Kuala Lumpur – Pacific Science Congress

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I had the honor of being appointed eight years ago to the Presidency of the Pacific Science Association (PSA) and we held the 2007 Pacific Science Congress in Okinawa and then the 2009 Inter-Congress in Tahiti (Ref 1, 2, 3).  I have already, as you may know, talked about these gatherings on this site.

The Pacific Science Congress also has a committee within the Japan Science Council and belongs to the International Council of Science (ICSU).  This organization has a long and illustrious history of 98 years.

The Congress was held this year in Kuala Lumpur from June 14th to June 17th, and as the Immediate Past-President, I was invited to give a Keynote address.  I departed on the 13th for Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysia is a country that is vibrant and growing and it is pouring its energies into policies designed to promote education along with scientific and technological innovation.  Many local researchers who receive backing from the government were in attendance at the conference making for a really excellent gathering.

The title of my Keynote address was “Age of Uncertainty: Have We Become Wiser?” and my objective was to be as stimulating and thought provoking as possible.  Of course, many in the audience also expressed their support, concern and condolences regarding the recent tsunami and the subsequent events in Fukushima.

Everyone present seemed to find my address interesting and it prompted numerous questions from the audience.  The next day I even sat down for a live TV interview that lasted approximately 25 minutes. I was pleased to find out that Greg-san from Nagasaki University observed on his blog that the spirt in the room during my address heightened.

The Japan Science Council’s Hatai Medal was awarded this year to Professor Katsumi Tsukamoto (Ref. 1) for his research on the origin and migration of Pacific eels.  Professor Tsukamoto picked up his award in the company of his wife and I want to offer him my heartfelt congratulations on receiving this honor. 

I also was able to meet up with Dr. Robert Underwood (left photo below) who is the President of the University of Guam and had served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1993 to 2003.  He talked about the far-flung Pacific Islands including the problems they grapple with in the areas of education and health care as well as their unique relationship with the United States from an extremely interesting perspective. He extended an invitation to me to visit Guam and I think that I would like to take him up on his offer sometime within the next year.  The Congress was an overall enjoyable experience which allowed me to see many old friends, make some new ones and meet young up-and-coming researchers.

With underwood Group photo 

I have previously talked about the Global Science and Innovation Advisory Council (GSIAC) which operates under the Malaysian Prime Minister, and I also had the opportunity to meet for around an hour with Dr. Zakri, who is the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor, and his staff. The members were truly an impressive lot and I was honored to be able to participate in this confab.

The next Inter-Congress meeting is scheduled to be held two years from now at the University of the South Pacific (Fiji).  How about joining us then??

 

 

Geneve; Todai President Council at the WEF Head Quarter -1

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The President Council of Todai is held in early June annually.  This year’s meeting, by the invitation of Professor Klaus Schwab, our member and also the Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF, popular as the Davos Meeting), was set at the WEF Head Quarter (HQ) in Geneva.  By the way, last year’s meeting was held in New York City.

As I landed in Geneva via Paris, I found the weather cold and rainy.  After a short break, I headed to Cologny, one of the most prestigious area in Geneva where the WEF HQ is located, and as I gazed at the mountains across the lake, behind the UN and other buildings, I noticed them covered with new snow.  I was told that the weather was very hot only last week, like 30℃/86?.  It was a pity.

I enjoyed reunions with many friends working at the WEF HQ, having lunch together, talking about the agenda.  So many young people from various backgrounds, various nationalities are working here.  There were several Japanese, too.  Most of them, including the Japanese, are here temporarily for some years, as a part of their career paths, but the work presents them opportunities to get in touch with the leaders of the world, making friends, and expanding networks.

The next day was a national holiday here, and most of the places were closed.  However, the reception at the WEF HQ from the evening was full and cheerful with the presence of President Hamada of Todai, the Council members, and OB/OG of Todai working in Geneva and its adjacent areas.  There I met Dr Suwa, introduced several years ago by Dr. Ito.  He is a graduate of Todai, Department of Science, earned Master’s degree at Duke University, PhD at Princeton University, and taught in Rwanda for about 3 years.  Dr Suwa is currently working at the World Meteorological Organization and hopes to return to Rwanda to teach after his term at WMO is over.  I introduced him to President Hamada right away.  I also had the pleasure of greeting HE Suganuma, the Ambassador of Japan to Swiss.  Here in Geneva, many are related to governmental organizations, so I had opportunities to meet many friends (though most of them were much younger than I….)

