#Japan #AI Technology #Toshima #ET Holdings #AI Foundry Japan

ET Holdings Launches a Bold New Vision with AI Foundry Japan

In response to the rapid evolution of generative AI, ET Holdings Corporation has taken a significant step forward by introducing a new service concept called AI Foundry Japan. Based in Toshima City, Tokyo, ET Holdings has long been committed to enhancing the IT services landscape by integrating IT skills with English proficiency. Now, the company is evolving its framework by adding AI into the mix, laying the foundation for innovative IT service models.

Over the past 13 years, the company has supported global IT utilization and digital transformation by providing services that leverage the dual strengths of IT skills and English capabilities. This integrated approach has become a cornerstone of ET Holdings' business. However, the recent rapid advancements in AI technologies and development platforms are necessitating a rethink of conventional IT service delivery. Many AI tools and platforms primarily evolve in English, leading to a growing necessity for technical knowledge and resources in English.

As AI models have historically relied on English language technical documentation and training data, high-level expertise in specialized technical domains requires adeptness in utilizing English technical resources. Companies aiming to adopt AI solutions must prioritize building capabilities around understanding these technologies and applying them effectively within their workflows and systems.

AI Foundry Japan Concept

AI Foundry Japan epitomizes a new IT service model that combines IT skills and English proficiency with AI technologies, cloud infrastructures, and global technical information to create value from Japan for the world. The backdrop of this initiative aligns with Japan's current economic focus on revitalizing advanced industries, particularly in the semiconductor sector.

Japanese manufacturing has historically thrived by assimilating global technologies and materials while enhancing them through native technical skills and quality craftsmanship, thus delivering high-value products and services globally. The AI Foundry Japan concept seeks to replicate and adapt this value-creation model in the context of the generative AI era. New technological assets encompassing AI models, cloud infrastructure, software, and data are emerging at a rapid pace on a global scale, positioning Japanese companies to leverage these innovations effectively.

However, to exploit these advancements successfully, organizations must possess advanced IT skills and the capability to comprehend and utilize global technical information, ensuring they can implement and operate these technologies to derive tangible value.

A New Framework for Service Delivery

At the heart of AI Foundry Japan lies a triad of capabilities designed to facilitate enterprise AI adoption:
1. AI Utilization Competency: By leveraging cutting-edge AI technologies, such as generative AI and large language models (LLMs), ET Holdings provides organizations with support for improving operational efficiency, developing AI applications, and implementing AI systems.
2. Cloud AI Infrastructure: The company assists organizations in constructing AI systems that utilize cloud environments, aided by skilled technicians who are certified cloud vendors.
3. English Integration in AI Technology: ET Holdings' services advocate for the integration of English documentation, overseas AI tools, and global AI certifications to seamlessly implement the latest AI technologies into corporate systems and operations.

By merging these elements, ET Holdings offers a comprehensive approach to AI implementation. These services cover support for AI-related projects, AI process automation, AI application development, and the operational management of AI systems.

Reverse Offshore Model and Partnership with GMS

The company's offerings align with a groundbreaking employment and industry model dubbed Reverse Offshore, which involves consolidating previously outsourced IT activities back to Japan to provide services globally. This model reflects a broader economic strategy aimed at enhancing Japan's capabilities in global IT service markets.

Furthermore, the firm's IT operations service, Global Managed Services (GMS), complements this initiative, offering continuous support beyond just AI system implementation to include ongoing operations and improvements. Depending on their specific needs, businesses will have access to personnel who possess both AI skills and English language expertise, facilitating project-based technical support or providing engineers for hire.

Vision from the CEO

The vision behind AI Foundry Japan has been articulated by Naoki Kadowaki, the CEO of ET Holdings:

“Japan’s manufacturing spirit is set to meet global standards in the age of AI. Our craftsmanship, which previously dominated globally, thrives on meticulous attention to detail and integrity. We’re convinced that on this new digital stage, we can once again compete with the best.

> With the rise of generative AI, technical information in English has become the expected standard in the IT service industry. Over the past 13 years, we have introduced a global perspective for Japanese companies, intertwining IT with English. Our AI Foundry Japan concept is not merely the adoption of technology. It's a forge where Japan's unique technical prowess is accelerated through world-class AI and English capabilities, exporting value globally. Understanding AI technology and navigating English environments will redefine the future of the Japanese economy and unlock the potential inherent in our industry.

Through AI Foundry Japan, ET Holdings is poised to advance Japan's IT service sector from a domestic focus to a global value exporter, establishing a new blueprint for the integration of AI, IT, and English proficiency in this digital age.