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- Introduction of ANMC 21 Training Programs
| ANMC21 operates a variety of training programs for administrative officials or specialists from member cities. In this issue, we will provide an introduction of the “Promotion of Environmentally Sound Waste Management and Resource Recycling” training program that took place in February this year.
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“Promotion of Environmentally Sound Waste Management and Resource Recycling”
Training (Implementation Report)
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government held the “Promotion of Environmentally Sound Waste Management and Resource Recycling” training program for 5 days from February 16 to 20, 2009, with the aim of improving recycling and waste disposal technologies. Seven people took part, comprising of 1 person from Singapore, 2 from Bangkok, 3 from the metropolitan government and 1 from Edogawa ward.
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Inspection Tour |
Based on the requests of participants, the training program consisted of inspection tours, on-site discussions and question and answer sessions. During the 3day-long inspection tour, participants visited:
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a neighborhood association collecting used paper for recycling as an example of “community resident-oriented waste disposal;” |
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an eco-cement facility; and, |
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one of the ash melting facilities of incineration plants in Tokyo’s 23 wards for the recycling of incinerated ash |
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an E-waste recycling facility; and, |
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a biogas power generation from food waste facility operated by the private sector for the “promotion of recycling and waste reduction.” |
In addition, they spent full days at a landfill treatment plant and a recycling facility, actively exchanging opinions.
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On the last day, Dr. Michikazu Kojima of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)’s Institute of Developing Economies, gave an open seminar also attended by about 20 Tokyo Metropolitan Government officials with an interest in the topic. The first half of the seminar was Dr. Kojima’s lecture entitled “Cooperation among Asian Cities in 3R,” while the second half saw information exchanged on the current status of each city. Dr. Kojima advised that the first step of cooperation is to “get to know each other very well.”
Participants stayed together for the 5 days of the program, even during bus travel, lunch and dinner. Participants naturally exchanged information and had discussions about waste disposal and recycling in their respective cities, while also engaging in cultural exchanges to make it a worthwhile time for all. The next resource recycling training program is scheduled for October 19 to 23, 2009. Anybody interested is welcome to join.
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| Gillian, a trainee from Singapore, shared with us her thoughts on waste disposal and recycling measures in Singapore and training in Tokyo. |
Interview Gillian, a trainee from Singapore
 a trainee Gillian —Please tell us about how waste is collected and disposed of in Singapore.
Singapore is divided into 9 sectors for waste and recyclable collection. A Public Waste Collector (PWC) is appointed through a public open tender exercise to collect waste and recyclables for each of the 9 sectors. Waste is collected daily while recyclables are collected weekly or fortnightly. Waste collection fees are collected monthly from each household according to the tendered prices. Trade premises are also served by the PWCs and pay monthly waste collection fees computed from the volume of waste disposed of and the tendered rates. Currently, the contracts run for about 7 to 8 years.
Industrial and commercial premises are not covered under the PWC contracts and have to make their own arrangements to engage licensed General Waste Collectors (GWCs) to collect their waste.
All incinerable waste collected has to be sent to the waste-to-energy incineration plants to conserve landfill space. Only non-incinerable waste is sent for landfilling.
To reduce waste and the need for more disposal facilities, Singapore has put in place various waste minimization and recycling programmes. This include the National Recycling Programme in which residents are provided with recycling bags or recycling bins for door-to-door recyclables collections and the Singapore Packaging Agreement to reduce packaging waste through product packaging re-design or the use of more recycled or recyclable materials for packaging.
Education and awareness programmes such as the School Recycling Corner Programme and the annual Recycling Day are also organized to promote and sustain recycling.
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—The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is looking for examples of incentives scheme which they can adopt to encourage more environmental related industries to be set up in and to solve waste problems. May I know more about the incentives scheme available in Singapore?
In Singapore, there are a couple of funding schemes to promote the 3R industry and environmental sustainability. The National Environment Agency (NEA) administers the Innovation for Environmental Sustainability (IES) fund, which Singapore-registered companies can tap on to pilot-test innovative projects that support environment sustainability.
On 22 Apr 09, NEA launched the S$8 million 3R Fund to help co-fund up to 80% of the implementation cost of 3R projects that would reduce waste sent to disposal sites.
