Nick Barua COO

Company name /: Swift Xi Inc.
Job type /: Joint venture company
Countries & Regions /: UK

Job
Description
Why
I work in Kobe
Life in Kobe
Message
From
the company

Job Description

I'm enriching the world by utilizing the latest technologies and know-how

I'm engaged in research and consulting in the field of aerospace engineering. Our company builds intelligent systems and advanced vehicles, including autonomous systems, helicopters, submarines, spacecraft, ground vehicles, robotics, and advanced composites.
Our UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) platform provides the solution in servicing linear infrastructure, oil and gas, maritime, emergency services, delivery, agriculture, scientific research, surveillance and security markets.

Why I work in Kobe

Kobe was the first place I wanted to live after I came to Kansai Area

I was born in the United Kingdom and lived there until I was 18 years old. I was interested in Space from my childhood and dreamed of becoming an Astronaut. After completing high school in the United Kingdom, I studied physics in the United States and worked as an astrophysicist at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
I changed my job and joined Microsoft with the software developing team, and later on moved to Europe to work for an Italian company. When I was transferred to the Kansai region from Europe, I chose to live in Kobe because of its astonishing landscape beauty.
Now Kobe is my home with some great friends and beautiful memories.

Life in Kobe

Kobe is a compact urban city with rare features of having mountains and a port

The most attractive factor for me to live in Kobe is the people and its beautiful landscape. As like many foreigners, I felt that people from different region contain different customs, dialects, way of living life, etc., which put Kobe number one in my book. For me, Kobe's most significant appeal is not only the enchanting landscape but also the presence of a vast group of international peoples, which made Kobe people friendlier and foreigners-accepted mindset compared to other regions. Kobe promotes all kind of sports, which also provide a healthy lifestyle for everybody.
I have travelled through Japan and found Kobe a rare place in the world where you can enjoy the mountain, ocean and Japan's oldest hot spring. In addition to its natural beauty, the city also offers satisfying transportation and commercial facilities, which connect the whole of Japan.
Although Kobe is not as big as other cities, it gives every taste of Japan in a very compact and comfortable way.

Message

Studying the language and positive thinking are crucial points for working abroad

For the beginner, I would like you to know that you do not have to feel pressured to learn Japanese, as people here are so kind to help you out in any circumstances. However, you should not be over-relying on that fact.
Even if Japanese people are kind and humble, but I strongly recommend that you study Japanese and make many Japanese friends. The ability of your Japanese language will correlate with how much you can enjoy working and living in this beautiful city. I have made an effort to improve my Japanese language skills by studying on my own and watching stand-up comedies (which helps by the way).
I began to do so after feeling the necessity of having good Japanese language skills when being involved in specialized businesses that include work involving the government high officials and other of my work such as in remote intensive care support at hospitals.
There will always be things from the cultural perspective that may fit you or not, but it is essential always to stay positive, try to feel and accept the foreign land as your own. As Kobe city is also promoting and helping many Start-up companies, your presence and assistance will connect and open the door to many companies in your home country. Try to be the Bridge between Kobe and your hometown. GANBATTE!!

From the company

I hope that the number of non-Japanese citizens who are successful like Barua will increase in Kobe, an internationally rich city

I respect the attitude of Barua, our Chief Operating Officer.
I have seen him studying project management at graduate school through an online program, utilizing his personal time.
Looking at his life, I’m learning how crucial it is to continually gather new information, analyze from multiple perspectives, and convey it simply.
Although we’re a foreign-affiliated company, Barua always respects the other person and values the Japanese qualities of polite correspondence.
I hope that the number of non-Japanese citizens who are successful like Barua will increase in Kobe, an internationally rich city.
(Manager General Affairs Department　Katsuhiko Isogami)
Swift Xi Inc. WebSite