Gov. Whitmer Kicks Off Investment Mission to Singapore and Japan, Working to Bring Good-Paying Jobs to Michigan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 31, 2025

Contact: press@michigan.gov

Gov. Whitmer Kicks Off Investment Mission to Singapore and Japan, Working to Bring Good-Paying Jobs to Michigan

LANSING, Mich. -- Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer kicked off an investment mission to Singapore and Japan, marking the first-ever official investment mission by a Michigan governor to Singapore. The trip will be led by Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) in partnership with a delegation of public- and private-sector leaders from across the state, underscoring Michigan’s commitment to strengthening global relationships and welcoming international business investment, even amid economic and federal uncertainty.

Throughout the mission, Governor Whitmer and the delegation will meet with company executives, government leaders, Michigan university alumni, and trade representatives to highlight Michigan’s competitive advantages, address the impact of tariffs and trade policy shifts, and showcase the state as a stable, attractive destination for investment. 

“Singapore is one of the most dynamic economies in the world, a global hub for finance, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy,” said Governor Whitmer. “By making this first-of-its-kind visit, we are opening the door for new trade opportunities, building connections with business leaders, and showing that Michigan is a reliable and innovative partner for the future. At the same time, we will deepen our decades-long relationship with Japan, reinforcing our partnerships in key shared industries. Whether tariffs shift or global markets fluctuate, Michigan remains open for business and eager to collaborate.” 

While in Japan, the delegation will also attend and participate in the Midwest U.S.–Japan Association Conference, a long-standing gathering of business and government leaders dedicated to advancing mutual prosperity.

Michigan’s ties to Japan run deep, supported by decades of investment and a strong cultural connection that includes the sister-state relationship with Shiga Prefecture. Japan is Michigan’s 6th largest trade partner, and the 415 Japanese-owned companies in Michigan support over 37,000 direct jobs and play a critical role in the state’s mobility and manufacturing leadership.

Singapore offers a critical gateway to Southeast Asia’s rapidly growing markets, and Michigan leaders see an opportunity to connect its innovation-driven economy with the state’s own robust ecosystem of advanced manufacturing, clean energy, life sciences, and mobility solutions. In 2024, Michigan’s exports to Singapore totaled $283 million, with the majority consisting of transportation equipment, machinery, and chemical products.

“This investment mission reflects both the state’s long foreign direct investment history and our ambitious future. In Japan, we are recommitting to a relationship that has been foundational to our state’s success, while in Singapore, we are laying the groundwork for partnerships that will shape the next chapter of Michigan’s growth,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the MEDC. “Through our Make It in Michigan economic development strategy, we are attracting new investment while creating an environment where innovation, workforce development, and community growth go hand in hand. Deepening existing in-market relationships and cultivating new ones with leading providers of financial capital especially in advanced manufacturing and innovation ensure that we remind the world that our state is truly an international one. Remaining globally engaged, in-person and not virtually, as we have throughout our history is critical to Michigan staying competitive and resilient.”

“Singapore and Japan’s unique focus on innovation align perfectly with Michigan’s strengths,” said Ben Marchionna, MEDC’s Chief Innovation Ecosystem Officer. “Michigan is growing one of the most vibrant innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems in the nation, driven by our top research institutions, forward-thinking companies, and a skilled workforce ready to build the next generation of solutions. An investment mission like this is critical to not only attract new businesses to Michigan, but also to help Michigan entrepreneurs expand into new markets, secure partnerships, and access global supply chains, building lasting bridges for shared prosperity.”

The investment mission is supported by the MEDC and the Michigan Economic Development Foundation, an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing economic development initiatives that drive private investment, job creation, and wage growth in Michigan.

Members of Michigan’s Delegation

In Singapore and Japan, the governor is joined by a delegation from Michigan, including (in alphabetical order by organization): MEDC CEO Quentin L. Messer, Jr. and Chief Innovation Ecosystem Officer Ben Marchionna; AISIN World Corp. of America Executive Vice President and President of FT Techno of America Shin Sasaki and AISIN World Corp. of America Vice President Joe Rohatynski; Battle Creek Unlimited President & CEO Joe Sobieralski and Vice President of Attraction Robert Corder; City of Battle Creek Mayor Mark Behnke; City of Novi Mayor Justin Fischer and City Manager Victor Cardenas; DENSO International America Vice President Bob Townsend; Detroit Regional Partnership Managing Vice President Alan M. Weber; Japan Consul General in Detroit Hajime Kishimori; Lakeshore Advantage President Jennifer Owens; Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter and Business Development Manager Michael Abdallah; Toyota Motor North America Vice President of Integrated Vehicle Systems Nick Sitarski; and University of Michigan Associate Vice President for Research – Innovation Partnership and Economic Impact Kelly Sexton and Senior Directors of International Giving and Engagement Eun Ja Ya and Bin Zhao.

Delegation quotes of support (in alphabetical order):

Mark Behnke 

“I am honored to join Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the MEDC on this mission to Japan. Battle Creek has been building relationships with Japanese companies for more than 50 years. Today, we are proud to be home to 15 Japanese companies which collectively employ more than 7,000 people. I am excited to visit Japan to strengthen those relationships and discuss how we can deepen those connections in years ahead.”

