Hirose Electric Co., Ltd. is a globally recognized industry leader in the development and manufacture of high-precision connectors and electronic components. Established in Japan in 1937, the company has built a robust reputation for excellence through its commitment to technological innovation and quality.
Hirose Electric is renowned for its advanced solutions that cater to a diverse range of industries, including telecommunications, automotive, and industrial automation, all of which has made the company a pivotal player in the Japanese electronics sector. Hirose’s global expansion, including its significant presence in Singapore, underscores its strategic importance in addressing the evolving demands of the international market and maintaining its competitive edge, all while leveraging regional advantages.
In this interview with Bridges, Katsunori Takizawa, Managing Director for India, Oceania, and Southeast Asia at Hirose Electric Singapore Pte. Ltd., shares valuable insights into the company’s accomplishments and strategic direction. From Hirose Electric Singapore’s notable achievements and milestones since its establishment in 1995, Mr. Takizawa highlights the company’s impact and evolution in the region. He also delves into how the company has utilized Singapore’s dynamic R&D environment to drive innovation, particularly in emerging technologies such as IoT, AI, and 5G. Furthermore, he elaborates on the strategic advantages of Singapore as a base for their operations and the company’s plans to leverage this position for future growth and collaboration with clients across various sectors.
Mr. Takizawa’s insights shed light on how the company navigates the complexities of the global market while staying at the forefront of technological advancements to deliver customized solutions that bolster the company’s growth and address the market’s specific needs.
Bridges: Given Hirose Electric Singapore’s pivotal role in the region, could you elaborate on the company’s key achievements and milestones since its establishment in 1995?
Katsunori Takizawa: Since its establishment in 1995, Hirose Electric Singapore has become a leading supplier of high-quality connectors as regional headquarters in the region. Key achievements include the expansion of its Sales & Marketing Offices in Malaysia (Penang), Thailand (Bangkok), and India (New Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune), successful penetration into both global and local design-in/demand creation activities, and advancements in product innovation.
Since its establishment in 1995, Hirose Electric Singapore has become a leading supplier of high-quality connectors as regional headquarters in the region.
Katsunori Takizawa, Managing Director for India, Oceania, and Southeast Asia at Hirose Electric Singapore Pte. Ltd.
Singapore’s strategic location as a global business hub has facilitated these achievements by providing a robust infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and access to a dynamic market. The country’s favorable business environment and its position as a gateway to Southeast Asia, Oceania, and India have played crucial roles in Hirose Electric’s regional growth.
Given Hirose Electric Singapore’s R&D activities in Singapore, how has the company leveraged this environment to innovate and expand its product offerings, especially in the context of emerging technologies like IoT, AI, and 5G?
Hirose Electric Singapore has leveraged the local R&D environment to innovate and enhance its product offerings. The company has focused on integrating emerging technologies such as IoT, AI, and 5G into its solutions. By collaborating with both local and global companies, and research institutions that develop electronics devices, including semiconductors, Hirose Electric has been able to develop advanced connectors that meet the specific needs of these technologies. We provide research and design activities and this approach has allowed the company to stay at the forefront of technological advancements and offer cutting-edge products that support the growth of industries.
Could you elaborate on the key factors that make Singapore an ideal base for these operations, and how the company plans to further optimize its presence here to drive future growth?
Singapore’s strategic location, political stability, and well-developed infrastructure make it an ideal base for Hirose Electric’s operations in Southeast Asia, India, and Oceania as the regional headquarters. The strong business ecosystem and trade connectivity facilitate efficient regional management and logistics. Hirose Electric plans to further optimize its presence by investing in local talent, expanding its distribution network, and enhancing its collaboration with regional partners and manufacturing facilities. This strategic approach is aimed at driving future growth and strengthening the company’s position in the region, both locally and globally. India, Vietnam, and Indonesia are the key countries which can drive our business further.
Hirose Electric plans to further optimize its presence by investing in local talent, expanding its distribution network, and enhancing its collaboration with regional partners and manufacturing facilities.
How does the company collaborate with its clients to understand their evolving needs and provide tailored solutions that drive their growth, particularly in sectors such as automotive, industrial automation, and medical devices?
Hirose Electric collaborates closely with customers’ R&D locations across various industries to understand their evolving needs and deliver customized solutions. In segments such as automotive, industrial factory automation, and medical devices, the company works directly with customers to develop products that address specific challenges and requirements. By engaging in ongoing dialogue and utilizing feedback, Hirose Electric ensures that its solutions are aligned with industry trends and technological advancements, thus supporting customers’ growth and operational efficiency.
