Driving progress side-by-side: Your dedicated HR department in Singapore.－Hideki Saito（Progress Asia (Singapore) Pte.Ltd., Managing Director）

A Striking Encounter and Love at First Sight

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

My connection to Singapore began in February 1987, when I first visited the country alongside university friends. At the time, the city had no MRT or air-conditioned buses; it was the raw, vibrant epitome of a tropical paradise. Yet, I was instantly captivated by the striking contrast of its rising modern skyline, its rich multi-ethnic tapestry, and the incredible diversity of its culinary scene. This love at first sight drew me back in 1989 for a language program, fueling a clear ambition to build my career here. In 2006, I realized that vision by founding and later exiting a recruitment agency. Today, I remain dedicated to supporting enterprises navigating complex HR challenges, and looking ahead, I am fully committed to contributing to the growth of the Singapore economy as a fellow business leader.

Driving Success Through a Lean & Happy Team

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

At the core of our management philosophy is a commitment to the happiness and growth of our team. To achieve this, we maintain a flat, respectful environment where communication is open and issues are resolved on the spot. We focus on individual strengths, structuring our lean organization to maximize potential while offering performance-linked rewards. We also eliminate unnecessary overtime by clearly defining roles, balancing standard working hours with high productivity. Ultimately, keeping our team lean and high-caliber allows us to prioritize well-being as we reach new heights together in Singapore.

Progressing Hand-in-Hand with a Visionary Singapore

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

Since first arriving in Singapore in 1987, my core philosophy—to grow alongside this nation through corporate leadership—has remained unchanged for nearly four decades. This mindset is woven into our company name, Progress Asia. It driving my vision to expand our footprint and foster economic prosperity both in Singapore and across the vibrant markets of Southeast Asia and Japan. As Singapore builds upon its historic 60th milestone of independence, I have unwavering faith that it will continue its remarkable upward trajectory. Within this dynamic ecosystem, I am deeply committed, as an individual and an entrepreneur, to walking hand-in-hand with Singapore toward a bright and prosperous future.

A City Designed for Seamless Mobility

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

What truly sets Singapore apart is its remarkably compact and efficient urban layout. Anchored by a world-class MRT network, the public transportation system is meticulously designed to optimize connectivity. Traveling between commercial hubs, residential zones, and the international airport takes so little time that I am reminded daily why Singapore is the ultimate “low-stress transit city.”

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Interviewee Profile

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■Progress Asia (Singapore) Pte.Ltd.

◉Progress Asia delivers comprehensive HR outsourcing services tailored for enterprises expanding into Asia, with a primary focus on Singapore. Our core mission is to provide robust back-end operational support, empowering client companies to fully channel their energy and resources into their core business activities. 🏢Address：1 Raffles Place #23-04　One Raffles Place S048616 📞Phone：6822 0282 🕚Opening Hours：9:00-18:00 📅Closed Days：Saturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays 📩E-mail：info@pro-gress.asia

　

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