Inclusion Drives Competitiveness: Japanese Executives Gather to Discuss Disability Employment

February 25, 2026 — AISIN ASIA PACIFIC Co., Ltd. and the Sasin Management Consulting Japan Center organized a seminar on strategic Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and inclusive employment at TK Hall, Sasin School of Management in collaboration with JETRO Bangkok. The event brought together approximately 70 senior executives and business leaders from Japanese companies operating in Thailand, highlighting the growing recognition that inclusion is becoming a key driver of corporate competitiveness. The seminar, titled “Exploring Strategic CSR in Japanese Companies: The Potential of Employing Persons with Disabilities,” examined how CSR can evolve beyond compliance to become an integral part of corporate strategy. The program opened with a keynote address, “Growing Together with Society: From Responsibility to Sustainable Competitiveness,” delivered by Professor Takamasa Fujioka, Advisor to the Sasin Management Consulting Japan Center, Professor at Meiji University Professional Graduate School, and President of the Japan Academy for Asian Market Economies. His presentation explored the evolving role of CSR in Japanese corporate management and its strategic implications in the Asian context. This was followed by an information-sharing session by Asahi Saito, Third Secretary of the Embassy of Japan in Thailand (Labor Attaché), titled “Introduction to the Japanese Government’s Initiatives.” She outlined policy directions and governmental efforts supporting inclusive employment and labor development. In the session on practical implementation, Jinnarat Thiamariya, Project Advisor at the Social Innovation Foundation, delivered a presentation titled “Enhancing Diversity Employment Opportunities,” highlighting initiatives aimed at expanding employment pathways for persons with disabilities in Thailand. Masami Akiyama, President of Thai Yamazaki Co., Ltd., presented “A Decade of Employing People with Disabilities: Achievements and Challenges,” sharing insights from ten years of practical experience and reflecting on both measurable outcomes and operational challenges. From a technology perspective, Natsuki Nishimura, General Manager of Aisin Asia Pacific Co., Ltd., presented “Empowering People with Hearing Disabilities Through Technology,” demonstrating how innovation can enhance workplace accessibility and productivity. The program concluded with a presentation by Seiji Nishida, Founder of Yum! Yam! SOUL SOUP KITCHEN, titled “Walking Side by Side: A Partnership-Based Model of Community Development in Rural Thailand.” He emphasized collaborative approaches to sustainable community empowerment. Throughout the seminar, discussions focused on the business case for employing persons with disabilities, legal frameworks, implementation challenges, and best practices from leading organizations. Through keynote presentations, case discussions, and exchanges among participants, the event highlighted how integrating diversity and inclusion into corporate strategy can strengthen long-term competitiveness and corporate value. The seminar also provided a platform for networking and cross-industry dialogue among Japanese business leaders in the ASEAN region.