In the evening, I had dinner with the Council members at the Hotel.  Professor Kobayashi  (Ref.1) the head of Japan team at CERN was of course invited, too.  I was seated next to Mr Bill Emmott and we talked mostly over Fukushima.  I think many of you know him.  He was the head of Tokyo office and then editor of the Economist, and authored many books on Japan (please search at Amazon).  I understand that he is recently writing on Italy.

There were lots of topics to talk about; Japan after 3.11, how journalisms or scientists should be, businesses, politices….. I felt that concerns and attentions to Japan are high after 3.11.

Mr. Emmott told me that he plans to visit Tokyo in June.

 

AIESEC Convention

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I have reported to you on AIESEC for a number of times in my web site.

The day after I returned from St Gallen, I participated in the convention of AIESEC (Ref.1)(Ref.2 in Japanese).  I was inivited to give a keynote speech.  Thank you for inviting me.

For the details of the convention please check the AIESEC web site.

I would like all of you to know that you are all great and I enjoyed very much the enthusiasm in the air.

About 200 students and several OBs/OGs gathered. I enjoyed the whole afternoon having conversations with them.

The highlights of this event were the presentations by the 3 students from overseas who were engaged in internships in Japan, and 3 Japanese students who experienced 2 months’ activities at overseas.  They were selected from a large number of candidates.
 
The Japanese students had their internships at India, Brazil, and Philippines.  First, they started with Japanese common sense in their minds, but soon encountered many setbacks due to misunderstandings, went through difficult times in trying to find ways around, had to think hard to get out of the troubles, fight and go over the troubles.  They also met wonderful people… Each student had their own, very moving “monogatari (stories)” to tell.  I was very moved to see how much a person can grow in such a short period of time.  Such experience will definitely broaden their perspectives, and strongly impact the way they choose their future careers and over come challenges they will face.
 
The same goes with the 3 international interns, too.  I heard many truly moving “stories” about the difficulties Japanese host students or enterprises (smaller ones) had in arranging the interns’ visit to Japan, or how many wonderful changes took place in both visiting students and receiving companies

Some report about this event on blogs such as this one.  (in Japanese)

By the way, the best award went to Mr. Ryo Takahashi, a student in my class at Keio SFC.  He talked about his story in India.

At the reception  “Ichinokura”, a leading Sake brewery in Sendai, which won the top award for a company which accepted a student from China, the company winner, offered its brand barrel of Sake liquor to remind us the great disaster of Tohoku and we all enjoyed the wonderful Sake.

By seeing such wonderful youths, I felt from the bottom of my heart that Japanese students are treasures to offer and connect Japan to the world, and likewise, international students are important treasures to Japan.

I recommend all Japanese enterprises to host more student interns from overseas.  You will never know how much their wonderful experiences in Japan will contribute to the PR and business of your company in this global world.

On the other hand, professors at universities will easily recognize that AIESEC is wonderful educational opportunities if they just see how much the Japanese students will learn and mature through such internship activities.  Japanese companies should not hesitate to give more support to such programs.

For the Japanese society as a whole, one of the most important things to do for the future of Japan is to aggressively participate and promote such activities and support the youths.

 

Dragon Cherry Blossoms Continues to Fight; “Encourage Students to Take Leave of Absence from School”

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The Dragon Cherry Blossoms which I have been reporting you every now and then was launched in action 3 years ago in December when they visited me finding out my massage from my blog postings; 　I advised them to take a leave of absence from school and go to Dhaka. My Saisyo seemed to have made up his mind right on the spot to take a leave. As they were leaving my room, I could see that everyone got my message feeling pretty confident about their next step..  After this, things started to move rapidly, and Mr Miyoshi with others organized Japanese side of the team, and later they created GCMP.

Overcoming many hardships along the process over almost two years, Dragon Cherryblossom made a big impact which quickly spread throughout Japan.  I am very happy about this.
 
I assume that you have already heard about the book written by Mr. Saisyo; “Go Forward, Go Forward, Go Forward” (in Japanese).  Here, I would like to introduce the book to you again.  I can see from his book that at the site, they are encountered with many difficulties.  Of course, there would have been hurdles of different kinds continuing his studies in Waseda University, too, had Mr Saisho stayed at the Univertsity not taking the leave..

However, this is only a beginning, and I can assure them that they will be challenged by many unexpected “barriers” before they succeed in expanding this project or even changing the society a bit.

