Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
LANGUAGE SKILL
Websites
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Timeline
Generic

CHIHAYA KANNO

Singapore

Summary

To contribute to strategic business development and investment planning through cross-border marketing expertise, data-driven project execution, and multinational stakeholder engagement.

8+ years of experience driving market entry and brand expansion across Japan, Singapore, and Malaysia, serving as a liaison for multinational clients and leading cross-functional teams of 10+ in high-impact projects. - Proven track record in multi-billion yen consulting and marketing initiatives, including go-to-market strategy, investment-efficient branding, and full-cycle project management for campaigns exceeding SGD 1M annually. - Expertise in integrated media strategies (TV, OOH, digital), KPI development, and performance measurement to drive market growth. - Led an APAC-focused M&A project, from target sourcing and evaluation to CAPEX planning and strategic recommendations. - Additional experience in strategic communications and partnerships at a Malaysian NGO, engaging with organizations like UNDP on community health and sustainable development initiatives.

I have been responsible for both strategic planning and hands-on execution, ranging from brand strategy for government agencies and large corporations to launching and managing overseas businesses in Southeast Asia, as well as researching and evaluating M&A candidates. By combining my practical experience in overseas markets, financial knowledge as a USCPA, and systematic strategic thinking gained through an MBA, I aim to contribute to maximizing revenue and optimizing operations in the container shipping business, leveraging my expertise in digital strategy, sales process improvement, and agency network and group management.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Manager of Business Development

JR East Business Development SEA Pte. Ltd. (SEABD)
01.2023 - Current
  • - Led sourcing, initial due diligence (financial, business, and talent aspects), and preliminary evaluation of M&A candidates in the advertising sector.
  • - Led acquisition, post-merger integration (PMI), talent recruitment, and revenue strategy formulation for a Malaysian operating company.
  • - Responsible for establishing a joint venture with local company SMRT Stellar Ace, including new business planning and operations.
  • - Negotiated and developed partnerships with over 50 private companies in Singapore and Southeast Asia, successfully securing business collaborations with 10 of them.
  • - Planned strategy and redesigned the revenue structure of the local subsidiary.

Manager of Marketing and Communication Manager (Media)

East Japan Railway Company Singapore Office. (JR EAST)
01.2021 - Current
  • - Oversaw marketing for the Singapore-based JAPAN RAIL CAFE, developing promotion strategies for tourist destinations and local specialty products.
  • - Managed business development and budgeting combining cross-border e-commerce, events, and digital advertising.
  • - Successfully executed large-scale events (THE JAPAN RAIL FAIR 2022–2025) through partnerships with over 40 private sponsors, attracting 10,000+ visitors and extensive local media coverage.
  • - Managed a team of 6, coordinated project progress, and conducted external negotiations in multiple languages (English, Malay, Chinese).
  • - Developed strategies for new export businesses, building supply chains and introducing brands to overseas markets.

Project Manager

JR East Marketing & Communications, Inc.
01.2017 - Current
  • - Consulting & Strategy: Led multi-billion yen projects, delivering integrated proposals (marketing, branding, events) and providing client reports and recommendations.
  • - Sponsorships: Secured corporate/government partnerships to drive market expansion in Singapore and Southeast Asia.
  • - Leadership: Managed team operations, cost control, and KPI performance.

Education

Master of Business Administration -

Nanyang Technology University
07.2025

Bachelor of Political Science and Economics - undefined

University of Waseda
03.2017

Exchange Program - undefined

Pendleton High School
09.2010

Skills

  • Team leadership
  • Negotiations
  • Strategic planning and Business development
  • Relationship building and management
  • Accounting
  • Finance

Certification

  • - USCPA Passed 4 of 4 exam, April 2025
  • Applying for Washinton State License
  • - Web Analytics Consultant, May 2018
  • - The Official Business Skills Test in Bookkeeping, 2nd grade, November 2018
  • - Certified Financial Planner CFP, November 2018

LANGUAGE SKILL

- TOEFL iBT 110 points, July 2013
- TOEIC Listening & Reading Test 985, December 2018
- Mandarin Chinese HSK V grade, August 2020
- Business level speaker of Malay and Indonesian language

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers Program, April 2019-March 2020
  • Malaysian Relief Agency https://www.mra.my/
  • - Sponsorship & Networking: Worked at an NGO in Kuala Lumpur, got sponsorships from hospitals and companies, and pitched ideas to top business leaders. Used business simulations to improve communication and thinking skills.
  • - Events: Helped plan and run ecotourism and medical projects with local medical students. Managed event planning, budgets, and activities to teach health, disaster drills, and marketing skills.
  • - Social Media & PR: Created and managed websites and social media to attract users. Ran social media campaigns, tracked results, and improved advertising budgets.

Timeline

Manager of Business Development

JR East Business Development SEA Pte. Ltd. (SEABD)
01.2023 - Current

Manager of Marketing and Communication Manager (Media)

East Japan Railway Company Singapore Office. (JR EAST)
01.2021 - Current

Project Manager

JR East Marketing & Communications, Inc.
01.2017 - Current

Bachelor of Political Science and Economics - undefined

University of Waseda

Exchange Program - undefined

Pendleton High School

Master of Business Administration -

Nanyang Technology University
CHIHAYA KANNO