About Mitsubishi Electric Factory AutomationThe Road to Automating the WorldInterviews with People Involved in the Factory Automation Systems Business
Empowering Young Changemakers in the Manufacturing Industry with a Passion for MonozukuriNguyen Hoang Kim
Senior Marketing Executive, Factory Automation Department,
joined Mitsubishi Electric Vietnam in 2022
2025-07
Mitsubishi Electric’s FA systems business aims to enable employees to fully demonstrate their ideas, technologies, and beliefs to achieve the common goal of “Automating the World.”
Through the “Road to Automating the World” series, we share their authentic voices from around the world.
In this article, we interview Nguyen Hoang Kim, Factory Automation Department of Mitsubishi Electric Vietnam, who is involved in the operation of an educational support program for students, MECA*, as well as organizing offline events.
*A comprehensive educational support program offered by Mitsubishi Electric to nurture students’ passion for engineering and develop talented engineers. This initiative includes practical learning, such as interactions with first-line engineers and actual FA equipment, as well as working on technological and creative problems. Additionally, competitions give students chances to develop their abilities to identify and solve problems.
Drawn to How Much Mitsubishi Electric is Invested in Young People
── Could you share your childhood memories and what you studied at university?
Kim:I was quite a shy and reserved person when I was younger, with no clear ambitions beyond wanting to make a small, positive difference. My time at university, where I studied Communications and Marketing, became a turning point. Working on team projects, exchanging ideas, and receiving advice from peers gradually helped me step out of my comfort zone and gain confidence. Although I had no background in manufacturing back then, those experiences taught me the value of collaboration, listening, and growth, which are the principles that continue to shape the way I approach my work today.
── How did you come to join us?
Kim:I first learned about Mitsubishi Electric through a social media post about MECA competition back when I was still a student. From my university experiences in communication and teamwork, I developed a strong belief that nurturing people’s growth could be my career path. So, when I learned about MECA, I realized this was a program focused on developing young people beyond just a technological contest, and I felt an immediate connection. I was drawn to the idea that by joining the company behind MECA, I could contribute to that mission while continuing to grow myself. That belief led me to join Mitsubishi Electric, and I was fortunate to be involved in MECA projects just as I had hoped. Today, I’m engaged in a wide range of MECA activities, from planning to hands-on execution.
── What do you find rewarding in your job?
Kim:As I felt before joining Mitsubishi Electric, I want to make MECA not just a competition, but a life-changing experience for students, that helps them grow, explore and find their voices. It’s why I find it the most rewarding to witness students evolve from nervous first-time presenters to confident young engineers through MECA. This is the reason I do what I do, as it helps me maintain high levels of motivation.
Not Just Makers, but Changemakers
── What challenges have you faced so far? What have you learned from them?
Kim: I feel that the operation of MECA is becoming increasingly demanding as its size expands. In 2025, I managed a high volume of MECA-related tasks, from clarifying project requirements and maintaining regular communication to ensure all partners stayed aligned, to upholding the on-track timeline. Despite these challenging circumstances, I kept coming back to the core purpose: creating growth opportunities for young minds. By listening deeply and staying calm under pressure, we successfully hosted the MECA 2025. That experience taught me how important it is to stay purposeful and focused, and it also reminded me that every challenge is a chance to level up.
── What is your belief when carrying out your duties?
Kim: I always remind myself that small things matter. I think this belief was shaped during my first MECA season, when a student came up to thank me. I was encouraged by the student’s appreciation for my prompt response and attentive support. I have learned through this experience that I can build a nurturing environment for students by paying attention to small things, such as a carefully chosen word, a well-planned agenda, or a student who feels heard and supported at MECA. I believe that all these little things, when done with care and people-focused attitude, can create a lasting impact.
── Finally, please share with us your personal thoughts on how you envision to change the world of manufacturing.
Kim:To me, Monozukuri is about creating with purpose, not just building things, but building meaning. It is imperative to approach Monozukuri with care and pride. I believe this mindset paves the way for manufacturing innovations that truly enhance quality of life. In the past, original ideas presented by students at MECA have been implemented in production lines, demonstrating the programs impact. That is why I believe MECA will continue to inspire bold, transformative ideas born from the unique imagination of students. Initiatives at MECA have evolved beyond student-focused projects into valuable solutions for businesses. Through MECA, I hope to help young engineers become not just makers, but changemakers who drive manufacturing with vision and purpose.
*This article is based on interviews conducted in July 2025.
More about MECA, the educational support program for students
Our educational initiatives supporting the development of young engineers around the world.
