UNIVA AWARDS 2024 in Bangkok
Three "firsts" created future possibilities

At the end of May, the Shining Stars of the UNIVA AWARDS 2024 gathered in Bangkok, Thailand from around the world to participate in an incentive tour. The temperature in Bangkok was already 30 degrees Celsius as the rainy season was just around the corner. The 4-day/3-night trip began with the 9 highly enthusiastic NAKAMA members gathered there. In the July issue of UNI-SQUARE, we will take a closer look at what NAKAMA, who met each other for the "first time," did for the "first time," and what kind of "first experiences" they had. We will take the time to introduce them in the July issue of UNI-SQUARE.

“First Meeting” welcomed by the night view of Bangkok

On May 26, the nervous participants who had just landed in Bangkok were guided to Scarlett Wine Bar & Restaurant, a Michelin-listed rooftop bar. NAKAMA and the others were mesmerized by the night view of Bangkok spread out before their eyes. The beautiful food and delicious wine served one after another eased the tension of our first meeting. The awkward self-introductions were a complete lie, as the group got into a lively conversation about their hobbies and jobs! The unknown tour was about to begin.

The second day of the tour was an all-day workshop. In fact, this workshop was a first challenge for the UNIVA AWARDS Incentive Tour, which has never been done before. The organizers were a bit apprehensive about how it would turn out. The purpose of the workshop was to provide an opportunity for participants to learn about the UNIVA Group and its members. The purpose of the workshop was to foster a sense of belonging as a member of the UNIVA Group and to foster creativity from a co-creation perspective that can only come from being a member of the UNIVA Group. The true aim of this workshop is to help them become human resources who can always think about their daily work from the group's perspective as "representatives" of the UNIVA Group, not of their own group companies. That is the true purpose of this workshop.

The long day started with opening remarks by Chairman Inaba! In the "Branding Lecture" given by Mr. Shosei Asakura, Chief Branding Officer, participants learned about the necessity of building a group brand and the elements of branding. In the following "Finance Lecture," Mr. Yosuke Sakuta, CFO of UNIVA Oak Holdings, explained how to read financial statements in an easy-to-understand quiz format. Once the basic knowledge had been inputted, the workshop was ready to begin.

Taking on a New Challenge:
Another UNIVA AWARDS

When the elite members of the UNIVA Group gather together for a workshop, the management is very serious! The theme of the workshop was "Creating new business by utilizing UNIVA's global network”. This time, Shining Stars were divided into three teams, and three judges joined each team as facilitators. The presence of this facilitator brought a good sense of tension and synergy. Thinking from a group perspective. How should we utilize our global network? What kind of business and value will be created beyond that? How can we realize them? How can we achieve the expected sales? With only 90 minutes for research and planning, and 60 minutes for preparation of materials, how well would Shining Star be able to complete the plan? After two and a half hours of teamwork, it was time for the presentation.

[Team A] New Business: "Resort Oden Business”

Team members: NPGL Samuel, UJP Chen, UPC Sakayachi, Sakuta (facilitator)
Team A proposed a "Resort Oden Business" utilizing the know-how of "Oden Restaurant Ogura" operated by the UNIVA Group and the UNIVA Group's network in resort areas such as Hawaii and Karuizawa. For the opening of the restaurant in the Makani Golf Club in Hawaii, Rhizoma, which is strong in international taxation, will provide support. FM Karuizawa will back up the store opening in Karuizawa with publicity. Furthermore, Stratcast designed the store, UNIVA JAPAN did the construction, UNI-Marche provided the foodstuffs, UPC handled the payment, and UNIVA Gyro-n attracted customers! It was an exciting proposal that made us realize the powerful network of the group companies.

