A Multimarket Manufacturing Hub: Relentlessly Embracing New Challenges — Takayuki Tsukiji, KIKKOMAN(S) PTE LTD., Managing Director

Our Journey as a Multinational Market-Oriented Factory

Q：What was the greatest challenge or turning point that your organization faced while walking alongside Singapore’s development?

In the early 1980s, driven by a rapidly expanding demand for soy sauce across Australia, Europe, and Southeast Asia, Kikkoman established its Singapore manufacturing base—chosen specifically for the nation’s geopolitical stability and world-class logistical infrastructure. Over our roughly 40-year journey, we have navigated various market shifts, including a temporary plateau in shipment volumes as our global production network decentralized.

Yet, thanks to the ingenuity and resilience of our predecessors, we maintained our edge as a high-performing multinational production hub. Through continuous innovation, trial and error, and a bold willingness to take on demanding projects, we have secured a trajectory of sustainable, long-term growth.

The Intersection of Challenge and Technology

Q：What core values and philosophies have been passed down through the generations as part of your organization’s unchanging “DNA”?

The defining heartbeat of our workforce—shared equally by our Japanese expatriates and local employees—is the identity of a true “challenger.” To stay competitive and distinct in highly diverse markets, we pioneered the early development and production of specialized gluten-free and Halal-certified soy sauce.

This bold spirit also drives our capital investments; despite operating within a limited factory footprint, we successfully integrated the Kikkoman Group’s tallest brewing and fermentation tanks to maximize productivity. We take immense pride in sharing this meticulous approach to manufacturing with visiting guests and students, hosting educational visits to foster cross-cultural learning and international exchange centered around food culture.

seasoning your life

Q：What kind of footprint or legacy do you aim to leave over the next 10 to 20 years?

Over our 40-year history, we have expanded our local capabilities beyond manufacturing to integrate sales, product development, and R&D, strengthening our business foundation in Singapore. Simultaneously, we have prioritized harmony with the local community through social contribution projects carried out every five years. Notably, we supported the development of the Kingfisher Wetlands at Gardens by the Bay and the Sustainability Gallery.

Guided by our corporate slogan, “seasoning your life”, we will continue to deliver safety, reassurance, and delicious flavors to dining tables in Singapore and across the globe, filling the world with the joys of food through technical innovation and social contribution.

A City of Multicultural Harmony and Warm Hospitality

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

Singapore boasts beautiful streets, stunning landscapes, and a vibrant diversity of cultures and languages. Combined with the warm hospitality reflected in the Peranakan culture and the genuine kindness of the local people, it’s a wonderful place to be. Even though I struggle with the heat, I am thoroughly enjoying each day.

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Interviewee Profile

■ KIKKOMAN(S) PTE LTD.

◉The factory officially opened in 1984. The company is a manufacturer of soy sauce and soy sauce-related seasonings. Operating as a production facility for multinational markets, it exports to over 30 countries from Singapore. 🏢Address：7 Senoko Crescent S758263 🕚Opening Hours：Weekdays 8:00-17:30 📅Closed Days：Saturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays 📞Phone：6758 8822 🌐Website

　

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