Shizenkan Insights Series #1
“The Mindset and Impact of Leveraging Technology towards Solving Social Issues in Japan and Africa”
Thursday, January 25th, 2024
19:00-20:30, JST
Location: online (Zoom)
Support: Study in Japan for Africa (Study in Japan Global Network Project / Hokkaido University)
Language: English
Fee: free
| While the correct use of technology can make our lives convenient and fulfilling, without the careful intention to match those technologies with the issues in our society, rarely do we see positive and sustainable impact.
We are happy to host this webinar to hear from practitioners and thinkers about how they go about connecting technology with the social issues that ought to be tackled. |
[Guest Speakers]
Masafumi Nagao
Visiting Professor at the University of Pretoria
Research Advisor, International Development Center of Japan, a Japanese non-profit development think tank with a 50-year history, and Professor Emeritus, Hiroshima University. Also serves as a Visiting Fellow at Future Africa Institute, University of Pretoria (South Africa).
Completed his graduate studies in economic policy (MA and doctoral course work) at Hitotsubashi University (Japan) and built a broad academic background with a practical focus, ranging from program evaluation, educational development to sustainable development.
Previously worked for the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and Sasakawa Peace Foundation, and also served as faculty at Hiroshima University, International Christian University, the University of Tokyo and the United Nations University.
Current interest lies in promoting Next Generation exchange between Asia and Africa in support of global sustainable industrialization.
Jovi Chen
CEO of Zen Consortium South Africa
CEO at Zen Consortium, a leading Impact investment & advisory firm, with offices in South Africa, UK, Turkey & China in 2019, Zen was nominated as the “Most Innovative Business & Social Development Solutions- South Africa” by Global Brands Award.
Adviser to the Africa Chamber of Commerce; A Board member to Verto Group; A Mentor at Mandela Washington Fellowship; An Executive & Business coach as well as a keynote speaker at numerous conferences and guest judge to various startup pitching sessions, most recently he was invited to share his insights at the 67CEO event where he shared insights on business on SADC, Economy Development Zone as well as the Covid impacts on business & post-Covid opportunities.
Vested interest in driving the startup ecosystem, particularly in Africa where he believes that this sector is currently underserved and itʼs in his mission to unleash those hidden unicorns in Africa, He is actively involved in the startup ecosystem (Fintech, Agritech, GreenTech), and have assisted few organizations in shaping their incubation & acceleration offerings, both in Africa and abroad.
Prior to Zen, spent more 20 years in various Executive roles at the key Financial Institutions & Consulting Firm in South Africa & USA” and experiences is Telecom, FMCG, Financial and NGO sectors.
A board member for miningtech- 3E Group.
[Timeline]
19:00 – 19:05 Opening remarks (Assoc. Prof Shun Nagao of Shizenkan University)
19:05 – 19:35 Guest speaker I (Visiting Prof. Masafumi Nagao of University of Pretoria)
19:35 – 20:05 Guest speaker II (Mr. Jovi Chen, CEO of Zen Consortium South Africa)
20:05 – 20:15 Info session SZK activities & MBA program
20:15 – 20:30 Q&A