New Value Creation Expanding Across Asia Through Japan-Singapore Collaboration — Junji Kurokawa, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Singapore Office　Managing Director

The Beginning in Singapore

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

In the 1950s, shortly after the war, JETRO was born in Osaka. It was an organization sparked by the passionate vision of forward-thinking business leaders who realized, “From now on, we must enter an era of doing business with the world, and what we need most is global information.” They believed in the power of sending dedicated personnel across the globe to gather insights and share that knowledge collectively to support and advance Japan’s international commerce.

It was against this very backdrop that our Singapore office was established early on in 1956. By 1957, the office successfully hosted the historic Singapore Japanese Trade Fair, where archival records show that 165 pioneering companies exhibited their products, marking the true dawn of our long-standing relationship with this city.

Core Strengths

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

In my daily operations, the core philosophies I cherish most are “the power to connect” and the absolute necessity of “thinking from the other person’s perspective.” I approach every single consultation from businesses with genuine sincerity, taking great care to understand not just the immediate inquiry, but the unique background, nuances, and expectations driving it.

By deeply valuing small moments of dialogue and fresh insights, and by consistently layering thoughtful, empathetic responses, I am committed to steadily deepening our relationships of trust with partners. Seeing these accumulated efforts blossom into tangible new value and business opportunities—and experiencing the rewarding moment a client looks back to say “thank you”—is where I find my greatest joy and fulfillment.

The Road Ahead

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

Building upon the rock-solid foundation of trust cultivated over many decades, I am eager to carve out the next stage of growth hand-in-hand with Singapore. By aligning closely with this nation as it continuously evolves as a world-class innovation hub, I aim to accelerate new value creation by seamlessly multiplying the advanced technologies and unique strengths of Japanese enterprises with Singapore’s signature operational speed and vibrant diversity.

Furthermore, my vision looks far beyond bilateral ties; I intend to further deepen our collaboration with an eye toward expanding into surrounding markets like ASEAN and India, continuously contributing to a sustainable, expansive economic relationship that fully leverages our mutual capabilities.

What I Love About Singapore!

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

One of Singapore’s most remarkable charms is the seamless, natural way a multi-ethnic and multicultural society coexists while maintaining an impeccably clean and orderly urban environment. I am deeply fascinated by the unique juxtaposition found within this city-state: a fast-paced momentum for growth rooted in a sharp, collective sense of crisis, beautifully balanced by a rich, comforting food culture and a genuine human warmth that effortlessly melts into daily life.

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Interviewee Profile

■ Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Singapore Office

◉Serving as a premier trade and investment promotion organization dedicated to strengthening Japan’s economic competitiveness. JETRO actively works to incorporate global economic vitality into Japan while robustly supporting Japanese enterprises with their overseas exports and international business expansion. Overseas, the organization maintains a vast network of 76 offices across 56 countries, including the strategic hub in Singapore. 🏢Address：16 Raffles Quay, #38-05 Hong Leong Building 📞Phone：6221 8174 📩E-mail：spr@jetro.go.jp 🌐Website

　

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