Dave Coulter 

“Oakland County’s deep ties with Japan and its nearly 200 companies which have facilities here have helped shape our leadership in advanced mobility and manufacturing. I’m excited to join Team Michigan on this investment mission to strengthen these relationships and explore new opportunities for collaboration and innovation.”

Justin Fisher 

“I am truly honored to be participating in the upcoming mission trip to Japan on behalf of Novi,” noted Mayor Justin Fischer. “As home to the largest Japanese population in Michigan and dozens of Japanese companies that contribute so much to our community, this trip is especially meaningful. It gives us the chance to not only strengthen our long-standing cultural and economic ties but also to celebrate the friendships and partnerships that make Novi such a unique and welcoming place. By engaging directly with our partners in Japan, we will explore new opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and exchange that will benefit both our residents and businesses. I believe this mission will leave a lasting impact—deepening our global connections, honoring the rich Japanese heritage that is part of Novi’s story, and creating opportunities that will shape our future.”

Hajime Kishimori 

“As Consul General of Japan in Detroit, I am pleased to be a part of the Michigan Delegation led by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to attend the 55th Midwest U.S.–Japan Association Conference in Tokyo. I believe the best time to facilitate the excellent relations between Michigan and Japan is now. The best place is here. And the best people to achieve this goal are us. We, like the two regions we represent, share the same values - manufacturing, craftsmanship and innovation. This is bolstered by our strong grassroots exchange based in Michigan and the sister state relationship with Shiga.”

Jennifer Owens 

“It’s an honor to be in Japan this week, strengthening partnerships between West Michigan’s Lakeshore region and Japan’s smart manufacturing leaders. Hitachi’s investment signals real confidence in our region’s fast-growing smart manufacturing capabilities. We know investment decisions go beyond data—they’re built on relationships and trust. This mission is about building meaningful relationships and a deeper understanding of the people, partnerships, and innovation culture that make West Michigan a smart place to grow. I’m proud to represent a region that’s rapidly emerging as a global hub for smart manufacturing and excited to keep building momentum together.”

Shin Sasaki 

“We’re honored to join Team Michigan once again on this important trade mission to Japan. Governor Whitmer’s strong commitment to fostering international partnerships and creating new business opportunities aligns closely with AISIN’s values, and for many years, we’ve proudly supported the Michigan Economic Development Foundation and its efforts to strengthen ties between Michigan and Japan.

“As one of the world’s largest Tier One automotive suppliers, with deep-rooted operations and investments in both countries, AISIN brings a unique perspective on conducting business with integrity, respect, and long-term vision. We’re pleased to support the collaboration between the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), which, we believe, will yield meaningful outcomes for the global automotive industry. Though separated by great distance, the shared history and continued cooperation between Michigan and Japan promise a future of enduring success, ongoing friendship, and mutual growth.”

Kelly Sexton 

“This mission offers a powerful opportunity for the University of Michigan to forge new global research collaborations and enhance our innovation ecosystem,” said Kelly Sexton, Associate Vice President for Research – Innovation Partnerships and Economic Impact at the University of Michigan. “We’re excited to build and strengthen relationships with Singaporean and Japanese partners, engage with U-M alumni driving innovation around the world, and connect with investors and entrepreneurs for the benefit of Michigan's knowledge economy. These relationships will amplify the impact of university research and accelerate Michigan’s rise as a global leader in discovery and commercialization.”

Joe Sobieralski

“Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU) is pleased to accompany Governor Whitmer and Team Michigan as they visit Japan. As the City of Battle Creek’s economic development organization, BCU is focused on attracting investment and creating jobs. Japan is the single largest foreign investor in Battle Creek, and we are grateful to the Japanese companies here for their continued commitment to our community. We believe there are great opportunities for future collaboration and investment, especially in sectors like electric vehicles, food & beverage, and advanced air mobility. We look forward to connecting with innovative companies in Japan and talking with them about Battle Creek and Michigan.”

Bob Townsend 

"We appreciate Governor Whitmer and the state's continued efforts to help manufacturers 'Make it in Michigan,' which is not only home to our North American headquarters, but also several manufacturing facilities," said Bob Townsend, vice president of North America Corporate Communications, Corporate Services and Government Affairs at DENSO. "This trip underscores the vital partnership between Japan and Michigan, and our team looks forward to strengthening it as we contribute to greener and safer mobility around the world."

Alan M. Weber

“The Detroit Regional Partnership is honored to join Governor Whitmer’s trade mission to Japan,” said Alan M. Weber, Managing Vice President of the Detroit Regional Partnership. “Japan has been a long-standing and valued partner to the Detroit Region, and we’re proud to support efforts that strengthen our ties. With hundreds of Japanese companies already calling Michigan home, this mission is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to collaboration and celebrate new investment. We look forward to working alongside the Governor to promote continued partnership and economic growth between Japan and Michigan.”

###