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Japan Forward
04-05-2025
- Business
- Japan Forward
How Ajinomoto Thailand and MUFG Are Pioneering Well-Being Through Food and Finance
On January 28 in Bangkok, experts from two very different industries — food and finance — came together to explore the theme of well-being . Japan 2 Earth sat down with Ichiro Sakakura, President of Ajinomoto Thailand Co, Ltd and Ajinomoto SEA Regional Headquarters Co, Ltd, whose company plays a central role in promoting Thai food culture. Joining him was Yuji Kosugi, then Head of the Chemicals & Well-Being Division at MUFG Bank — a department dedicated to tackling social challenges through financial solutions. Their discussion centered on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives. Excerpts follow. Sakakura (Ajinomoto): We've shifted from fossil fuels to biomass and introduced biomass cogeneration using rice husks at our factories. Also, we've nearly achieved zero GHG emissions from our direct and indirect operations. Now, we're working on reducing emissions across the entire supply chain. In terms of packaging, we've transitioned 56% of all product packaging to recyclable materials. Sakakura passionately speaks about Ajinomoto's vision. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) Sakakura (Ajinomoto): In Thailand, sugar is often used to deepen flavor and richness, not just to add sweetness. For example, at noodle shops, after choosing the noodles and soup, people often add vinegar, sugar, chili, and fish sauce, which can lead to excessive sugar and salt intake. Food culture varies by region, so standardization is difficult. However, ANPS categorizes Thai cuisine into 10 types and assigns scores. This year [2025], we hope to scientifically validate it in collaboration with Mahidol University, which has a strong reputation in nutrition. Nutrition education from a young age is also key. It's still at the idea stage, but we hope to introduce ANPS in schools in the future. Dishes classified into 10 categories using ANPS. (Courtesy of Ajinomoto) Kosugi (MUFG): I've heard that Ajinomoto developed ANPS as a contribution to society. The next important step is certification. We're actively involved in food rule-making, and we'd like to support these efforts by leveraging our neutral position as a financial institution. Kosugi speaks about "rule-making" for food. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) Sakakura: Ajinomoto uses 20% of the 1 million tons of tapioca starch distributed domestically in Thailand, making us the largest starch user. Cassava farmers are therefore essential. However, climate change and the spread of cassava mosaic virus are reducing yields. To ensure a stable supply, we launched the "Thai Farmer Better Life Partner Project" in 2020. We hold workshops on plant diseases and use soil analysis to help prevent infections. The number of participating farms has grown from 180 to 1,500. I'm happy to report that their harvests have improved. We're also building a green resource cycle. We provide low-cost fertilizer made from amino acid-rich by-products of our production process. Additionally, we reuse rice husk ash from biomass power generation as a soil conditioner. Our next step is to establish traceability so that harvests from participating farmers can be directly used in our factories. Cassava farmers participating in the program. (Courtesy of Ajinomoto) Sakakura: Well-being is a broad concept, so we've been discussing internally what it means for Ajinomoto. It goes beyond the environment and includes three pillars: Customer, Employee, and Society. It represents our commitment to sustainability-centered management. MUFG Bank has renamed one of its divisions to include the word "well-being." Isn't this quite rare? Kosugi: Our thinking aligns closely with Ajinomoto's. Looking ten years ahead, we envisioned what our division should become. So, in October last year [2024], we renamed the "Sales Division 5" to the "Chemicals & Well-Being Division." I believe it's the only one of its kind in the world. Sakakura: We hold a 90% market share in umami seasonings in Thailand and have built three top brands, thanks to our predecessors. We also maintain a nationwide distribution network and stable operations across our seven factories. One of our key strengths is that all factory managers are Thai and deeply rooted in their communities. A major challenge, however, is the declining population — similar to Japan. In response, we're developing products for an aging society, such as amino acid-based supplements to help prevent muscle loss. Sakakura and Kosugi connecting over shared ideas. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura) Sakakura: When I worked in human resources in Japan, I met Masami Atarashi, the former president of Johnson & Johnson, who was a guest lecturer. I've always liked his phrase "Kotsu-Kotsu-Katsu-Kotsu" [steady effort leads to steady success] — a reminder to keep pushing forward without giving up. For more than 60 years, Ajinomoto Thailand has quietly and steadily focused on the work at hand, consistently delivering results. That mindset remains unchanged. This report is published in cooperation with Ajinomoto, a logo partner of the JAPAN Forward website Japan 2 Earth focused on initiatives to achieve the SDGs. It was first published on Japan 2 Earth . Author: Mika Sugiura
