HOYA Electronics Singapore excels with a double win at SBR Management Excellence Awards 2023

The awards recognised the company's visionary growth strategies and its commitment to nurturing a connected and resilient workforce amidst adversity.

HOYA Electronics Singapore bagged both the Executive of the Year and Employee Engagement of the Year accolades under the Electronic Manufacturing category at the SBR Management Excellence Awards 2023.

Now in its 9th year, this awards programme hails the remarkable achievements of leaders, innovators, teams, and initiatives that drive growth and make a positive impact on both business operations and its workforce.

The journey to the company’s success was defined by Division President Ishiyama-san's pioneering approach to spearheading the development and implementation of cutting-edge EUV photomask blanks. This technological marvel contributed to over 200% growth in sales and orders, alongside a remarkable 150% increase in shipments.

Ishiyama-san, a Chuo University graduate in engineering, commenced his illustrious career with HOYA Corporation in 1992. His trajectory within the company traversed various roles, from research and development to technical and executive positions, culminating in his current role as the Division President of the HOYA LSI Division, a pivotal segment of HOYA Corporation.

Recognising the future market demand for EUV blanks, Ishiyama-san championed the arduous investment in research and development, galvanising a team of skilled individuals to focus on the advancement of this breakthrough technology. The journey was fraught with challenges, but Ishiyama-san's unwavering leadership and strategic planning steered the company to a resounding success, propelling sales revenue into the billions in just over two years.

Ishiyama-san's visionary leadership not only elevated HOYA Electronics to the pinnacle of the industry but also earned unwavering trust and appreciation from esteemed partners like Samsung, symbolised by a heartfelt award and an email appreciation for Best-in-Value. This recognition underlines HOYA Electronics' pivotal role in enabling Samsung's entry into the current EUV era. 

With these accomplishments, Ishiyama-san was awarded the esteemed Executive of the Year - Electronic Manufacturing accolade at the SBR Management Excellence Awards, marked by an outstanding vision that steered the company to remarkable growth in sales and a surge in shipments.

However, the accolades did not stop there. The company's commitment to employee engagement during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic also received notable acclaim. HOYA Electronics' dedication to fostering a strong sense of community and connection amongst its workforce was acknowledged with the Employee Engagement of the Year - Electronic Manufacturing award.

The company's proactive approach during the pandemic involved a diverse array of engaging online events aimed at nurturing team spirit and rejuvenation amongst employees, even amidst physical separation. Initiatives included virtual sessions spanning sports, yoga, educational courses, interactive meetings, creative workshops, and engaging tours, fostering a sense of connection that resonated strongly with employees.

The commitment to maintaining high employee morale was validated by an internal survey, where over 90% of the workforce expressed pride in being a part of the company, highlighting their happiness and motivation in their roles.

Moreover, HOYA Electronics went the extra mile in ensuring inclusivity, extending engagement efforts to night shift employees, and providing them with tailored support and engagement activities, including face-to-face dinners and informational sessions.

The company's relentless pursuit of a conducive work environment led to the introduction of amenities such as nursing rooms, meditation spaces, and relaxation areas, a testament to the collaborative efforts between HR and the management to create an environment where employees thrive personally and professionally.

The SBR Management Excellence Awards is presented by Singapore Business Review Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2024 awards programme and be acclaimed for your company's employee engagements and management initiatives, please contact Julie Anne Nuñez at [email protected].