Two Syrian students became interns at Toyota while studying for MBAs in Japan. What was their takeaway from the experience?
Hopes for Middle East contribution
At the end of their internship, the two men analyzed issues faced by the Middle East based on the TBP methodology, then came up with proposals for how Toyota can contribute to local communities.
Ahmed proposed that an internet center be set up allowing students to study without worry, while Ibrahim came up with the idea of providing manufacturing support and fostering human resources through Toyota’s know-how.
The two men knew the distress of being unable to study despite having the will to learn, and education was at the root of both of their proposals.
- What were the reasons behind the proposals you came up with for your final presentations?
Ahmed
My idea was based on an issue that I had struggled with since the time I lived in Syria.
It’s the fact that there are people stuck in Syria living under harsh conditions similar to, or even worse than, those faced by refugees. People in Syria often have lower incomes and standards of living.
One example is that blackouts are very common in Syria. In summer this year (2021), people sometimes had no power for most of the day. That makes internet connections unstable too. It’s impossible to study under such conditions.
But I thought that a company like Toyota could provide support in setting up places at universities where students could concentrate on their studies without worrying about blackouts and internet connections. Just like Toyota prioritizes the fostering of human resources, it’s extremely important to provide an environment where young people can study.
People still in Syria need just as much support as refugees living outside the country. This is what I wanted to share in my final presentation.
Ibrahim
Education itself is not the goal. The goal is to improve people’s living standards through education. Skills and knowledge are what will save the socially disadvantaged, including refugees. Acquiring practical skills will help them break free of poverty.
Japan has a very long history of industrialization. People work extremely quickly and efficiently at factories in Japan. It’s the result of many years of accumulating skills.
I want young people in Syria and Jordan to acquire these skills too, and I thought Toyota could provide a bridge for doing that. If we can adopt Toyota’s spirit of kaizen, as well as a variety of other practical skills and knowledge, I think that’ll help solve the problem of poverty.
Toyota already provides vocational training in various countries and regions in the Middle East, but they are mainly conducted independently. All the countries face similar problems, so I think we can prompt major changes by sharing information on the issues and knowledge across the entire region.
A dream to someday make their country a better place
The Syrian Civil War has been described as the “worst humanitarian crisis of the century,” and has caused hundreds of thousands of deaths and driven millions to live as refugees. Despite raging on for over 10 years, there is still no end in sight for the war.
The two men have not returned to Syria once since leaving the country. At the end of the interview, they shared how they feel about the reconstruction of their home country.
- What are your feelings for your home country? Is there anything you want to do when you return?
Ahmed
I want to work for a Japanese company for at least three or four years to gain experience. Then I want to eventually return to Syria.
I came to Japan to earn an MBA, but during this time, I’ve met people with all kinds of different views and experienced Japanese culture. When I go home, I want to pass on what I was impressed with in Japan, about Japanese politeness, the spirit of mutual respect, punctuality, and so on.
Before coming to Japan, we were told by a person at JICA’s office in Jordan that we will be like “Syrian ambassadors” to Japan. People in Japan are not very familiar with Syria, so it meant that we’d have to try and leave a good impression of Syria among Japanese people.
After I leave Japan, I hope to become a “Japanese ambassador,” promoting what I learned and acquired in Japan throughout Syria and the Middle East.
Ibrahim
I sincerely hope a day will come when I can return to Syria.
You need a big team to change the world. The people who came to Japan under the JISR program are now working at companies in a variety of fields and gaining all kinds of experience.
When we all return to Syria, share our knowledge, and collaborate, I believe we will succeed in making huge improvements in all kinds of fields.
Improvements are being made in Japan every day even at supermarkets or on public transport systems like buses and trains, all based on the TPS methodology. That’s the kind of knowledge that I want to pass on to the people back home.
The things they practice are so simple that anyone can do them, and they can be applied to anything. All it takes is to try and make what you’re doing a little better. When you do that, it’s not just for yourself, it’s also for the benefit of others around you and future generations of people.
We received scholarships to study in Japan, so in the future, I want to return the favor to the people of Japan. I’ll strive to become an ambassador promoting excellent aspects of Japan back home.
Ibrahim landed a job at a startup in Japan and started his new career in November 2021. Ahmed is currently writing his master’s thesis in preparation for graduation this year.
Reflecting on what went through his mind when he decided to leave Syria, Ahmed says, “No one wants to leave their home country. I was sad, too. But at the same time, I also dreamed of the new possibilities I would start exploring. When I learned from JICA that my application had been accepted, I was so happy. It was the happiest moment of my life.”
The two men continue to address their destiny and the hardships they face as refugees, while looking toward the future as their experience and learning continue in a foreign land. They will surely make good use of their experience in Japan, including their internship at Toyota, as they work for a better future for their home country. For now, their hard work in Japan continues.
