I’m currently away from my desk for a business trip in Japan. It has impressed me further to learn of Japan’s impressive achievements over the years as one of the predominant economies globally. Furthermore, the good ethics and manners being practiced by its society have stoked my interest to draw up a line with deepest desires even though it is not the first time I have been here.

In essence, the Japanese don’t have abundant resources to drive their economy. Indeed, Japan has only a people who had been a driving force for its economic development for donkey’s years. Even though McGregor's Theory X & Y stipulated that people are lazy by nature, they had proven otherwise. They struggle at all times to do their best and more so, the challenges such as natural disasters were not an excuse for them for not delivering value to the state.

In contrast, we are endowed with resources such as oil and gas, palm oil and rubber plantations, minerals, forests and so forth. Unfortunately, we are still lacking behind due to our ignorance on how to ‘nurture’ our own people to be responsible in managing those endowments with full integrity and lean practices.

In view of this, the main obstacles that should be highlighted in this vein is the attitude and paradigm which are becoming increasingly apparent.

Broadly speaking, our country still faces the same challenges which cannot be resolved without a strong spirit of enthusiasm and determination. The economy is quite uncertain, jobs are scarce and our education system remains mediocre at best. In fact, we are left with the daunting task of cleaning up this mess and it pushes us to stop ‘playing the fiddle while Rome burns’.

From this standpoint, we have to admit our drawbacks and it certainly necessitates us to do more in developing a range of approaches coupled with coherent strategies that make the value creation process among society evolve.

Meanwhile, as we seek to adequately perform our duty with respect and integrity for the sake of the country, tension and trade-off between personal and national interests inevitably arise. How we decide to balance both is through a long way by defining our own reputation and principles. On top of that, we should not allow ourselves to be outflanked by unscrupulous parties who always seek personal interest and short-term gratification instead of the nation’s.

In conclusion, let us look ahead for betterment and work hard to bring changes to the country. Last but not least, keep embedding the value of integrity, trustworthy and enthusiasm in our heart to ensure we reach the same level as the Japanese.