Exclusive Interview with
SCAO Group Deputy CU GM and SCAO Deputy CFO
Mr Masato Nishimura
“Never compare yourself to others. Focus on becoming a better you.”
Mr Masato Nishimura
SCAO Group Deputy CU GM and SCAO Deputy CFO
Sumitomo Corporation Asia & Oceania Pte Ltd
You spent most of your career in the field of investment and risk management. Now helming SCAO group as Group Deputy Corporate Unit GM, what are the key drivers to success you watch the most, especially in the area of investment? How can we do better?
There is no magic formula for successful investment. Statistically, vast majority of M&As fail to achieve the initial financial target because of cultural mismatch, change in external environment, overvalued synergies, and so on. That said, I believe some common factors can be seen in successful projects and transactions.
One of such factors is leadership. Needless to say, no project will be realised without a project leader with strong determination. The leader, at the same time, should be open to fellow project team members’ opinions or internal and external experts’ advices, even if they do not conform to your views.
Travelled to Bolivia, South America on business during my assignment
in New York, USA
Catch-up with previous SCAO CEO Mr Takeuchi,
with other SCAO colleagues
What does Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) mean to you and how does it impact your views or decisions as a leader?
There are many imperative studies out there that say how institutions that respect diversified views outperform those which don’t, or how a like-minded organisation could make a critical mistake (one famous example is CIA before 9/11.)
I strongly believe that D&I is crucial for the company to succeed. To put it in a context of the previous question, listening to opinions from different perspectives could reduce the likelihood of making bad investments. One of the key responsibilities of a regional organisation is to offer such different views to SBUs and ultimate decision-makers in HQ.
What was your childhood dream and why? As a grown up, what matters the most to you in life?
Childhood Dream: I have always dreamed of becoming a competent risk analyst someday … just kidding. I had a desire to work and live in different countries, influenced by my father who worked for an international shipping company as a ship captain. I think that desire eventually led to my decision to join Sumitomo, and I’m so lucky to work in the U.S. earlier in my career, and now in Singapore.
What I value most: Firstly, I wish to help in my capacity to make SCAO Group a great place to work in. Secondly, I want to learn something every day, on- and off-work. Finally, I put utmost priority in maintaining work-life balance (for myself and my colleagues.)
Visited SC subsidiary Mukand Sumi Special Steel Ltd.
during business trip to India in 2022
With HR Dept colleagues at SCAO Health Ever After Wellness Carnival
Omg such a big worm! I’m gonna catch it!
With special needs children in a farm tour during company’s CSR Project Hope activity
My daughter’s birthday party @ Sentosa, Singapore
At Halloween party with friends in Singapore (I’m on the far right)
-
SNAPSHOT
I strongly believe in… people’s goodwill
I spend most of my time.. parenting. It’s very demanding, sometimes exhausting, but fun!
The food I crave most often is… every food that has ‘curry’ in its name
One personal rule that I never break is… to eat healthy breakfast
The thing that cheers me up whenever I think about is… my amazing wife and 3 year old-daughter
One thing I really want but can’t afford yet is… a yacht
If I could go back in time, I would… probably stay here and now, for fear of messing up the timeline
If I have enough money to live comfortably without having to work, I would… work out in the daytime; drink and binge-watch in the evening
