Discover People at Soitec

In this portrait, Cem reflects on how this international experience has shaped him — both professionally and personally. He shares how he learned to navigate cultural differences, build trust across teams, and step out of his comfort zone.

What has your V.I.E experience in Singapore brought you - both professionally and personally?

• Professionally:

My V.I.E gave me the opportunity to work in a highly international environment, which sharpened my adaptability, enhanced my cross-cultural communication skills, and strengthened my ability to manage complex projects under tight deadlines. 

• Personally:

Living in Singapore challenged me to step out of my comfort zone. I had to adapt to a new culture, connect with people from diverse backgrounds, and develop a more global mindset. This experience has made me more independent, resilient, and confident — both in my personal life and in the way I approach challenges.

It also gave me the space to reflect on my own culture with greater perspective. I truly believe that France and Singapore have a lot to learn from each other, and this experience has opened my eyes to the value of cross-cultural exchange.

How does your mission contribute to Soitec’s development in Singapore and in the region?

My mission supports Soitec’s growth in Asia on several fronts :

• First, by working closely with local teams, I help ensure that our logistics and supply chain operations align with Soitec’s objectives in terms of efficiency, cost, and sustainability — all of which are key to supporting our growth in the region.

• Second, I contribute to strengthening the connection between our French team and the Singaporean team, helping to ensure smooth coordination and mutual understanding.

• Finally, my mission also involves preparing the ground for future growth — whether through the analysis of potential distribution strategies, the implementation of sustainable practices, or the exploration of long-term development opportunities in the region.

  
  

What has been your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?

I had to adjust to a culture that is both very process-driven, where expectations are high and ambiguity is not always well received. At first, this made cross-functional collaboration more complex, especially when dealing with different time zones, communication styles, or levels of hierarchy.

To overcome this, I made it a priority to actively listen, observe, and ask for feedback. I also invested time in understanding cultural norms, both in and outside of work, and adapted my communication to be more structured, respectful of local expectations, and solution-oriented. Over time, this helped me build trust with local colleagues and become more effective in a multicultural environment.

If you had to sum up your V.I.E adventure in Singapore with one word or expression, what would it be and why?

Lah!*

*  Singlish expression symbol of openness, adaptability, and the unique spirit of Singapore.

Why? 

Because nothing sums up my V.I.E in Singapore better than this simple yet iconic Singlish expression. “Lah” is everywhere: friendly, informal, and uniquely Singaporean. Just like my experience here, it reflects a mix of cultures, openness, and adaptability. It reminds me how much I’ve grown by embracing the local way of life, stepping out of my comfort zone, and learning to connect with people from all backgrounds - with a smile, lah!