2026.9.3

Globally connected. Rooted in Japan. Your most trusted partner.— Katsufumi Uchida, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Managing Executive Officer, Head of Asia-Pacific Division

Singapore & SMBC: A Shared Journey Since 1963

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

SMBC’s history in Singapore dates back to 1963. Positioning Singapore as our core regional hub for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, we have served as a financial bridge connecting Japan and the wider world while supporting our clients’ international expansion and regional growth.

As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Japan (SJ60), we look back on decades of connecting capital, information, and human talent. Throughout this journey, our goal has always been to remain a trusted partner dedicated to helping address societal challenges and contributing to growth alongside our customers, society and Singapore.

SMBC’s Roots: Supporting the Growth of Customers and Society

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

At the very heart of our operations lies the long-standing tradition of Sanpo-yoshi (three-way benefit: good for the seller, good for the buyer, and good for society), an enduring philosophy passed down through the heritage of both the Mitsui and Sumitomo families. This mindset centers on desiring not just internal prosperity, but the genuine happiness of our clients and the broader advancement of society.

In Singapore, this principle translates into going far beyond conventional financial services; we actively support our clients’ growth and challenges while contributing to the development of this country and the local community. Client success leads to societal progress, which in turn generates further growth—and supporting this virtuous cycle remains our unchanging mission.

Pioneering the Next Era with Singapore

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

We view Singapore as a partner with whom we can grow and build the future together. By leveraging the deep trust and expansive networks we have built over time, we remain committed to empowering our clients and supporting Singapore’s development.

Moving beyond traditional commercial banking boundaries, we combine the specialized strengths of the entire SMBC Group to deliver comprehensive solutions. We are actively driving value creation in next-generation growth sectors, including sustainability, energy transition, and digitalization. On this 60th anniversary milestone, we hope to play our part in supporting Singapore’s continued role as a leading globalhub.

An Open and Vibrant Nation

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

Having been stationed in Singapore twice (from 1999 to 2007, and from 2022 to the present, totaling 12 years), I am continually amazed by the sheer speed of transformation here. Singapore’s unique appeal lies in its ability to bring together diverse cultures and religions, abundant greenery, and a modern urban environment.

Having had my child born and raised here, I deeply appreciate how exceptionally safe, clean, and family-friendly this country is, backed by infrastructure and an English-speaking environment. Furthermore, I feel a tremendous surge of inspiration from the national vitality and spirit of the local people—driven by a pragmatic, highly efficient, and fiercely determined ambition to excel (the iconic Kiasu spirit) that propels the entire nation forward.

Interviewee Profile

Katsufumi Uchida
Managing Executive Officer, Head of Asia-Pacific Division
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation

Joined Sumitomo Bank (currently Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation) in 1990. Throughout his career, he has accumulated extensive expertise across Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore, and London, specializing in corporate finance, project finance, and global banking operations. He assumed his current position as Managing Executive Officer and Head of Asia-Pacific Division in April 2024.

■ Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation

◉Operating as the Asia-Pacific Division headquarters, delivering a comprehensive suite of financial services across the APAC region.

🏢Address：88 Market Street #33-01, CapitaSpring S048948
🕚Opening Hours：月～金 9:00–18:00
📅Closed Days：
📞Phone：6882 0000
🌐Website

Back to
SJ60 Interviews

シンガポールのビジネス情報や最新記事、セミナー情報をLINE・YouTubeでお届けしています！
ぜひお友だち追加・チャンネル登録をお願い致します。