[Phnom Penh, 12th December 2024] Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center (CJCC) organized the Book Launching Ceremony for Mr. INAMORI Kazuo’s work, "Ikikata," which the center is officially authorized to translate into Khmer. The ceremony was opened by Dr. Khim Leang, Director of CJCC, followed by the speech of H.E. Atsushi Ueno, Ambassador of Japan to Cambodia, and H.E. Mey Kalyan, President of the Cambodia-Japan Association for Business and Investment (CJBI). It was attended by other distinguished Cambodian and Japanese guests, as well as business leaders and entrepreneurs.

H.E. Atsushi UENO, Ambassador of Japan to Cambodia, expressed his gratitude to all those involved in the project of translating the book "Ikikata" into Khmer. He stated, “The book "Mea Kea Jivit," recently translated into Khmer, is a remarkable achievement. It acts as a lamp to illuminate the path or a compass to guide Cambodian people to practice human-centric principles and lead their businesses with altruism.”

The ambassador expressed hope that the concepts described in the book, such as the “Principle of Altruism” and the “Rooted Ethical and Human-Centric Principles,” would help Cambodians apply these principles in their daily lives and contribute to the harmony and progress of Cambodian society.

On that occasion, H.E. Dr. MEY Kalyan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of CJBI, mentioned that "Ikikata" is a book that guides businesspeople to conduct business according to Buddhist principles. While the Buddha did not engage in business, Mr. INAMORI Kazuo did. Typically, businesspeople focus solely on profits, but Mr. INAMORI’s principles aim to achieve both corporate success and societal welfare.

He emphasized that "Mea Kea Jivit" represents the business philosophy of the Asian model, where most Asian nations, influenced by Buddhism, care for their society. This contrasts with Western countries, where individualism often takes precedence. Therefore, this book is highly suitable for Cambodian businesspeople who aspire to achieve business success.

"Ikikata" is a book that offers crucial guidance for improving the mindset of individuals, families, institutions, and society. The book's contents blend Cambodian beliefs, the Buddha's advice, and Mr. Kazuo Inamori's life and work experiences, particularly his approach to leading internationally successful businesses. His principles aim to create a happy life and business success through human-centric simplicity.

Ms. Pal Vannaryrak, a prominent Cambodian writer who has authored over 100 books and served as a Khmer proofreader for "Ikikata," shared her enthusiasm for the book. She noted, “"Mea Kea Jivit" is not only a book for maintaining mental peace but also a guide for building businesses up to international standards. Those aiming to grow their businesses should read this new language version.”

During the event, participants also learned about Mr. INAMORI Kazuo's philosophy through a special lecture by Mr. Hamada Soichiro from Yokohama Management School based on philosophy via a virtual platform with the topic “Significance and tangible outcomes from actively putting Mr. Inamori’s  philosophy into practice”. 

They also listened to a panel discussion on “How Mr. Inamori’s philosophy could be useful to  Cambodian society”, moderated by H.E. Dr. MEY Kalyan, with panelists Dr. Ieng Sotheara and Ms. Pal Vannaryrak, and speakers Mr. MASUDA Chikahiro, Chief Advisor of CJCC, and Mr. Hur Thineang, a participant of the Public Lecture on Mr. INAMORI Kazuo’s Business & Life Philosophy conducted by CJBI once a month.

Mr. Inamori Kazuo is one of the most influential business leaders in Japan, the founder of Kyocera and KDDI, and the person who revitalized Japan Airlines. The book is full of secrets to success in business and life, and  “Mea Kea Jivit” will benefit Cambodian society as well as strengthen the relationship between Cambodia  and Japan, and its people.