Exclusive Interview with
SCAO Group CEO Mr Hirokazu Higashino
“Always keep a relaxed and resilient mind.”
Mr Hirokazu Higashino
Senior Managing Executive Officer
General Manager for Asia & Oceania
Sumitomo Corporation
President & CEO
Sumitomo Corporation Asia & Oceania Pte. Ltd.
Since assuming the role of SCAO Group CEO in April this year, what have been your priorities for the region to become “No.1 in Each Field”? What changes can we anticipate under your leadership?
Regardless of business or corporate units, I aim to make SCAO group an organisation where each member understands the meaning and importance of responsibilities, approaches work with pride, and diligently delivers results. I constantly focus on what is required to achieve results, how to allocate management resources such as human resources and funds to each unit and region, and how to support the growth of SCAO group members.
Ultimately, my goal is for SCAO group to lead the overall growth of the Sumitomo Corporation Group. If there’s anything you need to produce results, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.
With Amata Corporation’s Founder and Chairman Mr Vikrom Kromadit (May 2024).
Amata Corporation is one of Thailand’s leading industrial estate developers
You have been travelling extensively to understand the business, people and culture of the region. During your visit to different parts of the region, what left the most impactful and thought-provoking impression?
I am impressed by the commitment that people in various parts of the region have shown in making creative efforts and dedicating themselves to improving their respective organisation. While there are differences based on the scale and structure, business focus, and characteristics of the leaders in each organisation, I have realised once again that we are all aiming in the same direction. I share my experiences and thoughts on my business trips on Global One. Feel free to read them whenever you have time.
Do you have any hidden talents that few people know about? For example, cooking, playing a musical instrument, painting, crafting, sports, etc.
I would love to say that I am good at cooking, enjoy playing Chopin, and was aiming for the Olympic equestrian event, but sadly, I do not possess any such talents. Before coming to Singapore, I was quite immersed in Karate for several years. However, I was not particularly skilled and often had difficulty knocking down my opponents.
With members of East Jakarta Industrial Park during a business trip to Indonesia (April 2024)
Site visit to Kayan project in East Kalimatan state, Indonesia (May 2024)
With CBK Power Company Limited’s members at Botocan site, Philippines (May 2024)
At LRT-1 new maintenance site in Manila, the Philippines (May 2024)
Visiting the production facility of group company SAKURA in Sarawak, Malaysia (July 2024)
With potential business partner Tech Mahindra’s members in Bengaluru, India (July 2024)
With project manager of Mirvac (a leading Australian developer) during a tour to “Highforest” housing project site in Sydney, Australia (September 2024)
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SNAPSHOT
I strongly believe in… infinite human potential
I spend most of my time.. regaining a relaxed mind
The food I crave most often is… local cuisine of Osaka where I was born and raised
One personal rule that I never break is… to give back to my juniors more than I have received from seniors
The thing that cheers me up whenever I think about is… next vacation plan
One thing I really want but can’t afford yet is… to visit all of existing castles in Japan
If I could go back in time, I would… go back 30 years and work hard to raise my two daughters
If I have enough money to live comfortably without having to work, I would… visit for leisure all the places I have travelled to for business
