NICOLAS CHOW CHIN SUNG

I am of Sino-Mauritian descent, born and raised in Montreal. I studied mechanical and mechatronics engineering at Concordia University and later obtained my MBA from McGill University becoming the first student from the main campus to complete my studies at the Tokyo campus. I have lived in Japan since 2018 and worked across various industries, but always in startups.

In Canada, I worked in manufacturing, automation, and quality assurance developing software and simulations to program robots for various applications mainly in aerospace and automotive. In moving to Japan, I made the leap into logistics and material handling. At Kyoto Robotics, I was developing a clothes picking application for an automated warehouse. Then I moved into robotics consulting at Innovatech Studio to evaluate various warehouse automation technologies. I was able to leverage that experience and take on the head of engineering role at Telexistence, where I lead the development team in designing and manufacturing a system to restock kombini shelves. The Telexistence robot, TX Scara, has been deployed at over 100 stores throughout Japan; you can see them working behind the cold beverages at certain FamilyMarts. After leaving Telexistence, I worked on a short project with ROMS to develop a simulation for their robotic picking system (RPS).

Now, I have started a new career in developing robots for space at Astroscale Japan. Together with JAXA, we are tackling the issue of removing space debris in order to make the use of space sustainable for future generations. You can follow our progress on Linked-In or X as we enter a critical phase in our current mission to categorize space debris.

My career in robotics would not have been possible without the spark from my high school robotics team. After graduating, I became a mentor for the program called FIRST robotics (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). My team, The Northern Knights, is the longest running Canadian team, and also the first Canadian team to win the world championship competition. One of my former students created her own team in Tokyo, and there are now several teams across Japan who participate in the competition.

In my spare time, I also practice Aikido and play hockey. I’ve travelled across Japan by shinkansen, and once hiked Mt.Fuji twice in the same week. I look forward to serving our community!

“I have started a career in developing robots for space… tackling the issue of removing space debris to make the use of space sustainable for future generations”

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TOMOKO EBINE

Joining CCCJ has been a pleasure, as it allows me to expand my communication network and has become an important part of my life.

I was born in Iran and raised in the U.S.A. and Japan, as my father was a diplomat with Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This upbringing gave me the opportunity to experience various cultures and meet people from countries like Korea, Brazil, and others, which fostered my understanding of cultural differences.

After graduating from Tsuda University in Japan, founded by Umeko Tsuda (who is featured on the 5,000-yen bill), I chose to work for a Japanese trading company. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of gaining experience in diverse fields, including Corporate Planning, where I was involved in Canadian liaison work and executive support. I have also worked in Global Environment, Integrated Digital Strategy, Finance, Internal Auditing, and served as Secretary & Assistant to the Board. Currently, I am assigned to my company’s think tank, where I support the business headquarters through foresight consulting and global intelligence research.

I am passionate about contributing to the collaboration between Canada and Japan through CCCJ, particularly in the areas of women’s inclusion and education. I hold a certification as an English teacher for junior high and high schools and have a daughter. My experience as a woman and mother working in a traditional Japanese company has given me a unique perspective.

One of my missions is to promote the best aspects of Canada to my colleagues and friends. Based on my experience, many Japanese people have a positive impression of Canada, but they may not fully realize how friendly and compatible Canada is as a partner for Japan. I would like to encourage them to get to know Canada better and help strengthen the community between our two nations.

“I am passionate about contributing to the collaboration between Canada and Japan, particularly in the areas of women’s inclusion and education”

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GREG ROZITIS

I am a business development professional with a focus on developing Japanese & Canadian markets. Much of my work has focused on developing new markets for technologies, products, and applications on both sides of the Pacific.

After completing my undergraduate degree in Economics at UBC in 1991, I was recruited to be the head coach of Kansai University’s hockey team in Osaka, where I continued my studies at the Faculty of International Commerce.  In 1993, I started my business career when I initiated a market entry initiative alongside the BC Government Trade Office in Kobe. It was during this period that I first connected with past and present members of the current CCCJ.

Over the next 30 years, I continued forming strong relationships with Japanese and Canadian government organizations and commercial enterprises with my work in Japanese corporations and as a self-employed consultant.

I have been involved with the CCCJ over the years helping organize several energy-related events and I am currently a part of the Chamber’s Energy Committee.

As a former professional hockey player, I understand the importance of being a team player and leading by example. The Chamber is volunteer driven and having team players on the board who bring forth fun and interesting initiatives, is vital for the growth of the Chamber. I have been involved and enjoyed volunteering with organizations such as the Canada-Japan Society of British Columbia to help promote the cultural and commercial ties between our countries.

Currently, I am based in Tokyo as a representative of the Invest Alberta Corporation. Invest Alberta is a crown corporation of the province of Alberta which promotes investment into Canada. My current position enables me to engage with both Japanese and Canadian corporations and to speak with them about the benefits of becoming members of and getting involved with the CCCJ.

I look forward to serving as Governor of the CCCJ for 2024-25.

“As a former professional hockey player, I understand the importance of being a team player and leading by example”