Our Team

Kazunori Shingo

CEO, New Connections Co., Ltd.
CEO, New Connections (Tianjin)
CEO, New Connections Singapore

Joined Aisin Seiki in 2000. Leveraging the “genchi-genbutsu” (go-and-see) mindset developed within the Toyota Group and the drive for action cultivated since childhood, spearheaded new business development not only domestically but across Southeast Asia and China, launching a wide range of product concepts and projects. From 2023, led Chinese operations at Maruemu Shokai, turning around a business that had been in the red for 14 consecutive years since its founding. Went independent in 2024. A seasoned sales professional with an extensive domestic and international network. Currently operates across Japan, China, the Philippines, and Singapore. Serves as a certified expert of the General Incorporated Association Glocal Solutions Japan and as a Small Business Advisor (New Market Development) for the Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation, JAPAN. Languages: Japanese, English, basic Chinese LinkedIn Profile

Yuji Nakayama

CEO, Water X Technologies Co., Ltd.
Chairman, Water X (Suzhou) Co., Ltd.

Spent 15 years at a major housing equipment manufacturer, driving the planning and development of toilet and bathroom products both domestically and internationally. After establishing a development base in China and leading global product development at the helm of a multinational team, went independent in 2019. Has since conceived and executed numerous new business ventures, gaining experience in fundraising from publicly listed companies and forming strategic partnerships. Currently leverages both deep corporate expertise and hands-on startup experience to support small and mid-sized companies across new business planning, international expansion, business automation using generative AI and AI agents, and web marketing. Completed the Globis MBA program and certified as a Master Executive in “TOC for Innovation” by Goldratt Institute, Israel. Languages: Japanese, English, basic Chinese LinkedIn Profile

Speaking & Media Experience: International M&A Strategies for Corporate Transformation, On Lab Journal, Goldratt TOC Club, Assistive Devices Summit for Toileting Support

Naoki Inoue
CEO, Vined Production
Tengshu Consulting (Tianjin)

Graduated from Nankai University with a degree in sociology in 2009. Started career at “JIN Magazine,” a media outlet for the Japanese community in Tianjin, handling editing, planning, writing, and design. Appointed editor-in-chief in 2011, overseeing emerging media such as WeChat official accounts and video content production. Founded Tengshu Consulting (TianJin) in 2021, offering video production, website development, and branding services for Japanese companies entering China. Currently based in the Kansai region of Japan. Languages: Japanese, Chinese, basic English

Diana Chua

Director, New Connections Singapore

Held leadership roles in sales and marketing for companies in Hong Kong and Singapore after university graduation. Joined Aisin Toyota Singapore in 2013 as a corporate sales manager, managing product sales including mattresses and bidets across Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia. Successfully supplied products to clients such as Changi Airport, hotels, resorts, and serviced apartments. Languages: English, spoken Chinese

Luo Dan

GM, Water X (Suzhou) Co., Ltd.

Following 15 years of extensive experience in production engineering and product development at multiple Japanese corporations since 2003, currently serves as General Manager at Hesui Technology Co., Ltd. Provides comprehensive support to Japanese and Chinese firms in the development of new businesses, products, and technologies, while also overseeing parts procurement and quality management. Operates from strategic bases in Suzhou and Yuyao, China. Languages: Chinese, Japanese, English LinkedIn Profile

Kin Li

Manager, Water X (Suzhou) Co., Ltd.

Graduate of Kanazawa University with a professional background in trade operations at a Japanese corporation and business development support at a Silicon Valley firm. Since joining Water X in 2019, handles supplier management and procurement support in addition to overseeing video production and web marketing initiatives. Languages: Chinese, Japanese, English LinkedIn Profile