Amidst the solemn atmosphere of significant events for the Keieijuku Vietnam Community, especially the 15th Anniversary Ceremony, Mr. Toda – one of the influential figures instrumental in shaping and developing the Keieijuku program in Vietnam – offered profound and heartfelt perspectives on the nation, the business community, and his very own philosophy of life. His insights served not only as encouragement but also as invaluable guidance for generations of Keieijuku entrepreneurs.

Perspectives on Vietnam: Potential and Aspirations

Mr. Toda observed that Vietnam has changed remarkably fast since 2004, with the period from 2004-2010 witnessing rapid development. He expressed confidence and hope that Vietnam would become the number one country in Southeast Asia, surpassing Indonesia, Singapore with their smaller populations, while countries like Malaysia and Thailand are falling into the middle-income trap.

What solidified Mr. Toda’s belief most was the “capacity and aspirations of the Vietnamese people”. To achieve rapid growth, Vietnam needs a few key adjustments: shifting away from assembly industries and focusing on strong software, service, and high-value-added sectors for society. He also recommended that Vietnam should not rely too heavily on the US market but should diversify and expand into countries like India, Indonesia, EU, and other Asian nations, while also diversifying imports from China to manage risks.

Perspectives on the Keieijuku Community and the 15th Anniversary

For Mr. Toda, the Keieijuku Community is an “unforgettable memory in life”. He found it “very warm and sincere” witnessing the community’s cohesion and shared goals. He emphasized that the Keieijuku Community has become a part of Vietnamese society and is “closely connected to become a driving force for Vietnam’s development”, noting that few other business communities in Vietnam possess such strong cohesion.

In the context of the 15th Anniversary Ceremony, Mr. Toda noted that the community had surpassed 1000 members and required appropriate adjustments. Shifting from individual consultation to quality-ready consultation is essential. For enterprises with 300-500 employees or more, activities should be led by a single Leader or a group of Leaders. For those exceeding 1000 members, activities need to be unified under basic principles.

He also offered advice on “Go Global” in economics, stating that there are no borders. Therefore, the Keieijuku community should expand its mindset and network to collaborate, creating unique strengths for Vietnamese enterprises. Keier members should also frequently “step outside” their organization to learn from and interact with external businesses to gain a fresh perspective.

Perspectives on Life: A Reflective Philosophy

Mr. Toda shared profound life philosophies, rich with contemplation and accumulated experience over the years:

• On Life Stages: He observed that at 20-25 years old, the future and thoughts are often intertwined. From 40-50 years old, life becomes clearer, usually fluctuating by plus or minus 10 years. Upon reaching 40, life will either be 30 or 60.
• On Mutual Help: The moon is cold and lonely. The sun has energy and power. These two complement each other for a balanced and meaningful life. This serves as a reminder of the importance of support and mutual assistance in life.
• On Self-Care and Environment: A flower cannot bloom instantly but requires a process of nurturing and cultivation. Focus on care; eventually, the flower will naturally bloom. This implies that perseverance, effort, and proper attention will yield results.
• On Gratitude and Happiness: Behind the clouds, there is always sunshine; once you pass through the clouds, you will feel it. Remember your dreams and strive relentlessly to learn and realize them. We will then appreciate the beauty of life!

Mr. Toda’s shared insights are not merely strategic directions for the Keieijuku community’s development but also profound life lessons, urging every Keieijuku entrepreneur to live and work with a positive mindset, constantly learning and contributing.