Home > Sustainability > Social > Advancing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Kajima Group > Voices from Our People > Nguyen Le Trong Nhan

VOICE

Growing with Confidence in an Open and
Supportive Workplace

Nguyen Le Trong Nhan

Urban Facilities Group
Geotechnical Design Department Civil Engineering Design Division

From Vietnam
Joined Kajima Corporation, Civil Engineering Design Division, 2015
Assigned to Tokyo Civil Engineering Branch, 2017
Reassigned to Civil Engineering Design Division, 2019

01

A Proud Role in Building Social Infrastructure

Could you describe your current work?

I belong to the Urban Facilities Group of the Geotechnical Design Department in the Civil Engineering Design Division, where I am involved in the design of open-cut construction projects in urban areas. Our department supports project bidding and prepares detailed designs after orders are received. Once construction begins, we also provide technical support for construction management and planning. I worked in the Civil Engineering Design Division for the first two years after joining the company. In my third and fourth years, I was assigned to a construction site. In my fifth year, I returned to my original department, where I continue to work today.

What made you decide to join Kajima?

When I was in high school, I wanted to challenge myself in an environment different from where I had grown up. I became interested in Japan, as it is an Asian country with a strong image of development. In my third year of university, I had the opportunity to study in Japan, and it happened that I enrolled in a department related to construction. That was the first step that led me to this field.
When I was job hunting, I was drawn to companies where I could be involved in large-scale structures and major infrastructure projects. Among them, I chose Kajima because of its advanced technical capabilities and large scale, which I believed would enable me to learn and grow in many ways.
Since infrastructure projects form the foundation of society, I find great fulfillment in this work.

02

A Strong Commitment to Technology and an Open Corporate Culture that Helps Solve Challenges

How do you feel about Kajima’s corporate culture?

Overall, many employees are professional and courteous, and the atmosphere is calm. It’s easy to talk to people and to ask for advice. Everyone takes pride in the Kajima brand and its technical capabilities, so if you consult with someone in the company, even in another department, you can usually find a solution. In that sense, I think Kajima has a very open and collaborative culture. Since we are responsible for developing social infrastructure, everyone has a strong sense of responsibility.

Have you experienced any challenges with communication?

When I first joined the company, I was not very fluent in Japanese and made efforts to adapt to the environment. However, the Civil Engineering Design Division, where I currently work, places strong emphasis on training, and I received a great deal of support. My supervisors were understanding and took the time to guide me carefully.
Within the department, we talk not only about work but also about everyday topics. Through regular communication, we are able to maintain good relationships.

Have you ever felt it was difficult to work here?

As a non-Japanese employee, I have never felt any difficulty or discrimination in the workplace. Everyone treats me equally, and I feel no different from Japanese employees.
The company also offers well-developed systems such as telework and childcare leave, and I make use of them myself.

03

Leveraging Kajima’s Technical Strengths Overseas

Can you share an example of how your different cultural background has contributed to your team?

Many Japanese people tend to be careful with their wording, but I am the type who speaks more directly. I feel that this sometimes leads to more active discussions. My supervisor has even told me, “I’m glad you said that.” Having employees with different cultural backgrounds brings a different atmosphere to the department. I believe that is one way I am able to contribute.

What would you like to do in the future?

If there is an opportunity to work on the design of overseas projects, I would definitely like to take on that challenge. Projects abroad often have different constraints from those in Japan. I think it would be interesting to explore how Kajima’s technical strengths can be integrated with different cultures, building regulations, and budget limitations.

EPISODE

I Want My Child to Learn About Tet, the Lunar New Year

Tet is an important Vietnamese holiday that takes place from late January to mid-February, when family members who usually live apart gather together. In Japan, there are no holidays during that period, but I wanted my child to learn about Tet, so I adjusted my work schedule and took a one-week vacation to return home with my family. The photo shows my child and me taking a walk on the evening of New Year’s Day.

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