Mr. Saisyo, you are very diligent in pursuit of your dream and have shown the ability to get people involved.  Many youths see you as their “role model”.  However, I have to say to you that harder times are yet to come, but remember that I am always on your side and willing to support you just like many others do….
 
By the way, in connection with the “Encourage Youths of Taking a Leave of Absence from School”  which I so many times urge in this web site, I would like to call your attention to the fact that many private universities charge “fees” such as “tuitions” even while the students are on “the leave” ? which is unimaginable policy for educational institutions.

However, the good news is that at the Meiji University, with strong actions on the students’ side, University Admisnitration decided to significantly reduce the amount of fee they charge to students during the period of leave.  I am very, very, pleased.  I would like to ask the university administration to make the amount they charged (during absence) part of the tuition due after their return to university.

I urge other private universities to follow the example of Meiji University.  To students, I urge you to unite and petition to the universities.

For it is about your right to build your future.

 

First Step Towards Structuring New Japan

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 ‘3.11’ disaster attracted global attentions not only by its huge impact but also by the importance Fukushima has in the world.

However, this attention lasted just for the initial 1 to 2 weeks.  Japan has exposed its strength and weakness clearly to the world, as I have pointed out for several times in this web site (Ref.1, 2, 3 )   
or in other media such as newspapers (in Japanese) (Ref.1)

News coverage of Japan is altogether minor in international media.  If you follow the world news, it is perfectly clear that any comment by Japanese government is taken as nothing but excuses.; that is to say the credibility and trust of Japanese government have fallen.

Then, how can we recover the international credibility of Japan?  This is the keypoint.  As far as browsing through the domestic news coverage, I could hardly find any opinions or comments by the Japanese ‘leaders’ on this issue.

At a time like this, when the nation is at the brink of losing its trust, it is good to learn lessons from the past.  However, that being said, the point is how much the leaders have profound insights, are capable of making good judgments, know what they must do.  Self-centered ‘pride’ means nothing here.
The one and only thing that matters is how much you care about the people (of Japan).  It goes not just for the government but also for the major business enterprises like TEPCO.

This means, in case of the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant, that the government or the Diet must launch an ’International’ task force that is completely ‘independent’ from the government. I can assure you that unless this is done, the world’s trust in Japan will never even start to recover.

Such idea/reasoning is also presented in the document which the Natural Resources Defense Council submitted to President Obama dated March 25th.

Also, unfavorable rumors or misinformation about agricultural produce or industrial products, thus harming credibility of Japan, are difficult to tone down unless the steps I described above do not materialize. There are lots of lessons to be learned from the process of recovery of the reputation of British Government that took more than 20 years when the BSE started in 1886. 

What we need is a special committee that is ‘independent’ and ‘outside’ (i.e. internationally trustable) of the government.  Equally necessary is a quick and total information disclosure.  This again, is very unsatisfactory at this stage.  Transparency is the foundation of trust and credibility.

Recently, I had an opportunity to present this idea using this figure at a meeting (open to media) organized by legislators of the Democratic Party of Japan.  I learned that many members of the Diet share this idea with me (in Japanese).

Mind you, the whole world is watching.  They are questioning whether Japan has no intention of turning the Fukushima nuclear power plant disaster to lessons to share with the rest of the world.

 

The Risk Response Network of WEF: The World Is Paying Attention to Japan’s Responses

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The World Economic Forum (‘Davos’ Meeting), recognizing enhancing mutual dependence of the global world, have launched ‘Risk Response Network （RRN）’ (Ref.1),  where the danger of expansion of various risks in the world is discussed so as to structure the system of addressing to those risks and responses to them.

I have bee participating in the processes, but this ‘3.11’ quakes, tsunamis, and the nuclear power plant crisis of Japan was precisely one of huge disasters we had been discussing about over the last few years

WEF-RRH meeting was held in New York in April, and then, on May 18th, a Workshop focusing especially on this mega disaster in Japan was held in Tokyo.

Many people gathered, and Mr Edano, the Chief Cabinet Secretary, among others, came to deliver a message. Summaries and references are available on web sites (Ref.1, 2, 3) (Ref.3 is in Japanese).

A summary by Kevin Steinberg, the COO of RRN, is also posted on the web site of WEF.

Besides participating in the open sessions, I have been involved in many discussions, interviews with key persons for these 3 days.

How Japanese government respond to this disaster is being watched by the whole world.

