Exclusive Interview with
SCAO Dhaka Liaison Office GM Mr Shinichi Nagata
“Where there's a will, there's a way.”
Mr Shinichi Nagata
General Manager
Sumitomo Corporation Asia & Oceania Pte Ltd
Dhaka Liaison Office
Bangladesh has been among the fastest growing economies in the world over the past decade. However, like many others, it faces new headwinds following increasing global commodity prices amid uncertainties created by the Russia-Ukraine war. How are you leading SCAO Bangladesh through this period of uncertainty?
When I came to Bangladesh as new GM of Dhaka office in May last year, we were still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and staff were basically not allowed to come to the office but to work from home. Nevertheless, from the day I arrived, I felt the potential of the Bangladeshi market and the high capability of the staff in Dhaka office.
The first thing I had to do was to re-activate communication with one another. At first, we started meeting online, and gradually increased the number of face-to-face meetings in the office, on top of visiting clients and partners. I believed that we could learn a lot from our stakeholders.
With Dhaka Office colleagues, donning the Bangladeshi
traditional costume Panjabi
Based on that, I urged my staff to “Let’s do what we can do and do what we should do for the company as well as our clients”. In addition, I requested everyone to work with the spirit of “Trial & Error” to encourage problem solving through recognizing and removing daily challenges.
In an era of global uncertainties, we believe we need to build stronger ships to sail forward, which I think is making progress step by step. Our slogan is “Grow with Bangladesh”. I will continue to reinforce “Let’s do what we can do and do what we should do for the company as well as our clients”.
On a site visit in Chittagong, Bangladesh
Who or what left the deepest impression on you during your assignment in Bangladesh and why?
The smiles of children at Ekmattra Academy, a NGO which we have been supporting since last year through the 100 SEED programme even under the restrictions of COVID-19 (see the link of SC One), left the deepest impression.
The smiles of Ekmattra’s children made me feel the bright future of this country. Furthermore, I was encouraged by the fact that we could contribute to society as a member of Bangladesh, regardless of whether we are a citizen of the country.
Attended Japanese Spring Festival in Dhaka, Bangladesh
With African (Tanzanian)
Dinner at Japanese restaurant with Dhaka office colleagues
Won a trophy during a golf competition
Drinking with my friend
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SNAPSHOT
I strongly believe in… destiny
I spend most of my time.. planning the schedule of business and private events
The food I crave most often is… raw oyster, ankimo (monkfish liver) & shirako (soft cod roe)… delicious but good for health??
One personal rule that I never break is… never stick to personal rule
The thing that cheers me up whenever I think about is… travelling and shopping on vacation
One thing I really want but can’t afford yet is… to watch the games of FIFA world cup at the stadium
If I could go back in time, I would… return to 10 months of my study abroad in vancouver, canada. there are several reasons… but i should have studied harder at that time…
If I have enough money to live comfortably without having to work, I would… travel to visit my old friends who have helped me a lot in the past
