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Interview with Nirupa Chander, Country Managing Director of Hitachi ABB Power Grids (Singapore)

A relatively new member to the Hitachi family, Hitachi ABB Power Grids (HAPG) and its 36,000 employees joined our Group of Companies in July 2020, amidst the pandemic.


On the 29th of June, my colleagues, Clarice and Wylyn from Hitachi Asia Ltd. Corporate Communications Group (HAS-CCG) and I were invited to visit the HAPG Singapore office for a short sharing session to learn more about HAPG’s business and initiatives.


Through our session, we learnt that both HAPG and Hitachi share very similar visions of resolving societal issues and working towards the creation of sustainable societies.


As an energy solutions business with a rich legacy of over 100 years in the energy industry, HAPG will help to expand Hitachi’s energy solutions business globally as a core part of our Social Innovation Business. With a presence in over 90 countries and 200 offices globally – including specialised centres in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, and Singapore – HAPG is well-placed to advance Hitachi’s efforts towards achieving a decarbonised society through renewable energies.


While we were there, we also got a chance to sit down for a quick interview with Ms. Nirupa Chander, HAPG’s Country Managing Director for Singapore.

Nirupa Chander

Name: Nirupa Chander

Country Managing Director, Singapore

Hitachi ABB Power Grids


Tell us more about yourself!

I’ve lived in 7 countries, including Pakistan, Syria, Italy, US, India, Australia and now Singapore!

I’m also a mum of 2 young girls and that leaves very little time for hobbies! But over the last 2 years, I‘ve focused a lot more on my health and gotten into High Intensity Interval Training style workouts. It’s a great stress buster.


Tell us about what you do at HAPG and, briefly, how you ended up where you are now?

I am responsible for HAPG’s Singapore business, and I also head the Marketing & Sales function. In addition, I lead the Top Line Synergies initiative for South Asia as part of the ‘fusion’ activities with Hitachi.

I started my career in India as an engineer in the power generation business for a company called BHEL. I joined ABB in Australia in 2009, where I had opportunities to work on a variety of projects in renewables, mining, and microgrids. In 2017, I moved to Singapore for a cross-business role in ABB. Finally, in 2019, I took on the responsibility of my current role.

As you probably observed, I’ve taken on a variety of roles and responsibilities over the last 17 years!


HAPG was formed in 2020. How has it been so far to be a part of Hitachi?

The journey to become part of Hitachi has been a heart-warming one. All of us have felt welcomed by the Hitachi family and we can truly see an even better future, both for our organisation and for us as individuals. As we learn more and more about Hitachi’s contributions to society, we feel very proud to embrace Hitachi’s values of Harmony, Sincerity and Pioneering Spirit.


What is one thing about Hitachi that pleasantly surprised you after joining us?

Every day, I learn something new about what Hitachi does! The breadth of our portfolio and capabilities is truly amazing.

I also found it interesting that we have so much in common! Both ABB & Hitachi have a long, proud history and are built on technology leadership. We also share very similar values!


Which upcoming HAPG project(s) are you most excited about?

What’s most exciting is our evolution to become Hitachi Energy from 1 October 2021. This name change reflects how we are evolving along with the energy landscape towards creating a sustainable energy future. With this new identity, we are poised for success as we support the energy transition with our technologies and capabilities.

All in all, we had a fruitful visit where both parties were able to learn a little more about each other – all while adhering to safe distancing measures, of course!


I definitely look forward to returning to HAPG’s office someday when the situation improves. Until then, though, I’m Michael from HAS-CCG signing off. Please take care and stay safe!