The Faculty of Engineering, Khon Kaen University in cooperation with JODC and AOTS of Japan organized The Training Program on Japanese Corporate Management for Thailand between March 7 and 17, 2011. The program was aimed at preparing students for their careers and Japanese corporate management. Fifteen students from different departments took part in the activity; the project responsible person was Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ratchaphon Santivarakorn. The overseas trip is one of the four activities of the project, which are listed below:
1.Training and Learning about Japanese Corporate Culture (15 weeks)
2.Visiting Japanese Companies in Thailand (10 days)
3.Japanese Language Training (4 months) and
4.Visiting Japanese Companies and Factories in Japan (11 days)
During the training, students were given opportunities to learn about Japanese lifestyle, corporate culture, and actual working styles as well as technology management and leading companies’ management in Japan of five companies, namely ATSUHIRO MAX Company (producing automobile parts), TOHKEN THERMO TECH Company (metal hardening and coating), PANASONIC Company (Electronic and Electrical Appliances), Asahi Company (producing beverages, beer, and fruit juice), and JFE (the largest steel company in Japan and the world’s third-largest steel company with a capacity of 10 tons of steel production per year comparable to the annual production of Thai steel). The steel production industry is Japan’s major basic industry enabling Japan to profoundly develop itself. The steel produced is used as raw materials in a number of companies and factories in Japan; in particular, car production companies, car parts companies, and electrical and electronic appliances of all brands.
During the visit, students also had a chance to take Shinkansen, the bullet train with a speed over 220 kilometers per hours and visited world heritage cities (i.e., Kyoto and Nara). Moreover, as they were in Japan when it was hit by earthquakes and tsunamis, they were able to experience Japanese’s way of conduct, principles, and patience. They learned methods and concepts of problem-solving and systematic and effective working styles. They witnessed the loss and the world’s compassion for Japan. It was a highly valued social experience for students to participate in activities during their stay. Via the AOTS project, students participating in the program donated money and gave moral support to Japan on its worst ever disaster.