Global Skills Symposium

Global Skills Symposium sponsored by the British Embassy and the British Counsel. In Tokyo.

Just attended the occasion representing my company. Starting with a speech from the British Ambassador, followed by several presentations and discussion from various institutions in the UK and Japan.
I see the British education industry striving to attract students from Asia particularly from Japan since despite the huge market potential (with the lack of confidence the Japanese have communicating in English), the actual numbers studying in Britain has decreased. They've gone to China and also have given up to study overseas.

Some interesting points mentioned from the speakers regarding the Japanese ability in speaking English and Japanese companies diversifying/globalizing their workforce.

1. Japanese English has tended to focused on learning "perfect English (like a native)" instead of "effective English (to communicate)". They have the educational background to use English however they lack the practice of using it in practical speaking situations therefor lack the confidence of using it.

2.Strengths of typical Japanese workers in a multi-national workforce are, the speed and accuracy of work being done, good listeners and fast learners, good at putting ideas into shape.

3.A globalized workforce can be either very creative and innovative, of an absolute mess depending on the manager/facilitators skills.

4.Globalization of the workforce proceeds dramatically when the management team is done so. It's difficult for workers to understand their company's strategy when this doesn't happen.

Not a lot of new knowledge to take back to my company, but it was the opposite from a personal perspective.
One day I wish there will be a multi-national team within the company (maybe even ran by myself if appropriate) with English as a common language. I simply like the working process reaching a consensus with different people and the learning process from it. I don't prefer the high level expectation of "looking into your eyes" stuff in a Japanese only structure.