The Independent
13-02-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Heathrow expansion will not deprive regions of jobs and flights, say ministers
Transport ministers have rejected claims the Heathrow Airport expansion will deprive regions further afield of jobs and flights. Mike Kane, whose portfolio includes aviation, told the Commons a third runway at the country's biggest airport will boost productivity beyond London and the South East. But Commons transport committee chairwoman Ruth Cadbury, the Labour MP for Brentford and Isleworth in west London, referred to a seven-year-old Department for Transport policy statement which warned of a 'displacement of passengers from regional airports to the London system' if Heathrow was to expand. Referring also to analysis of Government data by the New Economics Foundation think tank, Ms Cadbury said: 'Department for Transport analysis carried out in 2017 showed that expanding Heathrow would by 2050 displace 27,000 jobs from the UK regions to London and 17 million fewer passengers using non-London airports compared to not expanding Heathrow. 'Is the minister therefore hoping that the same analysis done now would come to a different conclusion in order to ensure that UK economic growth really does benefit all UK regions and not just west London?' The policy document notes that while the displacement of passengers from some regional airports is possible, 'overall regional airports are expected to continue displaying strong growth in passenger numbers by 2050'. Mr Kane flashed his lapel as he replied: 'The UK is committed to all regional airports. 'I proudly possess my 'Yes to R2' badge today when we built a second runway in 2001 in Manchester. 'It's quite the opposite. The ANPS (Airport National Policy Statement) in 2018 made the expectations that connections from Heathrow to regional airports would increase if Heathrow were to expand, increasing productivity in those regions as well.' Conservative former Scotland secretary David Mundell later said: 'When there are serious weather or technical issues at Heathrow, large swathes of British Airways flights between London and Scotland are automatically cancelled. 'Now, British Airways say that if her officials, the Civil Aviation Authority, Heathrow and other airlines worked together, even in these circumstances, those cancellations could be minimised.' Mr Kane replied: 'The resilience of the UK aviation sector is important and key to success, so we will facilitate any discussions to make sure we're always on an improvement trajectory.' Heathrow earlier this week announced a multibillion-pound investment as it prepares its proposal for a new runway, with improvements to its existing infrastructure. Turning to the future project, Conservative shadow transport secretary Gareth Bacon asked ministers to confirm that 'full cost of a third runway including related works like relocating, tunnelling or bridging over the M25 will be fully funded by the private sector and not by the taxpayer'. Mr Kane replied: 'The ANPS from 2018 – which was two government ago – made it clear that any proposal, and we haven't had a proposal that's come forward, should treat surface access appropriately, and that should be funded by the private sector where possible.' Will Forster, the Liberal Democrat MP for Woking, said the airport is a 'stone's throw' from his constituency, and asked ministers to say whether a rail link between the Surrey town and the terminal could emerge. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander told MPs 'the question of how people get to the airport is absolutely critical' and agreed to meet with the Mr Forster. Liberal Democrat transport spokesman Paul Kohler asked Ms Alexander why she had 'changed her mind' on airport expansion, based on comments she previously made while she was deputy mayor for transport in London. The minister replied: 'When I was deputy mayor for transport in London, I was speaking in that capacity at that time, reflecting the views of the mayor of London (Sir Sadiq Khan) and City Hall on a previous Heathrow expansion scheme. 'As Secretary of State, I will consider any airport expansion proposals brought forward on their merits and in line with existing processes. 'Balancing economic growth and our environmental obligations is central to all of my work in this role, and I will always act in the national interest, doing what is right for the country as a whole.'
