Two countries coupling culture with knowledge
JICA chief representative Hiroyuki Kinomoto sits down with ABE initiative graduate Corvin Brady and the managing director of Komatsu Africa Holdings
passion for Japan since his university days led to young electrical engineer Corvin Brady attaining an IMBA from the International University of Japan (IUJ) and taking a six-month internship with Komatsu Limited, in an 18-month whirlwind trip of a lifetime.
Brady told Hiroyuki Kinomoto, chief representative of the South African office of the Japan International Cooperation Agency: “I have always had a fascination with Japan, also fuelled by working with Komatsu Africa Holdings.
“This was a fantastic opportunity and not what I expected. For example, the universities and culture in South Africa compared to Japan were so completely different, which blew my mind.
“Universities in South Africa have more set classes and time in class. At IUJ, you spend a lot more time outside class with your peers, and with 40 different nationalities at the IUJ I made so many new connections from countries across Asia and the world.
“IUJ offers the highest ranked MBA in Japan. Also, at first, I did not expect to find myself at a university in a rural setting, surrounded by mountains and rice fields.”
Brady said that when he left Komatsu for Japan, he was responsible for customer support through the analysis of business and operational data, but he returned to the South African arm to work as a business improvement consultant, to improve the internal performance of certain business units
Brady said the extraordinary politeness of the Japanese is something South Africans could learn from
“In Japan, people take care of each other, having so much consideration and awareness of others compared to South Africa, where due to our complicated history, we tend tofocus on looking after ourselves first. South Africa could benefit so much from moving away from such myopic views and expanding these to having a greater consideration overall, for the benefit of each other especially at leadership levels. ”
He told Kinomoto: “It was very difficult to become close friends with the Japanese students, but once I was accepted into their circles, I found them to be loyal and generous. After an incident in the classroom one day where I stood up for some of the students who were being unfairly oppressed, we became very close friends, and through having these friends I had the opportunity to see the real Japan
“It is a different way of life, where the Japanese stick religiously to rules, versus here where rules are treated more like guidelines. The rigidity of the rules makes society work for the benefit of the people and has engendered a great mind-set.
“South Africans should take more care of each other, and have as much consideration and awareness of others as the Japanese have.”
Kinomoto: How do you think the ABE initiative has made a difference to your career?
Brady said: “I don’t believe I would have realised the mind-set or view of management if I had not spent this time overseas. It is difficult to lead a multinational group where nobody speaks the same languages. I have had the chance to accrue such a leadership ability and what is needed for the next level up in terms of management skills.”
Komatsu’s managing director Mike Blom said: “It is very important for Corvin to come back into the business and continue with his development, which entails a year or two circulating around all divisions in the company. We are a Japanese company, so it is a huge advantage understanding Komatsu and the Japanese culture. There are now a number of areas to expose Corvin to that will make him well-rounded and skilled.”
Brady said: “The internship was a huge eye-opener because I saw how the Japanese work culture and management practice can be integrated into South African business.”
Kinomoto: How long did it take you to transition into the Japanese way of life?
Brady: “I don’t think I ever really did transition. Maybe … had I spent longer in Japan and seen more of its nuances. The children, for example, have a much more military-fashion upbringing, which is very different. Also, trying to learn the culture without the language presents a further challenge– but I adapted enough to enjoy my time there.
Brady’s advice was to other youngsters on such programmes was: “Don’t not be afraid. Your mind will grow in ways you cannot imagine and you will never regret the friends you make and your network of connections.
“My plans for life after graduation and after working in Japan include being an ambassador for JICA. I love talking to students. I was also incredulous about my chances to succeed in such a program, but learning should be part of your career experience. I would urge anyone eligible to get as much experience as they can and to apply.
Kinomoto: How do you think the ABE Initiative contributes towards the relationship between South Africa and Japan?
Brady: “The initiative is a very smart long-term programme, and beneficial for Africa. It takes future leaders in government and the private sector and stimulates relationship and skill building. Also, the potential for positive growth for the Japanese and African economy through this program should not be understated. The initiative has already created a generation of postgraduates seeking to create a tangible difference in their home countries. These people are all connected through the ABE initiative and the impact that their experiences in Japan have given them”
The master’s degree and internship programme of the ABE Initiative is a strategic five-year plan providing 1 000 young African students with opportunities to study at Japanese universities as well as do internships at Japanese enterprises, such as the one at Komatsu Japan.
Applications are now open for the fourth and final group. In order to apply, candidates must be: A South African citizen; Between the ages of 22 and 39; A holder of a bachelor’s degree or bachelor of technology; An applicant from a public sector or educational institution, with at least six months’ working experience at their current organisation, and have their permission to apply for this scholarship; Have a clear understanding of the programme objectives and wish to make a strong contribution to Africa’s industrial development; Not be involved in military-related activities; Have adequate English proficiency, both in written and oral communication; Not currently applying or planning to apply to scholarship programmes offered by other organisations; and In good health, both physically and mentally, to complete the programme.
Targeted applicants:
Candidates nominated/ recommended by a Japanese company are preferred
August 10 2016 to October 26 2016 Original application should be submitted to ABE Initiative Project Office No late applications will be accepted
Application period: Selection procedures
1. Screening of submitted documents — The submitted documents will
be checked against above qualifications and requirements 2. First selection (written examination for English and mathematics) — second to fourth week of November (to be confirmed) Sample of past mathematics exams and answers can be downloaded here: www.education-japan.org/africa/news/index.php 3. Second selection — second to fourth week of November (to be
confirmed)
Contact
ABE initiative Project Office Tel 078 141 0769 Abe.southafrica@jice.org/ so-abe-mip@jica.go.jp
Application package for South Africa can be downloaded at:
www.jica.go.jp/southafrica/english/office/others/abe.html