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—Please tell us your thoughts on your training.
Japan’s waste disposal facilities are highly advanced, with the recycling of incineration ash in particular a useful reference. The site visits to the ash melting plant and the Eco-cement ash facility were very informative.
Singapore incinerates more than 90% of its waste and the ash produced is currently landfilled at our only landfill site, the offshore Semakau Landfill. If our incineration ash can be recycled economically, we would be able to use the landfill longer and hence save on the space which otherwise would be needed to build more landfills.
Building more disposal facilities at high expense is not sustainable in our resource-scarce and land-scarce context. Thus, similar to Japan, Singapore has been actively promoting waste minimisation and recycling to work towards the vision of a ‘zero waste’ and ‘zero landfill’ Singapore.
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- Major Cities’ Cutting-Edge Approaches
| An Introduction of Cutting-Edge Approaches Taken by ANMC 21 Member Cities
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(1) From Tokyo 35,000 Ran! Tokyo Marathon 2009
The 3rd Tokyo Marathon took place this year on Sunday, March 22, in grand style in conjunction with a variety of sports-related events such as EXPO.
This year, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government received approximately 260,000 applications for 35,000 places (5,000 more than last year) for the 10km and full marathon races. These races have become very popular in and out of Japan, with about 2,700 runners from some 70 countries taking part.
On the day of the marathon, many guest runners, including top international athletes and Kaori and Chiharu Icho -- gold and silver medalists, respectively, in women’s wrestling at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games -- joined to promote Tokyo’s 2016 Olympic Games hosting bid, and made the event very successful. Despite poor weather as rain began falling in the middle of the event, 97% of runners managed to complete the race.
An Asian runner taking part for the first time said after the race that runners who competed in costumes such as one dressed up as Winnie the Pooh and children with funny hats or angels’ wings had left an impression. The runner was also apparently delighted by the sufficient course guidance and food supply from the many volunteers (about 13,000 volunteered overall), as well as the warm cheers from onlookers during the run.
Next year will see the 4th Tokyo Marathon. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government hopes to make the event a memorable one for all who join in from within and outside of Japan.
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Runners start together under a blaze of confetti. |
Running through Ginza at full speed. |
(2) From Singapore Singapore's unique countermeasures against the falling birthrate
The issue of falling birthrates is closely connected with those of workforces, pensions and the like, which will face the majority of Asian countries in the near future. On this occasion, Editorial Division has picked up the efforts being made by Singapore to deal with this issue.
The total specific birthrate in Singapore in 2004 had fallen to only 1.26 children. In the last few years, signs of recovery have been seen, with the rate reaching 1.29 in 2007. However, this is still well below the target rate of 2.1 which will lead to population increase.
Last year on Singapore’s National Day, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong dedicated about half of his speech on government policy on countermeasures against the falling birthrate, and called upon the citizens of Singapore requesting their understanding and cooperation in this issue. The Prime Minister also shared his personal experiences.
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The most unique of the measures implemented by Singapore is the marriage support policy. In this, the government rather than a private sector company is making direct efforts to raise the marriage rate through the establishment of a members-only matchmaking website called LoveByte (http://www.lovebyte.org.sg) aimed at single men and women, which invites people to join club activities according to their hobbies and location. Information such as “Tips that are sure to get you a meeting” and “What to wear on a date” is listed on the members’ pages of the website, and many personal stories of couples who achieved a happy ending through the site are shown.
In addition, the government also issues a quarterly information magazine called Duet, which includes discount coupons which can be used on dates, fashionable spots, and schedules for various events such as exchange parties. It provides strong backup to ensure that single men and women who register are able to find their life partner at meeting venues where they can feel safe.
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DUET
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Since once a couple has married, the next important issue is to create an environment where it is easy for them to have babies and bring them up, the government has also strengthened policies for preferential treatment towards this end.
For example, a new system has been set up in which a special account called “childcare account” is opened for each child. Under this system, for the amount of money saved in this account by the parents, the government provides money in the form of a grant to match the amount. Although a limit is set on the amount, this scheme looks set to be a boon to parents who are worried about mounting educational costs, since it can be used to pay fees for childcare facilities, kindergartens and other educational organizations approved by the government.
