The CEO and President of Sharp Corporation, Mr. Tetsuji Kawamura, visited Sharp Philippines’ local operations to meet employees, gain firsthand insights into the company’s activities, and discuss priorities for future growth. The visit brought together employees at the factory and colleagues joining remotely from Sharp Philippines branches across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, highlighting the importance of communication and collaboration throughout the organization.
The program began with a factory tour, where Mr. Kawamura observed the local operations firsthand and met employees at the site. The tour provided an opportunity for the company’s leadership to connect with employees and gain a closer understanding of the local workplace. It also set the stage for the day’s discussions, which centered on strengthening relationships between leadership and employees.
Following the factory tour, employees gathered for a town hall meeting that connected Sharp Philippines’ workforce through a hybrid format. A total of 190 employees attended in person, while another 131 branch employees from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao participated via Zoom. This arrangement allowed employees from different locations to join the same event and hear directly from the CEO.
The town hall brought together colleagues from the factory and regional branches, providing a shared space for engagement across Sharp Philippines. By combining an in-person gathering with online participation, the meeting connected employees beyond the local site and reflected the company’s nationwide presence.
During the town hall, Mr. Kawamura outlined his priorities for renewed growth, stronger corporate communication, and closer relationships with employees and customers. He emphasized decisive action, strong execution, openness, and the importance of learning from mistakes. He also encouraged employees to uphold Sharp’s values of sincerity and creativity as they work toward the company’s objectives.
Mr. Kawamura highlighted opportunities in physical AI, AI servers, and satellite communications, identifying these areas as potential avenues for growth. He also described the Philippines as a promising market for future expansion. Amid current business challenges, he urged employees to remain focused on their targets and seek improvement in every peso, reinforcing the need for accountability and effective execution across the organization.
Mr. Ted Kawamura also outlined five key leadership principles intended to strengthen communication, accountability, and teamwork. He encouraged employees to (1) practice an open-door policy, (2) communicate bad news promptly, and (3) take immediate action to address challenges. He also emphasized the importance of (4) seeking support from headquarters when needed and (5) not being afraid of failure.
These five principles reinforced the importance of transparency, proactive problem-solving, and continuous learning. Through his guidance, Mr. Kawamura encouraged employees to communicate openly, respond promptly to difficulties, and seek the support needed to address challenges. His message also highlighted the value of learning from setbacks as part of the company’s efforts to move forward.
During a roundtable discussion with 30 selected employees, Mr. Kawamura reflected on his international career and shared his leadership philosophy. He encouraged employees to build respectful relationships, pursue clear goals, and make timely decisions. He also emphasized learning from setbacks, maintaining personal well-being, and preparing for future responsibilities by thinking beyond current roles.
The roundtable provided a smaller setting for discussion between the CEO and selected employees. It offered an opportunity to exchange perspectives and discuss leadership, professional development, and the responsibilities associated with preparing for future roles within the organization.
The gathering featured a Filipino fiesta theme, with food inspired by local celebrations. The informal setting gave participants an opportunity to connect with the CEO and share their perspectives in a smaller group. This format complemented the larger town hall by creating another setting for employee engagement and direct interaction with company leadership.
From the factory tour to the nationwide town hall and employee roundtable, Mr. Kawamura’s visit included several opportunities for employees to engage with the CEO and with one another. The activities brought together employees from different roles and locations, emphasizing the importance of connection across Sharp Philippines’ operations and branches.
The visit reaffirmed Sharp Philippines’ commitment to open communication, employee engagement, and collective efforts toward sustainable growth. Through direct engagement with employees, discussions on leadership principles, and an emphasis on future business opportunities, the visit highlighted the role of communication, teamwork, and accountability in supporting the company’s continued development.
