Shinka Umesaki at the Keizai Society Shinnenkai

Gambate from Keizai Society Shinnenkai

Sunbridge Tanabata 2011

Hung Chen of eBay gives his best wishes to the people of Sendai from the Sunbridge Tanabata 2011 festival August 5, 2011, “Plug and Play” incubation Center, Sunnyvale, Silicon Valley. http://tanabata.us/

Kamran Elahian, global entrepreneur on Rebuilding Japan

“Turning Crisis into Opportunity – What Silicon Valley can do to help Rebuild Japan”

Event: Wednesday, June 29, 2011
5:30-9:30pm PARC, Palo Alto
Sponsored by Keizai Society, Silicon Valley Wireless and TiE Silicon Valley

Kamron Elahian, a successful global entrepreneur, venture capitalist, philanthropist, and keynote speaker at the recent Keizai fundraising event, roused the audience with his honest and frank statements about supporting Japan after the tragedies of March 11, 2011. Not realizing that there were hundreds of orphaned youths left stranded after the tsunami and earthquake, he didn’t think that such a rich country as Japan needed his organization’s support. After all, Kamran’s nonprofit organization has helped thousands of needy children around the world in under developed countries. After learning about the Ashinaga organization’s effort to help the orphans Kamran committed his organization to help and encouraged others in the audience to do the same. With an impromptu “ask”, Kamran inspired others to take action and within a few minutes, raised over $10,000 for the Ashinaga organization. A powerful demonstration of what Silicon Valley can do to help rebuild Japan.

“Think of what a modern-day Robin Hood would do”, Kamran says. “Today, we don’t have to snatch wealth from the rich and give it to the poor. We have the means to level the playing field – provide everybody with the beat tools to learn and grow, and create new opportunities for economic and social progress and equality.”

Dr. Richard Dasher at the Keizai Society fundraiser

Dr. Richard Dasher, Director, US-Asia Technology Management Center at Stanford University was the moderator for the Keizai Society event, “Turning Crisis into Opportunity – What Silicon Valley can do to help rebuild Japan”, Wednesday, June 29, 2011, at Xerox Parc, in Menlo Park. Dr. Dasher led a lively discussion regarding new technology and innovative approaches to not only helping Japan’s rebuilding effort but strengthening the relationship between the people of Silicon Valley and Japan. Proceeds from the event went to support the Ashinaga organization to provide relief efforts to over 1000 children who were orphaned due to the earthquake and tsunami. Sponsors of the event include the Keizai Society, Silicon Valley Wireless and TiE, The Indus Entrepreneurs.

Mari Gruner at the Keizai Fundraiser for Ashinaga

Mari Gruner of Cobalt Power shares her thoughts and best wishes for the Japan Relief effort at the recent “Turning Crisis into Opportunities – What Silicon Valley can do to help Rebuild Japan” fundraiser, Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at Xerox PARC in Menlo Park, CA. The fundraiser raised monies for the Ashinaga program, helping the orphans in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami earlier this year.

Turning Crisis Into Opportunity – What SV Can Do To Help Rebuild Japan

Robert Scoble at the Keizai Event Wed June 29, 2011

A fundraiser for orphans of the earthquake and Tsunami.

Sponsored by Keizai Society, Silicon Valley Wireless and TiE Silicon Valley
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
5:30-9:30pm PARC, Palo Alto

Silicon Valley showed its force as legions of tech leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs and international businessmen gathered to share ideas on how Silicon Valley can help rebuild Japan after the devastating earthquake and tsunami ripped through the northeastern part of Japan. Lead by Dr. Richard Dasher of Stanford, some of the leading minds of the valley took on the challenge of “what Silicon Valley can do to help rebuild Japan. From a technology, design and innovation perspective as envisioned by Robert Scoble, to a systems infrastructure viewpoint mapped out by FCC Senior Attorney Advisor James Miller, the spirit of Silicon Valley connected with the determination and tenacity of the people of Japan. With encouraging words from Consul General of Japan Hiroshi Inomata there was a sense of hope, that Japan would not only recover, but will emerge stronger than before.

Next up, a panel featuring Lukas Biewald, founder and chairman of CrowdFlower, Marianna Grossman, Executive Director of Sustainable Silicon Valley, and James Miller, Sr. Attorney Advisor at FCC, discussed the importance of the relationship between the U.S. and Japan and how we can not only help but also learn from the people of Japan and this current tragedy.

And finally, the last keynote speaker, Kamran Elahian, a global entrepreneur, philanthropist and venture capitalist with Global Catalyst Partners spoke of how we can help as individuals, connecting to the victims of the earthquake and tsunami. More specifically, how can we help the thousand orphans in the Tohoku area of Northern Japan who still need our help. He volunteered a thousand dollars and asked for anyone else to do the same. In a matter of mere minutes he raised ten thousand dollars, with dozens of other volunteers committing to connecting with the orphans through the Ashinaga program in Japan.

An informal mixer with a delightful mix of Japanese sushi and Chinese dim sum delicacies followed, enabling the conversations and connections to continue.

Congratulations to the Keizai Society along with Silicon Valley Wireless, The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) and the many other sponsors for a fine event for a great cause.