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- International Students in Tokyo
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government, through the Tokyo Metropolitan University, accepts students from cities throughout Asia and promotes advanced, cutting-edge research into development in Asia and solutions for urban problems.
In this issue, we talk to Bui, a foreign student from Hanoi who is conducting research into “Vietnam’s water problems,” and Professor Kawamura, who will be overseeing his studies.
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Interview Mr. Bui Du DUONG (PhD candidate, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering; Graduate School of Urban Environmental Sciences).
Mr. Bui Du DUONG |
—What are the motives for studying in Tokyo Metropolitan University (TMU)?
To study in Japan supported by such distinguished scholarship as TMU has been my strong desire for a long time. Japan is one of countries with the best freedom, highest technology, and largest economy in the world. Studying in TMU, therefore, is a good chance to discover how Japan has rapidly become powerful country and to learn two international languages-English and Japanese. Moreover, TMU and Water Resources University (WRU), which I worked for in Vietnam, have a solid collaboration. Studying at TMU plays a vital role to develop our collaboration. Furthermore, Professor Kawamura Akira is a highly experienced professor in the field of my interest. His publications and research projects are close to what I have in my mind and what I need for my working later. He also has good understandings of local Vietnam conditions through his long-time collaboration with WRU.
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—Please describe the outline of study and your goal after finishing the study in TMU. |
My research topic is named “Numerical modeling for flood and other water resource problems in the Red River Delta of Vietnam”. In which, two main issues below are underway:
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Flood for urban areas (Hanoi, Nam Dinh Province) of the Delta: numerical modeling; drainage system evaluation; flood hazard management and mitigation |
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Groundwater resources: Groundwater exploitation, protection, and management for sustainable development in the Red River Delta |
Upon completion of my studies, I will devote myself to researching and teaching in Vietnam, will turn my research achievements into practical applications, and will step up our university collaboration in particular as well as our country relations in general which benefit directly the lives of my compatriots. No matter how rigorous the path, I will persevere in my goal.
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A technical discussion on a study topic |
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—How are your impressions and difficulties of your life in TMU? |
| Thanks to TMU for his great supports to my studying and living conditions in TMU, whereby I can focus to my research without any other difficulties than my limitation of Japanese language. I also spend sometime on participating in social activities in Japan such as local traditional events, professional forum, meeting and conference and so on. Having lived in Japan, it could be said about my impressions that Japan is a very safe country. People are very charming and friendly, while they work very hard and with high responsibility. Japan‘s life is really as great as I expected.
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Tokyo Historical Festival at Asakusa |
| Here is the interview with Professor Kawamura, who is in charge of the “Research on adaptation measures to resolve water issues in the cities of Asia.” |
Interview Professor Akira Kawamura, Tokyo Metropolitan University Faculty of Urban Environmental Sciences Specialist in fundamental urban environmental engineering
Professor Akira Kawamura
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—What is the purpose of this research program?
All of the cities of Asia are being drastically affected by climate change due to an increase in greenhouse gases. Due to deforestation, rapid increases in the concentration of population in metropolitan areas and the development of high-level production methods, serious water problems are occurring such as severe flooding, remarkable increases in water pollution, and decreased access to safe drinking water. Today, solving of such water-related problems is one of the most serious tasks faced by big cities and is directly related to their survival.
In this research program, we aim to have 11 instructors from in the Tokyo Metropolitan University Faculty of Urban Environmental Sciences examine water issues in the cities of Asia and then propose concrete solutions, policy scenarios and possible technological steps that can be taken by each city.
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—Exactly what kind of research are you involved in?
I approach complex water problems (in particular floods and water shortages) from the standpoint of hydrology and water resource studies. I would like to give a simple explanation on some groundbreaking research on urban flood management.