 

‘SSR’ and the Responses of the Scientists/Engineers to the Great Disasters of Japan

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After the great disaster in Northern Japan, we – scientists and engineers – had to face numerous problems of all sorts, just like others.  Various experts made comments on the TV and other media.  What did their peer experts think of those comments?  Did they think that those comments made sense and science-based?

I think most people would agree that the press briefings of the government, TEPCO or Nuclear and Industry Safety Agency (NISA) were so clumsy and incomprehensible　detached from the public. It could be that the situation was too complicated that it was difficult even for the scientists or experts to make comments  in depths.

General impression was that, since the authorities presented only their own conclusions/results of their own interpretations without any data, analysis, nor basis of judgments, we felt or became suspicious there had to be some reasons for such conducts.  I believe this is true.  Many people responsible appeared to be simply trying to get away with excuses such as ‘not sure’ or ‘have not been confirmed yet’…

In this connected information age, however, if actual data releaved later, credibility of the authority and/or any organization will rapidly deteriorate.

I notice recently that major Japanese media, seemingly repenting on their poor initial behavior, started to publish special issues focusing on the future. (They were all the same and looked terrible in the beginning, though).  The Nikkei Newspaper launched this week a series; ‘A New Start from The Crises’ Part 1 ‘Towards the New Japan’.  It looks pretty good.

In Part two, “A Technology Nation ‘In the Well’” (in Japanese), they quote my comments.  The concept of ‘Intellectually Closed Nation’ (Ref.1)(2005, in Japanese), (Ref.2)(2005, in Japanese), (Ref.3)(2006),  (Ref.4)(2006, in Japanese), (Ref.5)(2009), (Ref.6)(2009),(Ref.7)(2010) which I repeatedly touch upon in this blog and elsewhere, is introduced, also.

I expect all Japanese scientists and engineers to understand that their value (their responsibility is not limited to research only) is evaluated by the peers and the public of the wide world not only by how they behave in Japan but in the world.

I don’t want to sound self-seeking, but ‘Japan Perspective’, a report by the Science Counsel of Japan in 2005, under the supervision of President Yoshikawa and I served as Chair of the committee, points out clearly the basics of the issues on how Japanese scientists should connect with the society, not from vertical ‘silo’ points of views, but from a horizontal perspective.

It is crucial for all scientists and engineers to recognize their strength and weakness, to see the changes and needs of the society of our age, and to have a strong vision on how to address the issues of the society and put those visions into actions.

This, in short, is the SSR ‘Scientists’ -as a community- Social Responsibility’ in this global world, I strongly believe.

 

Science and Technology Policies in the Mid East: Lecture at The Middle East Research Institute of Japan

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There is a membership organization by the name of The Middle East Research Institute of Japan (MEIJ).  The Chair is Mr. Mikio Sasaki, former chairman of the board of Mitsubishi Corporation, and the President is HE Tatsuo Arima  (in Japanese), former Special Representative of the Government of Japan who had done a significant job for many years.

I was invited to give a lecture at its breakfast meeting on current status of higher education and science and technology policy in the Middle East.

MEIJ supported the Japan Arab Economic Forum held in Tunis last December, and I was invited there also.

Most of the members are from business sector, so I thought that my contribution on this theme would be somewhat limited, but I tried to speak as open mindedly and straightforwardly as possible based on my personal experience.

I assume that you already know from my postings on this web site about my activities in the Mid East/Islam such as Egypt, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, or Qatar (please search within this site by these key words..)  I focused my lecture on those activities, their relations with Japan, the revolution that took place one week after my departure from Tunis, and issues between the Mid East and Japan in coming years, particularly after the revolution.

I always appreciate such opportunities, since I learn a lot from exchanging open and straightforward views with people that are in very different areas than myself.

I would be more than happy if I could have other such opportunities.

 

More and More Dynamic Actions to Expand Links to the World

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East Japan Disaster and the actions of Japan to respond to this is a huge challenge which will determine the future of this nation.  The 'strength' and 'weakness' of Japan have been clearly seen not only in Japan but by the people of the world.  I don’t know how well Japanese people understand the background and the basis for those ‘strength’ and ‘weakness’ of Japan, but I do suspect that everyone thinks that ‘something is wrong’.  It goes without saying that ‘transparency’ is the basis of trust in this flattening, interconnected global world.  However, it seems that ‘Japan Inc’ is not disclosing the first hand information nor original data to the public and the stakeholders at press briefings or press conferences.  Subsequently the reactions of the stakeholders will be late, which will trigger damaging their trust to the government, eventually leading to a vicious circle.