[Team B] New business: "Selling solar power generation equipment through MLM”

Team members: NPJP Furukawa, UFL Aoyagi, UNPTW James, Iwasa (facilitator)
The team proposed a system to sell solar power generation system products in a MLM (multi-level marketing) format. This is a business scheme that is possible only for the UNIVA Group, utilizing the Naturally Plus platform, in which individuals not only purchase products as users, but also earn rewards (points) for introducing and selling the products to others. The proposal was a unique one for the UNIVA Group, aiming to achieve both environmental protection and economic independence by creating synergies across the entire group. Starting from UNIVA JAPAN's expertise and experience in the energy business and integrating diverse businesses, including finance, IT, telecommunications, and human resources, in a cross-sectional manner. In this way, the UNIVA Group aims to create synergy across its diverse businesses, including human resources, to achieve both environmental protection and economic independence. We were also impressed by their vision of "spreading a lifestyle that is friendly to the earth and to household budgets through word of mouth and trust.”

[Team C] New Business “Cultural Empowerment Platform (CEP)”

Team members: NPSG Varun, UPC Hasegawa, UCC Ishibashi, Asakura (facilitator)
Proposal for a hybrid crowdfunding and business support platform to revitalize traditional Japanese crafts through modern e-commerce/digital marketing, utilizing UNIVA resources (UPC / Gyro-n / UNIVA JAPN / FM Karuizawa (broadcasting business) / Stratcast) to empower small and medium-sized traditional businesses. They proposed a completely new project never before seen by the UNIVA Group: the creation of a comprehensive ecosystem to protect and promote Japan's rich cultural heritage while empowering small and medium-sized traditional businesses. We were very impressed by their closing words, "The best part of this project is a true partnership.”

All the teams had limited time, and it had been less than 24 hours since they got to know each other! I felt the unfathomable power of the UNIVA group in the fact that they were able to finish the project while fully sharing their wisdom and having fun. I was impressed by the sheer power of the UNIVA group, which showed us the possibilities of the UNIVA group in its first attempt!

After all the presentations and Q&A, the four judges debated and debated to decide which team would take first place. The results will be announced later! Keep reading!

Thailand, indeed! Almost a market inside the railroad tracks?
Surprising "first experience" such as close contact with elephants

On the last day, we returned to our childhood memories and went on a local tour to enjoy ourselves to the fullest. Damnoen Saduak, located about 100 km from Bangkok, is the most famous floating market in Thailand. Small boats plying the narrow canals are filled with tropical fruits, sweets, flowers, and souvenirs. The interaction between straw hat-wearing vendors and tourists is also a popular photo spot.

Next, we visited Mae Klong Market. This market is located on an actual railroad track, almost on a railroad track! Every time a train comes and goes eight times a day, the tents and parasols of the stores are folded to keep the train out, and when the train passes by, the tents and parasols are unfurled again to resume business. The way the stores reopen as if nothing had happened after the train leaves is a real taste of Thai culture.

Finally, we went to Chang Puak Camp, a popular adventure park and cultural experience facility in Thailand. It is a place where visitors can experience Thai culture up close by interacting with elephants and enjoying a variety of activities in nature. We saw an elephant show, visited a Karen village, and ended the day with an ATV buggy ride.

In the evening, we had a farewell party at RUEN URAI, a fine Thai cuisine restaurant. It was a very short 3 days, but everyone was "full" (laugh) rather than feeling sorry for good-bye. Maybe the contents were too rich (laugh). Oh yes, at the end, Chairman Inaba announced the winning team from the previous day's workshop! This time it was Team C! Congratulations to Team C! The winning prize, a silk cushion cover, was given to all team members.

The UNIVA AWAARDS Incentive Tour was full of new experiences for both the management and the participants. The participants commented, "It was a meaningful time for me to learn about NAKAMA's way of thinking and to have active communication," "I gained pride as a member of UNIVA," "I gained a new perspective and a new way of thinking," "I was refreshed and motivated," and "The relationship of trust with NAKAMA is very good," "I am very happy to be a part of the UNIVA AWARDS.” and "The relationship of trust with NAKAMA has been deepened.”

We believe that this incentive tour was successful in enhancing the brand loyalty of the UNIVA Group and even fostering a business mindset from a new perspective. The next day, after saying goodbye, NAKAMA returned to their respective daily routines with radiant expressions on their faces. I sincerely look forward to seeing the enhanced Shining Star members in action and the co-creation of the UNIVA Group's values in the days to come.