HONG KONG – Organizer of Nissan Futures 2019 in Hong Kong, Vice President of Communications, External & Government Affairs for Nissan Asia & Oceania, Lavanya shares her take on the event's most surprising moments, how being a Trekkie (Star Trek super-fan) has shaped her world view and why it's crucial that woman weigh-in on future of cities and mobility dialogues.

1. Nissan Futures 2019 in Hong Kong is your second Nissan Futures event – describe this latest occasion in three words?

Excitement. Networking. FutureScope.

The word 'future' guides my perspective towards the future my daughter will live in and gives this sense of urgency to create a better world. And as a professional, it gives me a sense of purpose to ensure our organization's part in shaping the future for all children.

2. What was the most surprising thing you learnt at the event?

There were many! When you begin your learning process with experiencing the Nissan LEAF in a test drive, then listening to incredibly intelligent people discussing what our future looks like, and finally seeing the future of EV technology at the Formula E race – I would say every minute is a learning experience.
What was surprising and uplifting was how stakeholders at Nissan Futures have taken something from the event, and extended the message to combine voices from across the region. Secondly, going to a Formula E race – for the first time. You see how a battery is used at the highest levels of competitive motorsport. It's the future, on a race track as we would say – the new sound of future!

3. In your opinion, why did Nissan bring all these Asia & Oceania specialists together to discuss the Future of Mobility and Cities?

There is of course the greater purpose of driving electrification in the region. However, personally, I wish to add another angle. I feel as individuals we are limited in resources and have a smaller sphere of influence in bringing the change. When you are in a multinational company like Nissan with a clear vision and commitment, you get collective strength and resources which allows your sphere of impact to expand. Partnerships and people are the key to making a difference. Nissan Futures gives that advantage.

4. Explain the feeling: Track-side at Formula E, cheering on a cutting-edge Nissan electric racing vehicle representing the electrification vision you are working towards every day at Nissan A&O?

One word: Pride.

5. Share the best thing you learnt at Nissan Futures 2019.

Just one? As a child, I loved Star Trek and Star Wars and as I said I'm a big Trekkie. Watching these series opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me; taught me to go "where no man has gone before." The panel discussions and key note speeches gave me the same feeling. The future holds hopes, opportunities and ideas and that's exactly what we saw at Nissan Futures.

6. Share your thoughts on your first-ever LEAF test drive – on the streets of Hong Kong!

It was beautiful. Hong Kong is one of my favorite cities, so doing the event here combines the city I love with what I love doing at Nissan. So it was 'Love'-ly.  

7. How do you personally envision the future of mobility?

It may be cliché, but smart and sustainable really means something to me. Growing up in India, and working in Southeast Asia, I know mobility is more than going from point A to point B.  I started riding a motorbike at 11. The freedom that I felt, to do things on my own, to be independent - gave me a whole new confidence.

That is mobility. The confidence to do what we want to do, with the machine (or an 'intelligent' machine) we can depend on. And if the machine keeps getting smarter and smarter, our ability to access the world will enter in to limitless possibilities. If it's sustainable, you become more committed. And if it safeguards you, what more can you ask?

8. Describe to us the ideal future of Asia & Oceania's cities?

The future IS cities. Today's city should continue to hold the aspirations of tomorrow's generation and create new possibilities.

9. Finish the sentence: My approach to creating dynamic events is…

Make it more 'human'. People need to learn something, feel good and finally, feel important.

10. As a female business leader, share your message to other women about why it's important they engage in the conversation on the Future of Mobility and Cities:

Women, consciously or unconsciously, make myriads of decisions in their daily life always assessing how it impacts their world. It's an innate ability and that's what our strength is.

The social impact of the mentioned transformations will significantly change human behavior providing an improved quality of life and better future for families that will transform cities and communities. If 80% of purchase decisions for cars are influenced by us, we shouldn't we be at the forefront to drive the change? We need 'inclusive' conversations to shape the 'FUTURE.'

11. Let's go full circle. As a mum you want to ensure your daughter has a good future. Do you think your daughter, seeing an event like Nissan Futures 2019 – would be proud of you?

I'm sure my daughter is proud. That's why we do our work, to set examples. At the same time she has her own perspective, which is wonderful. I don't believe in her following my footsteps. I believe she will imprint her own footsteps. And I'm proud of her.

Find out more about Nissan Futures 2019 by watching the highlights video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUFI4_9Mu5w&feature=youtu.be

 

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About Nissan Asia & Oceania
Nissan is a global full-line vehicle manufacturer that sells more than 60 models under the Nissan, INFINITI and Datsun brands. Nissan has been operating in the A&O region for over 60 years, employing more than 15,000 employees across research & development, manufacturing, logistics and sales & marketing operations. The A&O region itself encompasses 30+ markets across both Asia and the Pacific, with the regional headquarters based in Bangkok. Nissan has developed long-standing regional partnerships with National Sales Companies, as well as developing a growing network of more than 750 dealers, to deliver a significant Nissan Datsun product line-up to A&O customers. Nissan is driven by Nissan Intelligent Mobility, the company's vision for a better future for customers where cars are their partners, and where driving is safer, smarter and more efficient. For more information, visit https://asia.nissannews.com/en and follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/nissanAO.

Media contacts
Kalle Siebring
General Manager, Corporate Communications
Asia & Oceania
Phone: +66 (0) 2339 3400 Ext. 4823 / Mobile: +66 (0) 63 195 6310
E-mail: kalle@nissan.co.th

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