For democracy to function, it is indispensable that broad range of information be distributed widely to the citizens, so that they have options to choose from in making decisions.

In this context, I would like to share with you my experience at two unique gatherings.

One is a dinner meeting with Mr. Robert Thompson, the Editor in Chief of the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), Mr. Jacob Schlesinger, the Japan Editor in Chief, their co-workers, and 7 or so of the ‘global minded leaders’ invited from Japanese government, businesses, or academics.  The discussion was heated from the beginning.  Naturally so, because they have been, for a long time, concerned and working to solve the problem of Japan’s so-to-say ‘mal adaptation syndrome’ to the globalization.  Since all discussions are ‘off-the ?record’, I have to have their names remain undisclosed.

By the way, participants from WSJ other than the Editor in Chief and Japan Editor in Chief, were several core staffs who all happened to be females.  These staffs had a very nice impression on us.  ‘This’, again, shows what we need to revitalize Japan.

Another one.  Foreigners working in Japan organized a joint networking event with CCJ- Chamber of Commerce of Japan (I serve this year as the ambassador of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan …) in support of several NGOs of disaster relief.  The gathering was named ‘Giving Back to Japan’ and many Chambers of Commerce in Japan of the world participated.

I was given the honor of being invited to deliver a Keynote speech, and so chose the title of ‘Re-inventing Japan’.  This disaster is a ‘crisis’, and we must make it an ‘opportunity’ for not only putting into action many ideas to ‘reform’ Japan that were raised but remained undone, but also for ‘opening up Japan’ to the world.  This is the best way to honor the diseased.  It is crucial that we focus on nurturing ‘Global citizens’  (Ref.1,2)in the process of helping youths build their future career.  I introduced the activities of ‘Impact Japan’ which we founded for such goals.  I was, in return, introduced to people working for the children in disaster hit areas such as KnK Children Without Boarders or PA International .

The reception was very successful.  Another such gathering is scheduled to be held 6 months from now.

Let us cooperate with the people of the world and expand the links of networks – for ourselves and for the sake of youths, who will build the future of Japan.

 

Starting With Whatever ‘Energy Saving’ Possible by Yourself; Invitation to a New Movement

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It goes without saying that energy issue is a top priority to society as a whole.   This was made perfectly clear after the Fukushima nuclear power plant disaster and the following electricity supply shortage as well as the planned electric outage.  It is more important to save energy than building more nuclear power plants.

After the disaster, people are sending out all sorts of information, ideas, people’s wisdoms, or suggestions from engineers not only through the conventional media or publications, but also through new means such as Facebook or blogs.  The point is that the society which traditionally used to operate according to the supplier’s reasoning (electricity is apparently part of this), had, along with the challenges of CO2 and climate change issues or the skyrocketing oil price, transformed into a society more based on the flat, open, consumer driven demands and choices.  This is where we need to think hard about.

There are many, simple, practical ideas that are useful at current situation and can be done by yourself.  I found one of such good ideas being introduced in Seichiro Yonekur’s FB.  It is an idea of Hidefumi Nishiga.
 “At your house, if your current electricity contract is over 30A, the first step to energy saving is having it reset to 30A.  This will limit your highest electricity consumption to 30A.  Check the switchboard of your house, and if it is 40A, 50A, or 60A, call the electric company and ask them to have it changed to 30A.

Let us all together start 30A contract innovation!

Background and expected effects;   30A is enough to supply electricity to a household with one air conditioner installed at the living room (our house).  If a household that uses more than 40A at the peak time switches to max. 30A, they will try not to let the breakers go off.  If one million households had their electricity reduced by 10A or 1kW, they will save energy equivalent to one nuclear power plant.”

Having the switching done, then we could go on to figure out ways to use electricity efficiently.

It is important to take actions however small they may seem.  As you know, we have universal proverbs which we share in all nations, such as “Many a little makes a mickle”, “Perseverance brings success”.

Energy Saving is a global issue, so good ideas or options may be applied anywhere in the world.  I think we should post or search for good ideas in English (at least half of them).  Actually, there are many good ideas already being applied in many countries, cities, or societies.  It is also good to learn about the energy saving policies already being put into practice.  Today, it is possible for each of us to connect to the world to exchange ideas.  Such networks have potentials to move our society or even the world.  We might even create App in Japanese or English.

Changes taking place in Tunisia, Egypt, Bahrain, Syria, or Libya for these 4 months is a good chance for changing Japan.  We must not miss this opportunity.
Start with checking your electricity switchboard of your house.