Advancing lives and healthcare across Southeast Asia through Japan-Singapore innovation.－Takahide Hiramatsu（Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd, Deputy General Manager, Innovation Centre）

The Beginning in Singapore

Q：What kind of role did your company aim to fulfill when you started your journey in Singapore?

From day one, our mission in Singapore extended far beyond establishing a regional sales base. We envisioned a powerful hub connecting Asian markets, advanced technologies, and top-tier talent to drive global impact from Asia to the world. This vision took shape in 2017 with the launch of the SAP Innovation Centre in Singapore, a collaborative team dedicated to co-creating innovations with customers and partners across Southeast Asia and South Asia, including India. Working together with locally-based Japanese engineers and chemists, and in close collaboration with key opinion leaders and research institutions, we created a strong foundation for shared innovation. This “connecting role” has become a defining characteristic of our presence, just like Singapore’s identity as the world’s most globally connected nation.

Core Strengths

Q：What core beliefs, commitments, and passions do you value most in your daily operations?

At the SAP Innovation Centre, we believe that true value is created through shared knowledge and joint development. Our mission is to work hand in hand with customers and partners to uncover unmet needs and develop practical solutions together. In Singapore, this means bridging public research with industry expertise. We actively collaborate with leading research institutions like A*STAR as well as innovative technology partners to turn complex science into accessible tools. For instance, our joint work on lateral flow assay (LFA), which is widely used in rapid tests for influenza and other infectious diseases, is transforming medical testing—developing rapid, low-cost diagnostic kits that can be used anywhere. Ultimately, our work at the SAP Innovation Centre is driven by Shimadzu’s corporate philosophy: Contributing to Society through Science and Technology.

The Road Ahead

Q：How do you envision growing alongside Singapore, and in what ways do you hope to keep contributing to the nation?

Looking ahead, the SAP Innovation Centre aims to scale its impact as a powerhouse for global innovations originating from Singapore.

We will deepen our strategic collaborations with research institutions like A*STAR, while actively strengthening partnerships with dynamic startups and emerging technology companies. By focusing our efforts on accelerating breakthroughs in medical diagnostics and advanced analytical solutions, our goal goes far beyond providing products—we aim to be the definitive partner in solving critical societal challenges.

We invite new collaborators who share this vision to join us. Together, we will drive innovation through science and technology to realize our wishes for the well-being of mankind and the Earth.

What I Love About Singapore!

Q：What elements of Singapore’s culture or urban lifestyle do you find truly wonderful and inspiring?

I am attracted to Singapore’s forward-thinking mindset and relentless commitment to innovation, which make it an incredibly inspiring place to build the future. Beyond the business landscape, the genuine warmth and openness of its multicultural society create a comfortable and welcoming environment to work in.

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Interviewee Profile

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■ Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd

◉As the Asian regional headquarters of Shimadzu Corporation, Shimadzu Asia Pacific provides comprehensive sales and service for analytical and measuring instruments, as well as medical systems. We contribute to solving challenges across a wide range of industries through robust research and development (R&D) and collaborative development initiatives. 🏢Address：79 Science Park Drive, #02-01/08, Cintech IV, Singapore Science Park 1, S118264 📞Phone：6778 6280 🕚Opening Hours：Monday to Friday 8:30–17:00 📅Closed Days：Saturday and Sunday 📩Contact Us 🌐Website 📱 Facebook：@ShimadzuAsiaPacific

　

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