Messages from DI SEA Team

Kazuhiro Nakashoji

Director

DI has always been a place of shining lights for me since I started there back in 2017. While I assist Japanese businesses expanding from domestic market towards Southeast Asia, the United States, and Europe, the phenomenal economic development of Southeast and South Asian countries never ceases to amaze me. At one point my unbridled enthusiasm for it had reached a fever pitch and I opted to work overseas – to Bangalore, India. My days in Bangalore, Asia's Silicon Valley, were unforgettably thrilling, feeling like I was genuinely in the most innovative region on the planet as I supported clients in investment and valuation decisions on some of the world's most prominent startup companies. Thereafter, I carry my passion and energy with me to this stunningly beautiful Vietnam, now serving in the role of director of the Ho Chi Minh City office to oversee DI’s operations across Asia. If you are a young individual looking forward to the creation and expansion of new businesses, reaching beyond national borders, to the pursuit of burning passions - We will be waiting for you at the Ho Chi Minh City office!

Hendry Pratama

Director (DI Indonesia)

I believe that any idea is worth sharing, worth discussing and doing so will produce opportunities.

Indonesia, a country of rising middle-class population, one of the fastest growing economies in the most dynamic region of the world – Southeast Asia. The country has massive opportunities, challenges and learning at the same time. I was lucky enough to spend the first four years after college graduation with the largest Food and Beverage company in the world, NESTLÉ. The experiences I gained in several commercial functions made me understand the consumers in Indonesia. However, I did not want to limit myself to specific sector and specific country, so multi sectors x Southeast Asia was what I had always aimed as the next step. And indeed, DI has shown to me many more explorable spectrums within this region.

I got to experience cross border M&A activities between Japan-Southeast Asia and an opportunity to work on my own startup company as one of early founding members. Both massive experiences have shaped my understanding and view to see a business in different perspectives, where I believe it is needed in addition to having a pure strategy consultant insight. The most rewarding part is the idea sharing and development together with my colleagues across offices, learning from some of the brightest minds. As a firm believer of “superteam” than “superstar”, I always seek to learn and improve discussing process as a part of DI.

My immediate challenge is to identify opportunities and matchmaking market demands in Indonesia with what DI as a group could offer. What excite me the most is seeding the idea of building impact investing ecosystem partnering with a leading global development government agency, so that I could support my fellow country entrepreneurs and be part of their growth story.

As much as I’m passionate about keep learning about new things, I would love to share and discuss ideas with more people, because any idea is worth sharing, worth discussing. Let’s produce opportunities, together.

Hieu-Linh Chu

Associate Manager

Hope this is not just another DI story

Prior to DI, I was a graduate with couples of years working in multiple industries ranging from public sectors like government affairs and healthcare to private sectors like education and mineral industry. The experiences truly shaped my early years of career; however, dealing with mainly experience-based decision-making process left me wonder how I could develop my own logical and strategic mindset to think outside the box. The idea of working as a Strategy Consultant to earn these skills had inspired me since I was pursuing my Master degree in New Zealand. Yet it was not realized until I received the congratulation call from DI. Since then, it has been a rewarding journey with the opportunities to face and solve multiple business challenges.

I have well-spent my time obtaining harsh yet valuable lessons here. We make impact everyday – and a day here is definitely not a regular 9-5, as we cycle from cracking problems in a structured way to sharpening insights and polishing the whole presentation package. Behind every single moment to shine in a meeting with a CEO is our hard work coupled with commitment to go above and beyond what we are required.

At DI, each and every member is unique and always striving forward. Yet, we also have a supportive culture and great teamwork spirit. So if you are a challenger looking for a new learning opportunity, let’s turn over a new leaf and join our ambitious team.

Mai-Linh Dang

Associate Manager

I believe that anyone can be happy without work – life balance if the work is either interesting enough to not be considered work or worth the imbalance. At DI Vietnam, both things happen to me.

One year after graduation, I left my first 9 to 5 job in the search for something with a steeper learning curve and DI Vietnam has been the best choice I have ever made. At DI, every day comes with exciting new industry knowledge and skills. Even at entry level, we have the chance to take whole ownership of our assigned module, from researching, forming hypothesis, designing slides, and building module story!

One other thing I really appreciate at DI is that the project managers really care about our growth. We are recognized in every progress we make, and the managers would design/customize our track at DI as per our strength and growth.

If you are looking for a place where you can learn so much and grow fast, then DI is for you!