Free Seminar on 'Management that Values People' to be Held on July 3rd for SME Owners and HR Managers Struggling with Employee Retention and Development

The SME University Kyushu Campus, operated by the Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation, JAPAN (SMRJ), will hold an open campus under the theme of 'Management that Values People' on Friday, July 3, 2026. This event is the first open campus to be held at the new school building after the SME University relocated from Nogata City, Fukuoka Prefecture, to Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City. ■ Keynote Speech & Networking Event Inviting Mr. Koji Sakamoto, Chairman of the Society for Management that Values People ■ On the day of the event, Mr. Koji Sakamoto, Chairman of the Executive Committee for the 'Companies We Want to Value Most in Japan' Award and Chairman of the 'Society for Management that Values People', will be invited to give a keynote speech and host a networking event. It will provide practical learning and networking opportunities for business owners and human resource managers who face challenges in HR development and organizational building. In addition, training and support measures will be introduced, providing an opportunity to view the newly established training facilities and equipment. In recent years, while interest in HR development, retention, and human capital management is growing even among small and medium-sized enterprises, many voices are heard saying, 'We don't know where to start' or 'We want to know examples of companies putting this into practice.' In the keynote speech of this event, Mr. Koji Sakamoto will explain the thoughts and contents put into the 'Encyclopedia of Management Terminology that Values People', which he helped compile. ■ Panel Discussion by Companies Winning the 'Companies We Want to Value Most in Japan' Award ■ In the following panel discussion, two companies that have won the 'Companies We Want to Value Most in Japan' Award for practicing management that values people, as well as Professor Yoshiumi Inoue of Kyushu Institute of Information Sciences, who is the Vice Chairman of the 'Society for Management that Values People', will be invited to deepen the discussion on the key points of corporate management supported by employees and the local community, and the utilization of HR development measures. ■ Networking Event for Speakers and Attendees Also Held ■ Participation in this open campus is free, and through networking among participants across industries and positions, it is an opportunity leading to new realizations and network building. It will be a day to gain practical hints for business owners, executives, and HR managers who are struggling with HR development and the ideal state of management. ■ Overview of SME University Kyushu Campus Open Campus ■ - Date & Time: Friday, July 3, 2026, 13:50-18:00 (Registration starts: 13:30) - Venue: SME University Kyushu Campus (3rd Floor, Hakata FD Business Center, 2-1 Tsunaba-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture) Kyushu Campus HP: - Organizer: HR Support Division, Kyushu Regional Headquarters, SMRJ - Program: 13:50-14:00 Opening Ceremony 14:00-16:00 Keynote Speech by Chairman Koji Sakamoto 16:00-17:00 Panel Discussion 17:00-17:15 Introduction to SME University Kyushu Campus Training and Support Measures 17:15-18:00 Attendee Networking / Business Card Exchange Event - Participation Fee: Free - Application: You can apply from the dedicated form at the URL below. The SME University operated by SMRJ has campuses in each SMRJ regional headquarters in addition to nine training facilities nationwide. SMRJ is a policy implementation agency that aims to contribute to the development of Japan's economy by promoting innovation and revitalization of regional economies for SMEs, small businesses, and startups aiming for autonomous business development and continuation. To solve management issues for SMEs aiming for sustainable growth in response to changes in the business environment, we provide direct hands-on support, HR development, operation of mutual relief systems, various financial support, and business opportunities, while cooperating in improving the support capabilities of related SME support organizations.