Speech by SMS Low Yen Ling at Kikkoman’s 40th Anniversary Celebration Dinner

His Excellency Mr Hiroshi Ishikawa,

The Japanese Ambassador to Singapore

Mr. Yuzaburo Mogi,

Honorary CEO and Chairman of Kikkoman Corporation

Mr. Noriaki Horikiri,

Executive Chairman of Kikkoman Corporation

Mr. Shozaburo Nakano,

President and CEO of Kikkoman Corporation

Mr. Osamu Mogi,

Senior Executive Corporate Officer of Kikkoman Corporation

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Introduction

Good evening.

1.    It is with great pleasure that I join you this evening to celebrate Kikkoman’s 40th anniversary in Singapore. On behalf of the Singapore Government, we want to extend our warmest congratulations to Mogi-san, the team and everyone in Kikkoman on your significant milestone.

Four Decades of Commitment

2.    Like what Mogi-san has mentioned - a longstanding partner of Singapore, Kikkoman has indeed been amongst the earliest Japanese investors here. Over the past 4 decades, Kikkoman has grown from a manufacturing facility into a multifaceted business that now exports to over 30 countries from Singapore. Today, Kikkoman operates multiple business entities here, overseeing manufacturing, research and development, and wholesale functions.

Innovation and Collaboration with Local Partners

3.    Singapore has served as a global launchpad for Kikkoman to study market trends, launch new ventures, and develop products tailored to local tastes. One example is Harumaru, a plant-based noodle meal kit brand that was developed and test-marketed in Singapore. Our diverse population and robust food R&D ecosystem made Singapore an ideal location for this product launch, with strong support from Kikkoman’s in-house R&D expertise.

4.    In addition, Kikkoman’s R&D lab here works closely with innovation partners like A*STAR to expand food science initiatives and test novel food products. With this partnership, Kikkoman, Japan and Singapore, we are marrying all our strengths – especially for food and nutrition. What is important when we are in the food and nutrition business? Integrity, trust and reliability - and I think this partnership really allows Kikkoman to use this place to push out its products to more than 30 countries and in time to come, more than that.

5.    These ongoing growth and developments are testament to Kikkoman’s confidence in Singapore as a trusted base for innovation and new venture creation. We deeply appreciate Kikkoman’s enduring partnership with Singapore, and your contributions to strengthening our innovation ecosystem.

Sustainability Commitments in Singapore

6.    Kikkoman has long been a generous supporter of our community and the environment. Your longstanding partnership with Gardens by the Bay, and support for the Sustainability Gallery announced this morning, demonstrates your company’s firm commitment to environmental stewardship. Kikkoman is also taking tangible steps to reduce carbon emissions and adopt renewable energy solutions in your Senoko facility, through the installation of rooftop solar panels.

7.    Your green efforts align closely with Singapore’s national goals in sustainability, as well as our vision of a greener and more resilient city. Under the Green Plan 2030, Singapore is pursuing diverse clean energy pathways, including solar. We are also partnering industries to decarbonise, while supporting companies to seize new opportunities in the green economy. Kikkoman is a stellar example of how industry leaders can thrive while contributing meaningfully to a more sustainable future.

Conclusion

8.    As we come together today to celebrate this significant milestone, the Singapore Government remains committed to supporting Kikkoman in deepening your roots here, and charting new frontiers in R&D and sustainability.

9.    I am confident that Kikkoman’s partnership with Singapore will grow from strength to strength, and I wish Kikkoman continued success in many decades ahead.

10. Congratulations once again on your remarkable 40-year journey in Singapore. Thank you and enjoy the evening.