japanese expression: Saijuku, hence the name) provided different teaching modules, like sessions with presentations on company objectives and initiatives, instructor-led classes, e-learning units and group activities on various issues. The results from these three modules were presented to the SEKISUI Chemical’s top management on 3rd and 4th March, followed by a closing speech of Teiji Koge, President of SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO., LTD. In his speech he emphasised his personal three most important goals of the Global Saijuku Management programme, which is to share the meaning of the corporate philosophy and vision, to promote diversity supported by diversified businesses and diversified people and to promote globalization and innovation with new techniques, new products and services to be renowned by the world.
The responses to the first Global Saijuku training were very positive. “Being part of the first Global Saijuku has been a very rewarding experience. It not only exposed us to a deeper understanding of SEKISUI’s core values and vision, it also enabled us to refresh and sometimes develop new skills in areas such as leadership, strategy and business development. It also enabled us to meet and share experiences with colleagues from businesses all over the world, thereby establishing our own Saijuku “doki”. These experiences will be invaluable as we continue to develop SEKISUI’s overseas businesses”, said Mike George, Vice President, Sekisui Specialty Chemicals Europe S.L., one of the 12 participants. Paul Koopman, Managing Director SEKISUI Eslon B.V. / SEKISUI PIPE RENEWAL B.V., added: “The Global Saijuku programme teaches us the vision of SEKISUI next to the necessary management skills we need to manage our businesses. We also came to realise that SEKISUI is on a road to becoming a real global company. This requires an open mind-set and a two-way communication between our Japanese and overseas colleagues. We as the First Global Saijuku trainees have taken up the challenge to promote this.”
The Saijuku training offers a great opportunity to share visions, concepts, leadership styles, strengths and weaknesses – strengthening not only business contacts and relations for future collaborations, but also creating lasting friendships across the SEKISUI family. Prior to this most recent programme, the course was conducted for employees from Japanese business units only. With globalisation opportunities growing for SEKISUI Chemical, SEKISUI Human Resources recognised the need to expand this training opportunity for overseas companies to drive forward the notion of a “Global One” operation.
Presentation of Paul Koopman, Managing Director SEKISUI Eslon B.V./ SEKISUI PIPE RENEWAL B.V.
Mike George, Vice President Sekisui Specialty Chemicals Europe S.L., presents results of group work in module 2
Participants of Global Saijuku Management Programme in Kyoto, Japan
