The “International Convention on QC Circles” (ICQCC) 2011 was held from the 11th -14th September 2011 at the “Pacifico Convention Centre” in Yokohama, Japan. This year the convention was organized by the Union of Japanese Scientists and Engineers (JUSE) with Japan as the host country. The objective of this convention is to provide a platform for practitioners of QC from different countries and regions to exchange views and experiences on initiatives to intensify activities related to improving Productivity and Quality (P&Q) at the organisational level.

The theme for this year’s convention was “Enhancing Organizational Vitality Through Further Development of QC Circle Activities”. 12th September 2011 marked the opening of the convention where 1,168 delegates from 14 nations attended. The opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Tadaki Jagawa, President and CEO of the Union of Japanese Scientists and Engineers (JUSE) followed by the Welcome Remarks by Ms. Fumiko Hayashi, the Mayor of Yokohama City.

A total of 177 projects were deliberated by the various teams during the 12th and 13th September 2011. The following were themes for the presentation:

1. Productivity and Speed
2. Customer Satisfaction
3. Promotion of QC Circles/Small Group Activity
4. Safety and Reduction of Accidents/Incidents
5. Environment Protection and Saving Energy
6. Prevention of Failure and Improvement of Quality
7. Reduction of Cost and Elimination of Waste
8. Improvement of Quality

Twelve countries namely China, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, the USA, and  Zambia deliberated the findings of their projects.

The closing ceremony of the ICQCC 2011 was held on the 13th September 2011. All representatives from the various countries were present. It was a night to remember as most were dressed in their national costumes. Malaysia was one of the countries that sent in a large number of delegates while India was the largest with 329 delegates. As the host for ICQCC 2012, Malaysia brought in a traditional dance troupe which comprised of dancers not only from Malaysia but from Japan as well. It was a unique blend of cultures. This was made possible with the cooperation of the Malaysia’s “Jabatan Pelancungan Malaysia” in Japan. To add to the pomp and splendor of the night, all Malaysian delegates proudly waved the Malaysian flag keeping in time with music of the dances.  

At the end of the ceremony Tuan Haji Ahmad Fadzil Mahmud, Deputy Director General  of MPC, received the flag of Blue and Gold with pride and honour to be brought home to continue the journey of excellence. In his speech, Tuan Haji Ahmad Fadzil encouraged the delegates to participate in the ICQCC 2012 in Malaysia. A video presentation to promote Malaysia was the highlight of the evening and thus, marked the end of ICQCC 2011 -Yokohama and the beginning of Malaysia’s preparation for the ICQCC 2012.