Hakuhodo Consulting opens first international office in Singapore

The consulting firm has been operational since 15 January.

The establishment of the new firm, Hakuhodo Consulting Asia Pacific, was motivated by the increasing number of Japanese companies entering into other Asian markets due to the maturity of the domestic market, according to the agency. These brands are establishing regional head offices in Singapore and other Asian countries, where they conduct branding and marketing strategies, human resource management as well as merger and acquisition activity.

The agency said the phenomenon has broadened its clients’ needs to include market entry support, brand and marketing strategies, organisation and operation planning and mid-term strategic business planning.

With a capital investment of US$408,000 (SGD500,000), Hakuhodo Consulting Asia Pacific will be led by managing director Yoshihiro Yoshida.

The consulting firm will also conduct joint research with several institutes established by the Singaporean government, including Human Capital Leadership Institute (HCLI) and Institute on Asian Consumer Insight (ACI).

The joint research will enable the development of uniquely Asian sei-katsu-sha insights, marketing methods and human resource development techniques matched to Asian cultures, and support the growth of clients’ businesses in the region.

Hakuhodo introduced the term sei-katsu-sha in the 1980s to emphasise its commitment to a comprehensive, 360-degree perspective on consumers’ lives.