The World Chinese Entrepreneur's convention was held for the first time in Japan in Kobe, and I was invited for a panel about healthcare.
Participants were Dr. Ba Denian, Medical President of Zhe Jiang University from Hangzhou, China (he has studied at Hokkaido University and also a member of Institute of Medicine), Dr. Edmund Lee, Professor of National University of Singapore and the leader of clinical pharmacology from Singapore, Dr. Maggie Ng from Hong Kong of the Juliana Chan Program who ran the RENNAL with me and the MC was Professor Masanori Fukushima of Kyoto University. Time may not have been enough, but the discussion was good. Regarding nation's competitiveness, if I may say, it is a pity that Japan lags far behind from other countries. What is most important is not only researchers but for each and everyone to act based on an "entrepreneur spirit." As I keep saying, this is the core message of "innovation."
Well, in what language should I speak in this panel? I was a little concerned, so I attended the reception the previous day and asked for advice to the organizer of the panel, and decided to speak in Japanese with English slides. Of course there was simultaneous interpretation in Mandarin, English and Japanese. One of the participants, Dr.Ryuichi Morishita has quickly updated his blog about the Convention.
In the reception held the previous day, I met Mr. Yoichi Funabashi, former executive of the Nikkei Newspaper; Mr. Akira Kojima, former President of Philippines; Mr. Ramos; and friends and people related to Genron NPO. Ms. Kanae Yamamoto, Ministerial aid of Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry also showed up. I also met with First Secretary Mr. Liu from the Chinese Embassy who is temporarily transferred from the Chinese Health Office. Mr.Ramos wears glasses since he was President, but it doesn't have lenses, it's just fashion. Also, he says that he always has cigars with him although he doesn't use it recently. This is not to actually smoke, but to give an "impression." Quite a man.
Photo In Kobe with friends. From left, Mr.Kojima, myself, next to one is Mr.Ramos
Next morning, I met with the mayor of Kobe, Mr.Yada and listened to Kobe's future bio plans. They have built the groundwork, but how to make full use of it, that is the issue. I would like to extend my gratitude for President Yan Hao and Executive Director Kyo of EPS which is becoming one of Japan's largest clinical service provider. Thank you very much.
I am leaving for Hangzhou from the 20th.
