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SJ60 as a New Milestone:An Evolving JCCI, Creating Broader Value.－Daisuke Kakihara（President, Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Singapore）
A Half-Century Journey Starting with 56 Companies
Q：What was the greatest challenge or turning point that your organization faced while walking alongside Singapore’s development?
Established in 1969 by 56 Japanese companies, JCCI expanded rapidly alongside Singapore’s economic boom in the 1970s, reaching a historic peak of 883 member companies in 1998.However, the organization faced significant headwinds over the following decade. The Asian Financial Crisis eroded Singapore’s competitive advantage as a manufacturing base, which, combined with subsequent industry restructuring and the 2008 Global Financial Crisis (Lehman Shock), caused membership to decline to 719 companies by 2009.In recent years, despite rising business costs, Singapore’s value as the ultimate ASEAN hub has been strongly reaffirmed. Today, JCCI proudly supports and connects approximately 760 member companies.
Bridging Japan and Singapore Through Economics and Culture
Q：What core values and philosophies have been passed down through the generations as part of your organization’s unchanging “DNA”?
JCCI’s activities rest upon two core pillars: economics and culture.
The Economic Pillar: Our mission is to drive economic exchange between Japan and Singapore while fostering the growth of local Japanese businesses. Through these corporate activities, we continuously contribute to the overall development of the Singaporean economy.The Cultural Pillar: In 1990, JCCI made history by establishing the JCCI Singapore Foundation—the very first foundation created by an overseas Japanese chamber of commerce. Guided by our philosophy of “integrating with the local community and growing in harmony with local enterprises,” the Foundation has contributed over S$11.1 million to the fields of culture, arts, education, and sports, while sponsoring a total of 57 exchange students.These enduring grassroots initiatives have been highly recognized over the years, earning JCCI numerous accolades and awards from various Singaporean government agencies.
Building New Value Together for the Next 60 Years
Q：What kind of footprint or legacy do you aim to leave over the next 10 to 20 years?
This year marks SJ60, the milestone 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Singapore. Today, the potential of ASEAN—with Singapore serving as its vital hub—is drawing renewed global attention. The region is increasingly valued not just as a consumer market, but as a critical base for innovation, supply chain restructuring, trade framework reorganization, and geopolitical risk hedging.Against this backdrop, JCCI has established its core policy: “An Evolving JCCI, Expanding Value.” Moving forward, we are committed to driving the mutual development of both nations by enhancing practical business support for our member companies, deepening strategic dialogue with Singaporean government agencies, and spearheading the creation of dynamic new networks.
What I Love About Singapore!
Q：What elements of Singapore’s culture or urban lifestyle do you find truly wonderful and inspiring?
What I find truly wonderful about Singapore’s culture is how deeply the core value of diversity is rooted in society. As a multi-ethnic nation, Singapore embraces people from all different backgrounds. This environment allows individuals to learn from, challenge, and inspire one another, turning a rich tapestry of diverse perspectives into a powerful source of national vitality. You can see this vibrant harmony beautifully reflected in the very fabric and energy of the city streets.
Interviewee Profile
Daisuke Kakihara
Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Singapore President
After graduating from Oita University, he worked at Japan Tobacco Inc. before joining Sumitomo Corporation. Following an assignment in the Americas, he was appointed General Manager of the Human Resources Department and the Global Human Resources Management Department in 2020. In 2023, he relocated to Singapore to serve as CFO & CAO of Sumitomo Corporation Asia & Oceania Group and CEO of Singapore Operations. He assumed the position of President of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Singapore (JCCI) in March 2026.
| ■Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Singapore |
| Objectives ①To promote economic exchange between Japan and Singapore. ②To contribute to the development and growth of Japanese companies in Singapore. ③To foster mutual exchange and networking among members. 🏢Address：6 Shenton Way #17-11 OUE Downtown 2 S068809 📞Phone：6221 0541 🕚Opening Hours：Monday to Friday 9:00-17:00 📅Closed Days：Saturday, Sunday, Public Holiday, Year-end & New Year holiday, Dec 24 (afternoon), Chinese New Year’s Eve (afternoon) 📩E-mail：info@jcci.org.sg 🌐Website 📲 Facebook ＠JCCI.Singapore |
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