Headed by Mr. Gerard B. Sanvictores, the Chairman of the Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee, Inc., PHILJEC and PJS delegates attended the 45^th ASEAN-Japan Business Meeting held at The Imperial Hotel, Tokyo from December 12 to 14, 2019. This year’s meeting, hosted by the Japan Association of Corporate Executives (Keizai Doyukai), focused on the theme “New Reality and Opportunity for ASEAN and Japan in the Face of New Global Trends.” More than 150 business leaders with diverse backgrounds gathered to discuss the impact of digitalization on industries and the new opportunities arising from such disruptive changes.

The meeting officially started with a welcome dinner on December 12 with greetings from Mr. Hashimoto Keiichiro, Vice Chairman and President, Keizai Doyukai. Mr. Hiyashi Nobuhide, the 45th AJBM Chairman, gave the welcome toast to guests that evening.

The first plenary session, held on the morning of December 13, presented two keynote speeches. Mr. Imai Yasuyuki, Senior Vice Officer and COO, Softbank (Softbank Business Development Strategy in Asia), talked about “Technology Utilization Japan’s New Challenge—Position and Relationship with ASEAN.” After Mr. Yasuyuki’s presentation, Mr. Konuma Yasuyuki, Director & Senior Executive Officer, Tokyo Stock Exchange gave his speech on “Market Cooperation and Mutual Growth of Japan and ASEAN.” A Q&A followed each keynote presentation.

Shortly after lunch was served, the discussion among ASEAN-Japan Startups commenced. Officially titled “Growth Strategy of ASEAN – Japan Startups Expanding Globally,” the panel discussion was moderated by Mr. Mashita Naoaki, CEO & Founder, V-Cube and included panelists:

• Mr. Izumo Mitsuru, CEO & founder, Euglena
• Mr. Ota Yoshihiro, Head of CEO Office, Axelspace Corporation
• Mr. Taniguchi Naoji, CEO & CTO, Holoeyes
• Mr. Jeffrey Foo, CEO & Mr. Sean Ong, Regional Group Director for Japan & Korea, LIV3LY
• Mr. Prasetio Erlimus, CEO, PT Compro Kotak Inovasi
• Mr. Honma Masahiko, General Partner, Incubate Fund

Several Breakout Sessions were held from two to four in the afternoon. Mr. Watanabe Kazufumi, Vice President, Amazon Japan, moderated the session “Connecting the Markets and Enhancing Opportunities—Digital changes consumer market（E-commerce).” Mr. Hachiuma Fuminao, President & CEO, J-OIL MILLS, INC. led the session “Upgrading Industries—Digital Changes Industry Infrastructure and Value Chains (manufacturing & human resources), while Dr. Asano Toshio, Former President and CEO, Asahi Kasei Corporation, moderated the session “Enhancing Well-Being for All—Smart, Sustainable and Quality Solutions（smart city solutions, energy & environment, mobility）.”

The second plenary session followed the Breakout Sessions and provided reports from those sessions and the opportunity for a Q&A. Mr. Hayashi and Mr. Hashimoto gave the wrap up and closing remarks. A closing dinner and cocktails followed, which also served as a networking opportunity for the participants.

December 14 was reserved for the AJBM Steering Committee Meeting.

45th AJBM Program

PHILJEC and PJS representatives are scheduled to participate in the 45^th ASEAN-Japan Business Meeting (AJBM) set on December 12 to 14, 2019 at The Imperial Hotel, Tokyo. The Philippine delegation will be headed by its PHILJEC Chairman, Mr. Gerard B. Sanvictores.

This year’s meeting is centered on the theme “New Reality and Opportunity for ASEAN and Japan in the Face of New Global Trends” and aims to provide a venue for participants to launch a discussion over the future model of ASEAN-Japan business partnership against a backdrop of disruptive changes happening in the ASEAN economy and society as global business moves toward digitization.

Senior Vice Officer and COO of Softbank, Mr. Yasuyuki Imai and Director and Senior Executive Officer of the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Mr. Yasuyuki Konuma will deliver their keynote addresses on the opening day of the meeting. Diverse and high-level participants from established Japanese companies and start-ups are also expected to present and join panel discussions during the 3-day event.

The AJBM is an annual meeting that promotes economic exchange among private sector businesses towards the stability and development of ASEAN and Japan. The 45^th AJBM is closely organized with important public organizations including METI, MoFA, JETRO and JOIN.