We recently concluded a successful business mission to Kyoto, Shiga, and Osaka, focused on unlocking new opportunities in advanced manufacturing, precision engineering, sustainability, and R&D innovation. Ms. Vivien Tan (Innovax Pte Ltd) has previously spoken on the trip. Now let’s hear and learn more from Mr. Erman Tan and Ms. Linda Hay from Asia Polyurethane Manufacturing Pte Ltd (APU)!
Q1) Japan is known for its strong business culture and relationship-driven market. From this mission, what insights did you gain about how Singapore manufacturers can approach and succeed in Japan?
Considering the culture difference, difference in governmental policies and especially language, this is where the role of intermediaries become crucial and prominent. This is how connection can be made via Singapore Manufacturing Association and relevant business associations in Japan.
The role of this intermediary, as a person or organization, should be well-versed in both cultures and industries, be able to translate and extrapolate, or be able to pitch the value both ways.
This is beyond just learning from each other, but actual exchanges that creates value and interest.
It will be good for anyone who is looking into entering Japan to study and speak with who has done so, especially anyone who has tried and exited without success. Most valuable lessons are always learnt from first-hand experience.
Q2) The mission included curated B2B networking sessions with Japanese companies. What were the most valuable conversations you had, and do you see any potential collaborations emerging from them?
The most valuable visit was to Kyocera, and the Company shared about the respectable Inamori-San and his Amoeba Management concept. His life philosophy definitely has translated into success of his impressive, diversified business.
We also find our value during the networking with Shiga Prefecture Companies. We spoke with Fukushima-San from Fukushima Kogyo Co. Ltd, and were glad we were at least able to assist him to source for rattan material that is only available in Indonesia/Borneo area.
We discussed with TAK Manufacturing and was able to share about coatings over pipes, which will help to extend the lifespan of pipes and delay corrosion. This will expand business opportunities especially if his dealings are outside Japan or SE Asia, where we can help value add in the process. At least they now know of a potential partner they are able to work with.
Q3) Japan is widely respected for its manufacturing discipline and precision. Which factory or facility visit left the strongest impression on you, and what lessons could Singapore manufacturers take from it?
We were impressed by the visit to CrossMedical/ CrossGroup. With the mission to improve lives, their idea of a heart simulator was a brilliant idea, as it works towards saving lives, especially babies.
What we can relate best was, it was done using polyurethane, the material which we manufactured.
We understood even making a single print of a 3D heart would take up to a full week of man’s hours with meticulous approach.
This is another area, though niche, is what polyurethane can be used for, and we can further research for this business opportunity.
Q4) From your perspective, what role did SMF play in helping companies like yours gain access to insights, networks and opportunities during this Japan mission?
SMF has devised excellent programmes and is an excellent intermediary to ‘ice-break’ for our local companies. It has done conscientious research and arrangements, which involves a lot of corresponding work for this to happen.
They have assisted in providing a road-map and due to SMF’s reputation and credibility, Japanese companies that we corresponded with has more confidence in us.
For instance, we were introduced to companies that could advised us of governance matters, for e.g. taxation, company registration etc during the Oaska Yumeshima Organisation meeting. It saves our Singapore organisation a lot of time, resources and pain to navigate answers relating to engaging/ starting business with proper compliance in Japan.
We are grateful to SMF for establishing such network and provided opportunities for possible overseas business collaborations and knowledge sharing.
Q5) If you had to sum up the SMF Japan Mission 2026 in three words, what would they be?
Connect. Impact. Synergy
The mission opened up many opportunities and allowed the start to a closer and more connected relation between Singapore and the Japanese market.
