Dr Yamaguchi is honoured for his contributions to Singapore's development.

(L-R): Singapore's President S R Nathan and Dr Akihiro Yamaguchi, Senior Managing Director, Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.

Dr Akihiro Yamaguchi, Senior Managing Director of Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. and Centre Executive for Mitsui's Research and Development (R&D) Centre was recently presented the Public Service Medal (Friends of Singapore/Business) by Singapore's President S R Nathan. The ceremony was held at The Istana, the official residence of the President.

Continued Contributions For Growth

The medal was presented to Dr Yamaguchi in recognition of his important contributions to Singapore's economic development and technological advancement. He championed for Mitsui Chemicals to site its R&D centre in Singapore, which was the first facility of its kind in the Republic established by a major Japanese chemical company. From the time that it was set up here in 1966, the Japanese chemical group has actively expanded its business as an adhesives manufacturer. In the late 1990s, the company made further investments in the Republic to support its business operations in growing Asian markets.

Among his many stellar achievements, Dr Yamaguchi was also actively involved in the inauguration of the 2006 Singapore International Symposium - a joint event organised by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB). The event was the first world-class research symposium led by a leading multinational company in Singapore. By serving on the board of A*STAR, Dr Yamaguchi was able to further contribute to R&D developments in Singapore by offering his advice and guidance.

A Job Well Done

Dr Beh Swan Gin, Managing Director, EDB, congratulated Dr Yamaguchi on being conferred the prestigious award and said, "Singapore is very grateful to Dr Akihiro Yamaguchi for his friendship, support and personal commitment to Singapore. Through the investments by Mitsui Chemicals, he has been instrumental in building up the capabilities of Singapore's chemical industry and has done much to strengthen our economy. My heartiest congratulations to Dr Yamaguchi."

Dr Yamaguchi was honoured to receive the award from the Singapore government. He pledged his continuous support in and commitment to strengthen the chemicals industry in Singapore, and promote a stronger relationship between the Republic and Mitsui Chemicals.

"It is a great privilege for me to have received the Public Service Medal (Friends of Singapore) 2008. I would like to express my deepest gratitude for all the high praises that I have received. I sincerely hope that this award helps further the progress and development of Singapore's chemical industry and the country's research and development programmes. I will continue to do my utmost to promote the trusting relationship between Singapore and MitsuiChemicals," he said.

Beyond Mitsui Chemicals, Dr Yamaguchi, who graduated from Tokyo Institute of Technology in 1973, also plays an active role in Japan's chemical industry. He is the Secretary General of The Japan Petroleum Institute, Secretary General of the Society for Techno-innovation of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, a committee member of the Japan Chemical Innovation Institute and Committee Member of the Association for the Progress of New Chemistry.

This is not the first tribute that Mitsui Chemicals has received from the Singapore government. In 2003, Dr Hiroyuki Nakanishi (then President and CEO) was awarded the distinguished Friends of Singapore Award. And in 2008, the company was presented the Distinguished Partners In Progress (DPIP) Award. The company, along with its employees, are extremely pleased for the various honours bestowed by the Singapore government.

Further Expansion In Asia

To address the rapidly growing demand in Asia, Mitsui Chemicals is working to enhance and grow its business in neighbouring countries. To this end, it has established various business units including: Mitsui Phenols Singapore Pte Ltd and Mitsui Elastomers Singapore Pte Ltd, as well as Siam Mitsui PTA Co., Ltd, Thai Pet Resin Co., Ltd and Grand Siam Composites Co., Ltd in Thailand.

With these various expansion projects underway, the Mitsui Group will continue to strengthen and expand their business on a global scale with a special focus on Singapore. At present, there are plans to build a second phenol plant that may be as big as the first one which opened in 1998. If this plan pushes through, it will make the key intermediate chemical needed to produce plastic resins used in manufacturing CDs and DVDs. These efforts will in turn, ensure a continuous contribution to Singapore's economy through technology development and the creation of new job opportunities.