*This article is translated using machine translation. Please be aware that the accuracy of the translation is not guaranteed. Some proper nouns might not be translated correctly.
We are pleased to present the fourth installment of our series "Together with Our Customers."
In this series, each featured employee selects the next person to be introduced, creating a relay-style progression.
Our fourth guest is Maho Arakawa, who is actively working from our base in Thailand.
・Name：Maho Arakawa
・Company：SHI PLASTICS MACHINERY (THAILAND) Ltd.
・Position：SALES REPRESENTATIVE
・Joined：2022
Note: Company and position information is current as of December 2025.
Currently, I am based in Bangkok, Thailand, where I work in sales for plastic injection molding machines.
Our office is located in Bangkok and includes an integrated Technical Center. Together with a team of Japanese staff and numerous local employees, we strive every day to solve our customers' challenges.
My role primarily involves promoting sales to new Japanese clients, as well as handling some Chinese customers. In addition, I accompany national staff when visiting local clients, supporting specification meetings and business negotiations.
Thailand is a country that stays warm all year round, and every time you step outside, you can feel the brightness and energy typical of the tropics.
In particular, April and May can be extremely hot, with temperatures approaching 40°C. On the other hand, during the rainy season, sudden downpours often flood the streets, making rapid weather changes a part of everyday life.
Bangkok is known for heavy traffic, but its infrastructure is fairly well developed, creating a comfortable living environment. The food culture is incredibly rich--you can enjoy everything from local street food to Japanese cuisine, international restaurants, and even Michelin-starred dining. In addition, there are many nearby spots where you can easily experience something out of the ordinary, such as temples, markets, and waterway transport. This makes weekends a natural opportunity to refresh and recharge.
Being able to live in Thailand in my twenties has given me countless experiences--not only in my work but also in my daily life. I truly feel that this environment allows me to grow every day.
Thailand's plastic molding industry is often associated with the automotive market due to the large number of Japanese car manufacturers operating here. However, in reality, molding is carried out across a wide range of sectors, including packaging, medical, office automation, and consumer goods.
In particular, the packaging segment is highly active among local companies, and many of our customers belong to this category--a distinctive feature of the market.
In recent years, rising labor and electricity costs have made "cost optimization while maintaining quality" a major theme for all companies. In the automotive sector, fierce competition in EV and hybrid technologies is driving a growing demand for automation and labor-saving solutions in molding operations within Thailand.
Additionally, reciprocal tariff agreements have accelerated the entry of Chinese manufacturers into the market. Compared to Japanese firms, Chinese and local companies tend to have more complex supply chains and significantly different speeds in investment planning. This environment requires agility and flexibility to keep pace with the industry's rapid changes.
Entering this market in my twenties has given me invaluable opportunities to interact with customers from diverse cultural and business backgrounds--Japanese, Chinese, and Thai--and to learn firsthand the differences in communication styles and business practices. Gaining exposure to multinational business customs at an early stage is a tremendous asset for my career in sales.
On the other hand, Thailand's overall economy remains challenging, and the industry's momentum has slowed compared to previous years. For our company, a key priority moving forward is determining how we can contribute to our customers' cost reduction efforts.
In the Thai market, our injection molding machines have a long history and a strong track record, earning high recognition from customers.
In particular, "stable molding" and "prompt after-sales service" have become the foundation of trust for many clients. Support during start-up after installation, troubleshooting, and attentive assistance from our service staff are often praised during business discussions--something that is very encouraging for me as a young professional.
In recent years, interest has grown not only in energy savings and defect reduction but also in spare parts and service components. By working as a unified team--sales, technical, and service--to propose on-site improvements, we have increased the number of cases where customers are highly satisfied. More and more clients are realizing the value of "long-term usability" beyond the initial cost, helping us establish a solid presence in the Thai market.
Furthermore, starting this year, we have been focusing on expanding into the LSR (Liquid Silicone Rubber) field. Through molding tests and technical demonstrations at our Technical Center, awareness that "Sumitomo also handles LSR molding" is steadily spreading within Thailand. In addition to business negotiations, we are actively sharing information with the market as a whole, strengthening our presence in this new molding segment.
What I value most in my work is thinking together with customers about the value they truly need and carefully building trust-based relationships.
The community of Japanese expatriates in Thailand is very close-knit, and customers are often connected with one another, so I make a conscious effort to nurture trust every day. While I still have areas where my experience as a salesperson is limited, that is precisely why I strive to listen carefully to voices from the field and maintain a mindset of continuous learning.
Having been exposed to diverse industries and perspectives early in my career, I have come to realize that sales is not just about product proposals--it is fundamentally about "building trust step by step." Going forward, I will actively take on new fields, including LSR, and continue challenging myself to broaden awareness of Sumitomo's strengths. To remain a partner chosen by customers, I will keep valuing a growth-oriented attitude in everything I do.
Thailand is home to many beautiful islands, and on weekends I often go with friends to remote islands with stunning beaches.
Since many friends of the same age visit from Japan, I also enjoy spending time exploring temples around Bangkok, visiting rooftop bars, and discovering new cafés--blending sightseeing with everyday life.
I've also started playing golf, which is very popular among expatriates. Thanks to the more relaxed environment compared to Japan, it has become a new hobby for me. The ability to enjoy such a variety of activities is one of the great attractions of living in Thailand.