In this research, we aimed to reduce the amount of damage caused by floods occurring within metropolitan areas. To do this, we developed a detailed flood flow prediction model, one that can be precisely reproduced in the field. This model uses GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to produce a specialized flow model for each element that affects a flood; like impermeable areas such as artificial structures, permeable areas such as parks and forests, manholes and sewer systems. Data from the selected elements is then combined into the flood flow model. As a result, we can predict with high accuracy which locations will overflow during a flood. We can also examine the effectiveness of the storm water drainage systems installed in individual buildings, along with the effect that the permeability of pavement has on roads. The model has allowed us to created detailed simulations.
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—Do you have any messages for exchange students at the Tokyo Metropolitan University?
The Tokyo Metropolitan University is pursuing research while maintaining a particularly close relationship with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. I hope to see students foster in a comprehensive manner the skills and knowledge to provide complete and practical solutions to the varied and complex problems faced by the Asian big cities by proactively using Tokyo, a truly giant metropolis, as a research experiment field and utilizing the concrete data they acquire here. As the scholarships of the Asian Human Resources Development provide treatment surpassing that given to the international students financed by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, we are able to accept superior students from Asia into this school and provide support for both their research and housing. I am very much expecting that these superior international students will use these scholarships to actively pursue their research with peace of mind.
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- The Monozukuri (manufacturing) DNA Spreading throughout the World (2/2)
-Chasing after the endless dream of Monozukuri-
Nambu Co., Ltd. is the top domestic manufacturer of hydraulic cylinders for molds and rotary cylinders, introduced in the previous issue.
Today, we will talk about how Nambu established itself in Thailand in 2002.
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I had another conversation with Mr. Nakata, Executive Director at Nambu.
“The move into Thailand was thanks to an introduction by a Japanese acquaintance who had been working in Thailand for more than 20 years. At first we started with about 10 people.”
When asked about what problems they encountered, he replied “at first, half of the employees would quit soon after they were hired. Even after receiving training in Japan, if they find a job with better terms, they quit. They’re more business like in that respect compared to the Japanese.” The key to overcoming the low retention rate was found in an unexpected area.
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“Once we had air conditioning installed in the factory, the turnover rate went down drastically. Additionally, more and more people started to prefer working overtime or on the night shift. They probably thought that it’s better to work in the factory where it’s cool rather than at home in the heat,” Mr. Nakata said.
“The retention rate rose as well as the employees’ skill levels. We chose exceptional people from those working the longest as supervisors to train the less experienced employees. Currently, we have dispatched two people as managers from the Japanese side, but we eventually would like to make it one.” The look on Mr. Nakata’s face showed a strong sense of trust for those at the Thai factory.
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Factory in Thailand |
Later, the Nambu Thai factory was moved to Ota Techno Park in 2006. The Ota Techno Park was created by Amata Group chairman, Mr. Vikrom Kromadit, who runs the Amata Nakorn Industrial Estate. He noticed the strength of the industrial concentration in Ota ward and built the Techno Park as a facility to attract small and medium sized enterprises as a way to develop the Thai industry.
At first, Nambu was reluctant to move saying “it’s not really necessary to move right now when we’ve just gotten on track.” But moved by the words of Ota ward Mayor and Chairman Kromadit saying “Please do it as the representative of Ota ward” and “Major companies will come without any efforts on our part, but Thailand wants to foster the small and medium sized companies,” a decision was made to move the factory.
In the approximately 1,000 square meters of the factory at Ota Techno Park, there are currently 47 employees working, including some Japanese employees.
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President Kazushi Nomura |
Lastly, We talked to Nambu President, Mr. Kazushi Nomura.
“We have no temporary staff in Japan or abroad. We also don’t fire employees. We treat the foreign staff and Japanese staff equally. This is because a long time ago, I used to live in Singapore and was treated very well by the local Chinese people. This is my way of showing gratitude,” says Mr. Nomura.
He also talked about the strength of not only Nambu, but of the manufacturers in Ota ward and explained it to us in simple terms, comparing it to that of Japan and of the various countries of the world.
Seeing Mr. Nomura talking passionately about “monozukuri (manufacturing),” We felt that he had both the face of a strict manager and that of a creative person chasing after his dreams.
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| The interviews ended with our conversation with Mr. Nomura. In total it took three hours—initially the interview was scheduled for 30 minutes. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to President Nomura, Executive Director Nakata, and the employees at Nambu.
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