Connecting China and Japan Becoming a Pharmaceutical Affairs Professional

CAREER

2017: Graduated from Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, School of Pharmacy

2019: M.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toho University

2019− 2021: Chemical Materials Manufacturer: R&D (Polymer Synthesis)

2021−: Joined HighChem as a Sales Representative

Why HighChem

Why Did You Decide to Join HighChem?

When I was looking for a workplace where I could make use of the specialized knowledge of chemistry and pharmaceutical sciences I had studied at university, as well as my Chinese language skills, I came across a job posting for HighChem. I was attracted to the fact that, while HighChem is a chemical trading company, it also has manufacturing capabilities and multiple locations across China, Europe, and the United States, providing an environment where I could develop business on a global scale. I had also hoped to be involved in a business that could serve as a bridge between Japan and China someday, so I decided to join HighChem without hesitation.

Why Did You Choose a Sales Role?

I was particularly attracted to the opportunity to make use of both my Chinese language skills and my knowledge of pharmaceuticals. In my current role, there are also occasions when specialized equipment is used to measure the quality of pharmaceutical products, allowing me to apply what I learned at university and in my previous job.

Responsibilities

What Does Your Current Role Involve?

I currently handle translations, document preparation, and other tasks related to regulatory applications for the import and export of APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients). My main responsibility is preparing the documents required for regulatory applications when pharmaceutical products are imported and exported between Japan and China.

In addition, I am involved in sales for a new business focused on nucleic acid- and amino acid-related products. China is home to many highly capable manufacturers, and I am working to introduce the strengths of their products to Japanese manufacturers and develop the Japanese market.

What Do You Find Challenging and Rewarding About Your Work at HighChem?

The most rewarding moment is when I submit an application that I have translated, receive confirmation that it has been successfully accepted, and obtain the certificate. Collecting the necessary materials and translating the documents required for an application is a substantial amount of work, and accuracy is essential. I currently work with my manager on preparing the documents, and it takes around 2–3 months to compile everything needed to apply for a single product. In addition, regulations are constantly changing, so I need to continuously keep up with the latest requirements. When the documents we have worked so hard to prepare are successfully accepted, I feel an indescribable sense of accomplishment.

What Do You Value Most in Your Work?

Accuracy and sincerity. Regulatory documents require a high level of expertise, and even a small mistake can have a significant impact. That is why, no matter how busy I am, I always prioritize accuracy and take great care to avoid mistakes by checking my work thoroughly and repeatedly.

To keep up with constantly changing regulations, I also collect and organize regulatory information from both Japan and China and work to apply it to my daily tasks. Since regulatory work involves many specialized terms, I have also created my own word lists and procedure manuals to deepen my understanding of the knowledge required for my work.

All these efforts have gradually paid off. When I first started, my manager would point out many corrections in the documents I translated and provide detailed explanations to help me improve. Recently, however, I received feedback from my manager saying, “Well done.” That made me really happy.

Daily Schedule

09：30: Arrive at the office. Check emails and respond to customers.

12：00: Lunch break

13：00: Customer meetings. Online or in person.

14：00: Prepare registration documents and coordinate internally.

18：30: Leave the office

workplace

What Is the Workplace Atmosphere Like?

Our Pharmaceutical Products Section has many people with different areas of expertise. We have colleagues with many years of experience at pharmaceutical manufacturers in Japan and China, Ph.D. holders with extensive R&D experience, and pharmacists with in-depth knowledge of regulatory affairs. Whenever I have a question or am unsure how to proceed, I can easily ask for advice, which gives me a great sense of support. When I ask a question, my colleagues not only answer it but also explain other points I should be aware of and recommend useful references, which makes every opportunity a valuable learning experience. I feel that being able to learn and grow through my daily work is largely thanks to the support of these experienced colleagues.

What Is Your Favorite Employee Benefit?

I use the flexible working hours and work-from-home programs. Being able to avoid commuting during busy hours and adjust my schedule to fit my lifestyle makes it easier for me to concentrate on my work. I also work from home once a week, which saves commuting time and allows me to work flexibly according to my condition and circumstances. This has been very helpful.

We also regularly hold employee events, such as hiking, skiing, fishing, and sumo wrestling matches. I participated in a hiking event last year. These events provide opportunities for employees to interact with one another, which I believe also contributes to our open and friendly workplace atmosphere.

In addition, HighChem offers an exercise subsidy program to encourage healthy exercise habits, and I am working on making walking a regular part of my routine with a goal of 10,000 steps a day.