MOL's POWER Cultivates Business Talent
MOL Liner's first-ever "Program of Worldwide Empowering of Human Resources" (POWER), which aims at grooming talent for global business development, was launched in November 2008. After several rounds of screenings, six management trainees have been shortlisted. Two of the trainees are coming from MOL (America), one from MOL (Europe), and three from MOL (Asia).

POWER lasts for four years. In the first two years, the trainees will have job rotations in different departments at their home regional headquarters and learn all liner job functions. They also spend one month at the Tokyo Head Office to learn the MOL Liner Division's management practices. In the third and fourth years, they will rotate to an assignment in another regional headquarters.

The six trainees have been in POWER for more than a year. Let's hear what they have to say about the program.
Paulo Biazotti, MOL (Brasil) Ltda.

Being exposed to several departments and seeing how each has responded to the current economic crisis has been a great opportunity. Different long term cost saving initiatives and revenue generating projects have been part of MOLAM's routine, providing a valuable opportunity to expand knowledge and experience.

Ben Ye, MOL (China) Co., Ltd. — Guanzhou

Imagine the experience of working in different departments with people from different countries, from whom you can learn the most precious knowledge, and with whom you can freely share your mind and ideas. Imagine the feeling of working with people you have made friends with over the years only by phone or e-mail. Imagine living and working in a totally new place where you can explore the customs, food, and attractions. These are what you can find in POWER.

Bharadwaj Bhuyan, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (India) Pvt. Ltd. — Mumbai

I would say this program helps candidates obtain a thorough knowledge of different functions, develop a full understanding of end-to-end processes, and achieve a high level of commercial awareness. All that would eventually assist in their future roles to drive innovation and enhance synergies at different levels of the organization.

Now that you have heard what the trainees have to say about POWER. Please say hello and give them a warm welcome when you see any of them in your office.
<Focus> 3 Trainees' Reports on MOL POWER Program in Tokyo
Three trainees at the presentation by Keiko Abe, MOL Japan Import Sales Group.
Second from right is Toshiro Kishi, Asia Group
Touring the MOL Japan office A vessel tour aboard the MOL Pride
Left to right: Michael Wu, Patrick Wagoner, and Tom Reijke
Presentation by Michael Wu
Lunch time at MOL cafeteria "Rhine"
Trying shabu-shabu, a Japanese hot-pot with beef and vegetables Farewell party on the last night with staff from Liner Division
1. What was the most impressive part about the training?
Patrick Wagoner, MOL (America) — Lombard

POWER has proved to be a great opportunity to develop industry knowledge and skills through liner-related projects and training sessions. Networking and relationship building have also been an important aspect of the program and I am very fortunate to have met many friendly and knowledgeable colleagues along the way.
Tom Reijke, MOL (Europe) B.V — the Netherlands

My favorite part of the training was visiting the terminal in Tokyo and the MOL Logistics warehouse. I'm used to sitting in the office the whole day busy with systems and numbers. It's nice to get out in the field sometimes and bring everything back in perspective to realize what kind of massive and amazing business the shipping industry is.
Michael Wu, MOL (China) Co., Ltd. — Suzhou

I liked the discussion sessions most during the training, such as "What is the most important system to be developed in the Liner Division?" or "How do we divide administrative costs between regional agents in the Liner Division?" Even though we did not reach many concrete conclusions, we got the chance to face the real issues that top managers are concerned about, and see from their perspective. Overseas working experience in different departments or learning from mentors of senior positions, the POWER Program gives me the opportunity to grow faster and develop a more comprehensive understanding of the shipping industry.
2. Describe one new thing you learned about MOL or the shipping industry?
<Wagoner>

In particular, the MIP system seems to be a great tool for communication and information sharing. I hope we will succeed in expanding its user base in the very near future to provide greater synergy within our global organization.

<Reijke>

MOL Safety Operation Supporting Center (SOSC) and Weathernews Inc. service. They developed an innovative system that shows all the MOL-operated vessels on a world map with the actual weather conditions. The main goal is to ensure that all our vessels can enjoy safe sailing wherever they are in the world.
MOL SOSC
<Wu>

Slow steaming. In a slack market situation, ship operators slow down the speed of vessels to save fuel so as to reduce costs and idle the vessel. Currently, MOL Liner is making all kinds of efforts to save costs and keep our competitiveness, which include a slow steaming plan.
3. What was your favorite and recommended place/food in Tokyo and Japan?
After the month-long training in Tokyo, the trainees traveled on their own in Japan and had the chance to discover the country for themselves.
<Wagoner>

The launching ceremony for the MOL Seabreeze in Hiroshima
I must say that my favorite food in Japan was okonomiyaki, and what better place to have it than in Hiroshima. We had the opportunity to visit Hiroshima for the launching ceremony of the MOL Seabreeze.
<Reijke>

This is actually a hard question, because there are so many good places and everywhere there is good food. The place I will remember the most in Tokyo is Shimbashi. This was one of the favorite places to meet with colleagues after working hours.

One of the best foods I had was Okonomiyaki and of course I prefer the Hiroshima style with the noodles. But to be honest a simple MOS Burger is also very tasty!

While I was in Japan I had the opportunity to visit the Hiroshima atomic bomb museum (Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum). This was really impressive and I learned a lot about what many Japanese citizens experienced at time of the bombing and the aftermath that lasted for many years thereafter.
At a typical Japanese beer bar in Shimbashi
<Wu>

Kiyomizu Dera in Kyoto was the greatest attraction for me. I saw amazing wooden structures and colorful maple trees under the blue sky, creating the most spectacular scenery.
In the old traditional city Kyoto of autumn color.
A great view of the main hall and wooden balcony of Kiyomizu Dera Buddhist temple, a national treasure that dates from 1633.
The favorite food of three trainees - okonomiyaki (Japanese pizza)
My favorite food is okonomiyaki. Hiroshima people said Hiroshima produces the best okonomiyaki while Kyoto people said they do. To be honest, they are both delicious. I really cannot tell which is better. I just love it!