As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to change consumer demands, FUJIFILM Philippines is looking to expand its healthcare solutions and digital machine services, according to the company’s newly-appointed president, Masahiro Uehara.
Masahiro, former Managing Director of FUJIFILM Hongkong, aims to steer the company to greater heights, pursuing pioneering headways in Healthcare, Materials, Business Innovation, and Imaging products and services with immediate effect.
“Our company has grown to be known for its technology-driven solutions, offering complete solutions in various high-tech fields,” Uehara explained. “We will carry on our daily business activities with the belief that providing our products and services more widely will further enrich the quality of people’s lives.”
Fujifilm, established in the Philippines in 2012, is steadily increasing its presence in healthcare, graphic, and photography. In 2019, it opened its first Cebu outlet to address increasing demand and maintain quality in the Visayas and Mindanao regions.
At present, Fujifilm offers a wide range of products and services such as Healthcare (medical equipment and pharmaceuticals); Materials (graphic systems, inkjet printers, semiconductor materials, and recording media); Business Innovation (digital color multi-function devices and printers for office use, as well as services for business solutions); and Imaging (including photo and imaging devices such as mirrorless and instant cameras, and photo printing services).
One of the products that the brand rolled out recently is the digital mobile X-ray, FDR Go PLUS, which is currently being used in different hospitals around the country to help health workers conduct chest X-rays and identify patients with COVID-19 symptoms. Uehara said that the product is designed to help healthcare providers diagnose and treat more patients at a faster rate while providing greater patient comfort and safety.
This expansion follows the acquisition of Hitachi, Ltd.’s diagnostic imaging-related business by Fujifilm Corporation, which led to the offering of healthcare solutions to the local market in 2021. The acquisition covers computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray, ultrasound systems, endoscopy, in-vitro diagnostic systems, and picture archiving and communications systems (PACS).
Uehara expressed his hopes to achieve the expansion of Fujifilm Philippines’ digital machine lineup and services within the year, making it more accessible to the local market.
“We are confident that we can help local businesses in the Philippines to reach their goals and grow their businesses even further,” he said.
Fujifilm Philippines’ strategic move to provide innovative solutions that address the current market’s needs is a testament to its commitment to improve people’s lives through technology.
About Masahiro Uehara
Masahiro Uehara is the newly appointed president of FUJIFILM Philippines. His main goal is to improve the Quality Of Life of Filipinos by further contributing to the improvement of medical services in the Philippines, developing the printing industry, and further spreading the joy of taking, printing, and sharing photos.
Uehara joined Fujifilm in 2000. His main responsibility evolved in planning of production and investment plan of X-Ray film and Waterproof paper (base of photo paper) at FUJINOMIYA factory near Mt. FUJI.
In 2004, during the time of structural reform for the entire Fujifilm, he was assigned to Human Resources. In order to survive, he used to discuss and consider what the best is for the company and employees. In 2012, he moved to Overseas Marketing for Digital Camera business. He was responsible in providing marketing support for Japan, USA and China markets.
After that, Uehara took initiative for global supply chain management of digital camera as a responsible manager.
In 2018, he was appointed to Managing Director of FUJIFILM Hong Kong Limited. In the midst of the turmoil and pandemic in Hong Kong, he protected the company and its employees, and charted a new corporate growth strategy centered on Medical business.
Uehara graduated from Hitotsubashi University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Economic degree. He joined Fujifilm right after completing his degree.