Exclusive Interview with
SCVN Office GM Mr Eita Fujikawa
“Consider things from various people’s perspectives.”
Mr Eita Fujikawa
Corporate Officer
Assistant General Manager for Asia & Oceania
Sumitomo Corporation
General Director
Sumitomo Corporation Vietnam LLC
Vietnam’s economy has shown resilience and growth despite global challenges. It is now one of the world’s top twenty economies with aspirations to become a high-income country by 2045. How do you plan to lead SCVN in leveraging the opportunities presented by Vietnam’s growing economy, and contributing to the Vietnamese society?
Currently, Vietnam’s GDP per capita is around US$4,200, but it is anticipated to be over US$7,000 by 2030. Naturally, personal income will also increase rapidly along with this. I am paying attention to the changes in the lives of the people that accompany this increase in income. For example, the current DX market in Vietnam is very small, but I expect that the DX market will explode at some point by 2030 as labour costs rise. As households have more leeway, the insurance market will also expand. In addition, I think that consumers will start buying things at safer supermarkets instead of roadside markets. The predicted anticipated changes will not be limited to these. Our company has already entered the supermarket business in Hanoi and insurance related businesses. I believe that now is an excellent opportunity to enter into and expand our business in the healthcare, DX, and retail sectors, which are expected to undergo major changes. I am calling on related SBUs to take on the challenge.
Site visit to Van Phong 1 Coal Thermal Power Plant
in Khanh Hoa, Vietnam
At an Opera Opening “Princess Anio” to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of
Japan-Vietnam Diplomatic Relation
This is your second time being stationed in Vietnam. What are your thoughts and feelings about returning to live and work here? If you had a choice, which country in Asia & Oceania would you like to be based in next, and why?
It had been about six years since I left Ho Chi Minh City until the time I was assigned to Hanoi. What surprised me the most was how much the living environment had improved. Other than Vietnam, I was stationed in the Philippines from 2007 to 2010 and Thailand in 2016, and I felt the momentum of economic growth in all of these countries. In the future, I think Asia will be divided into countries that continue to grow and those that mature and move towards stability, but I believe this is the region with the most business opportunities in the world. As for the next place, I would like to be stationed in Singapore or Australia, which are developed countries in the region, as I have not been stationed in a developed country to date.
What are you most passionate about in life? Please share with us any past experience and future aspirations.
Besides business, my hobby is to play golf. I started playing golf since I entered university and am continuously enjoying it. When stationed in foreign countries, I normally play twice in a week. It helps me feel refreshed even when I am very busy in business. The most impressive golf courses in the countries I was stationed in are St. Elena in Philippines, Bluffs Ho Cham in Vietnam and Nikanti in Thailand. I recommend playing there to immerse yourself in a different world, away from everyday life. After retirement, I plan to seriously practise golf again to get a golf coach license and connect with many people through the sport.
With SCVN Hanoi Office’s colleagues at the Year End Party 2023
With SCVN Ho Chi Minh City Office’s colleagues on a company trip to Ham Thuan Nam, Phan Thiet Province in July 2024
Private trip to Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
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SNAPSHOT
I strongly believe in… “No guts, No victory”
I spend most of my time.. in my job and in sleeping, unfortunately
The food I crave most often is… Katsudon
One personal rule that I never break is… to be open and frank to everybody
The thing that cheers me up whenever I think about is… my wife and daughter
One thing I really want but can’t afford yet is… to travel and play golf at major links golf courses in Scotland
If I could go back in time, I would… be back in university days when I played golf every day
If I have enough money to live comfortably without having to work, I would… like to play at all golf courses in the world
