Drawing on our Japanese roots to drive enduring value across Japan and Singapore－Shiori Maehata（JCB International Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Planning Head/Business Development）

A Chance Encounter: How My Journey with Singapore Began

Q：What was your first impression/shock when you arrived in Singapore?
Was there a defining moment through your work where you started to see Singapore not just as a place, but as “your own story”?

My connection with Singapore dates back to my student days during a brief layover. A chance encounter during that short stay introduced me to the world of expatriate life, which ultimately set the course for my career. Years later, in 2021, I joined JCB, and by 2022, I returned to Singapore for a project-based business trip. Working hand-in-hand with the local team, I experienced a profound shift in perspective. I stopped viewing Singapore simply as a foreign destination and developed a strong sense of personal ownership over our mission here. Just two years later, in 2024, that vision came full circle when I was officially posted to Singapore as an expatriate.

Spearheading the Challenge to Expand JCB in Singapore

Q：What is your ultimate focus or unique strength in your current activities?What are the core values and passion driving that dedication?

Currently, my primary mission is to build a robust ecosystem where JCB cardmembers visiting from Japan and across the other Asian regions can enjoy a seamless, convenient, and premium payment experience. Since JCB cards are not issued to local Singapore residents, raising brand awareness and expanding our merchant network presents a unique challenge. Despite these hurdles, I firmly believe in the power of on-the-ground engagement. Every day, I make in-person visits to build genuine trust, listening directly to our partner financial institutions and local merchants. By constantly redefining the unique value JCB brings to the table, we are steadily and surely expanding our merchant acceptance network. Furthermore, drawing on my own past experiences as a visitor, I maintain a steadfast “customer-first” mindset to continuously enrich our local services.

Connecting Japan and Singapore: Our Vision for the Future

Q：How do you personally wish to contribute to and shape the relationship between Singapore and Japan moving forward?

Beyond ensuring an exceptional experience for tourists, my next strategic milestone is to achieve local JCB card issuance in Singapore. I want to create a framework where Singaporeans themselves can discover and enjoy the very best of Japan through JCB. Ultimately, our goal is to see Singaporeans using JCB in their everyday lives, making it a preferred payment option—even at local heartland merchants. To become deeply woven into the fabric of everyday life in Singapore—that is the future we envision, and the reason we continue to push boundaries every day.

What I Love About Singapore!

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

True to the “City in a Garden” vision, which carries forward the philosophy of Lee Kuan Yew, I am deeply captivated by Singapore’s stunning cityscape, where a futuristic, cutting-edge metropolis harmoniously coexists with lush greenery. I am also incredibly inspired by how this nation never stands still, constantly driving innovation and evolving at a remarkable pace. Moreover, I am drawn to the rich spirit of unity here—seeing the entire nation come together to celebrate National Day reflects a profound sense of national pride and solidarity that I deeply respect.

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Interviewee Profile

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■ JCB International Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.

◉Lead merchant acquisition and business development in Singapore for JCB, a leading global payment network. Drive strategic alliances with local financial institutions and merchants to accelerate the adoption of cashless payments. Devise and execute high-impact marketing initiatives to expand market presence. 🏢Address：10 Collyer Quay, Ocean Financial Centre, #08-09, S049315 🌐Website

　

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