11th Hitachi Young Leaders Initiative (HYLI) was held in Hanoi during January 9-13, that see the gathering of regional politicians and key thought leaders from the region.

Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai was present to grace the event as the Guest-of-Honour. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Hai said the forum theme The New Stage for Asia – an Asian Perspective on Managing Sustainable Development and Economic Integration” is one of the hot issues in the region.

"We are witnessing a fast-growing Asia, despite the slow growth of other areas... prove that Asia is becoming the most important area in the global economy and will have a lead in the near future, "Deputy Prime Minister stressed.

Welcoming the initiative of the Hitachi Young Leaders, Deputy Prime Minister said this is a great opportunity for students to discuss, learn and express thought leadership and social responsibility.

Themed “The New Stage for Asia – an Asian Perspective on Managing Sustainable Development and Economic Integration”, the 11th HYLI had two sub-themes that, discussed are (1) Energy and the Environment (2) Economic Partnership and Integration.

Since its inauguration in Singapore in 1996, HYLI has been successful in bringing the best and brightest students in Asia together. Each year, four outstanding students below the age of 28 are chosen to represent their country for the programme. These students come from seven Asian countries namely Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Japan.

As a regional programme, HYLI aims to provide a platform for young Asians to gather and meet prominent Asian policymakers, professionals and commentators to discuss and share ideas on trends which affect Asia.

Kiyoshi Kinugawa, chairman of Hitachi Asia Ltd. said, “HYLI is a good opportunity for Asian young leaders to broaden their outlook on regional and global issues affecting Asia today as part of the process of their leadership development. We hope that the students will benefit from the insights which will be shared by these speakers from varied backgrounds.”

A total of 10 universities in Vietnam participated in this year’s selection process, the strongest participation so far. Applicants came from six universities in Hanoi – National Economic University, Foreign Trade University, Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, Hanoi University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Hanoi University of Science & Technology, Hanoi University and four universities in Ho Chi Minh City – HCMC Foreign Trade University, HCMC University of Economics, HCMC University of Social Sciences and Humanities, HCMC University of Science & Technology.

All student applicants were put through a rigorous selection process based on their academic results, participation in extra-curricular activities, awards achieved, English language proficiency and knowledge of current regional issues.

Hitachi, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 360,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2010 (ended March 31, 2011) consolidated revenues totaled 9,315 billion yen ($112.2 billion)./.