Global Wind （グローバル・ウインド）
Message from the International Division
東京支部中央支会国際部長 三上 彰久
Dear colleagues;
At the general assembly of the Chuo affiliate of SMECA Tokyo branch held on May 23rd, 2009, I was appointed to be a manager of the international division.
Through rapidly growing globalization, SMEs, who are our clients, come under the influence of overseas economies and worldwide competition. Thus a global standpoint is eventually necessary for SMEs, business with foreign economies have become a matter of common practice for them. SMEs activities are no longer limited to the domestic market.
Following this internationalization, SMECs who assist SMEs are also required to acquire global perspective, overseas information and consultation skills to make expand our business fields in search of bigger opportunities.
Therefore, the international division at the Chuo affiliate is now expected to play an important role in developing members' competency by offering international business seminars, international exchange parties and sharing members' overseas experiences.
Unlike “study groups”, “divisions” are positioned as acting units to carry out projects and coordinate the events of the Chuo affiliate. Needless to say your activity at the international division is volunteer work, however, your participation here will help you to build up a network of new connections. Personally, I have been very happy to meet a lot of friends and seniors who have international backgrounds and experiences through my activities as a member at this international division!
At the beginning of my office tenure, I have set out our credo, which is;
“To furnish opportunities of Continuous Professional Development for SMECs with global aspirations”
Based on the credo, our business plan for the FY2009 is as follows:
(1) Gathering information related to globalization and international activities. Assist J-SMECA Tokyo branch and its international promotions. Organize concerned members;
(2) To expand relations with other international divisions and study groups on international business (for example “The World Business Study Group”) under the SMECA Tokyo branch;
(3) To host the 8th International Open Seminar (around October/November timeframe, subject to confirmation);
(4) To collaborate with our parent counterpart of the SMECA Tokyo branch, for example, to jointly host an international cross-cultural exchange with foreign students in Japan;
(5) Division meetings will be held on quarterly basis, and routine communications are made through our mailing list;
(6) To re-activate the column “Global Window” on the Chuo affiliate web site;
(7) To cooperate to implement official events of the Tokyo branch as well as the Chuo affiliate, for example, newcomers’ day, new-year party and general assemblies;
These are the main features of the international division and I believe you are interested in our activities, otherwise you would not have reached the very bottom of this article.
To carry out our business plan, we definitely need your help. No English proficiency is required. If you can help us, please do not hesitate to contact me at:
alec.mikami%gmail.com
( “%” is a junk mail defender. Please replace it to “@” when sending e-mail to me.)
東京支部中央支会国際部長 三上 彰久
Akihisa (Alec) MIKAMI
Notes:
J-SMECA: Japan Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultants Association
SMEs: Small and Medium Enterprises
SMECs: Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultants
