March 21, 2013

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

– Regional forum will be held in Bangkok, Thailand from 1-5 July 2013 –

Kuala Lumpur, March 21, 2013 – Hitachi Asia Ltd. today announced the four university students selected to represent Malaysia at the 12th Hitachi Young Leaders Initiative (HYLI) to be held in Bangkok, Thailand from 1 and 5 July 2013.

Minister of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Dato’ Sri Mustapa bin Mohamed graced the announcement event which was held at MITI immediately after the final selection process.

Established by Hitachi, Ltd. in 1996, the initiative offers an opportunity for top students in Asia, who are also active social contributors, to discuss regional economic and social infrastructure issues with prominent regional opinion leaders from the private, public and academic sectors.

The four Malaysian representatives will join their counterparts from Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Japan at the regional forum, which features speakers from around the region under the theme ‘The Road Ahead: ASEAN’s Role in Asia and the Global Economy’.

Mr. Seiji Yoshimura, Managing Director of Hitachi Asia (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd said, “We are grateful to MITI for the support they have given to HYLI throughout the many editions. HYLI offers a unique opportunity for students to make contacts with prominent leaders and have their ideas heard by people who matter. The line-up of speakers for the 12th HYLI comprise some very prominent leaders from around the region. We are gratified to once again receive such strong support from these individuals and organisations who share our belief in grooming Asian youths with strong leadership potential.”

The students⁽¹⁾ chosen to represent Malaysia were selected after passing a rigorous application and evaluation process that included an interview before a panel chaired by Datuk Dr. Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria, Secretary-General of MITI. Other members of the Malaysian student selection panel included Dato’ Prof. Dr. Rujhan bin Mustafa, Director-General of the Ministry of Higher Education, Dato’ Hafsah Hashim, Chief Executive Officer of SME Corporation Malaysia and Mr. Seiji Yoshimura.

The students were shortlisted from seven participating universities — Universiti Malaya, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS and Taylor’s University. “I believe that leaders of tomorrow should be able to think critically, have a good grasp of local and regional issues as well as have the ability to articulate their ideas and thoughts on specific issues. MITI is supportive of HYLI because it provides just that – the opportunity for students to demonstrate their leadership abilities and potential. We hope that programmes like this will receive the support and acknowledgment that it deserves,” said Datuk Dr. Rebecca.

12^th 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 that greater economic integration will bring. Connectivity is a critical factor that will play a critical role in the continued success of the region. Accordingly, the theme of the 12^th 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:

1. AEC 2015: What can ASEAN really expect and Asia’s significance in the global economy
2. Connectivity: The driver of ASEAN competitiveness.