Upcoming event
Nordic Young Professionals Connect
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27 August 2026 18:00 - 20:00
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Temple University, Parliament Room
日本語版はこちらからご覧いただけます。
The Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Japan (SCCJ), together with the Nordic Chambers of Japan—the DCCJ, NCCJ, ICCJ, and FCCJ—invites students and young professionals to an evening of networking, inspiration, and career-focused conversation at Temple University Japan Campus.
At the heart of the evening is a panel discussion featuring senior representatives from Novo Nordisk Japan, IKEA Japan, and Takanawa Travel, who will share their perspectives on building international careers, developing leadership skills, and succeeding in multicultural workplaces.
As workplaces continue to evolve, organizations across industries are looking for people who can thrive in international, collaborative, and cross-cultural environments. Nordic companies in Japan have long been recognized for fostering inclusive cultures, innovation, and employee development, making them well placed to share practical insights on what employers value today.
Whether you're a student considering your first career move or a young professional looking to grow within an international organization, you'll gain valuable perspectives on career development, workplace culture, leadership, and the skills that matter most when navigating both Nordic and Japanese business environments.
The evening concludes with a Q&A session followed by a relaxed networking reception, giving attendees the opportunity to connect directly with the speakers, chamber representatives, and fellow students and young professionals over light refreshments.
MEET THE PANEL
Natalie Ammerlaan
Novo Nordisk, Vice President of People & Organisation
Natalie Ammerlaan is a global People & Organization leader based in Tokyo, with a career that has taken her across Japan, Switzerland, Brazil, Denmark, and the Netherlands. Her professional journey spans People & Organization, Legal, Ethics & Compliance, governance, and business partnerships, giving her a broad perspective on what it takes to grow, lead, and contribute in international environments.
Known for building strong teams, developing leaders, and helping organizations navigate change, Natalie brings a practical and human perspective to career development. She believes that thriving internationally is not only about technical expertise or the right credentials, but also about curiosity, courage, adaptability, integrity, and the ability to build trust across cultures.
Through her work with diverse teams and senior stakeholders around the world, Natalie has seen how meaningful careers are shaped by continuous learning, thoughtful leadership, and the willingness to step into unfamiliar situations. She is passionate about encouraging the next generation to build confidence, develop skills that employers value, and find their own way to make an impact in a global workplace.
Amber Pitty
IKEA, Country People & Culture Manager
Amber Pitty has over 20 years of experience across Australian retail, with a strong background in commercial leadership and people management. She joined IKEA Australia in 2015 and has held several senior roles across People & Culture and business transformation, supporting large-scale change and capability building. In 2025, she joined IKEA Japan as Country People & Culture Manager. Throughout her career, Amber has consistently focused on integrating people and business priorities, fostering a culture where co-workers are supported to grow, perform, and reach their full potential.
Höskuldur Hrafn Guttormsson
Takanawa Travel K.K., Managing Director – Tokyo Office
Höskuldur Hrafn Guttormsson, often called Hoshi, is the Managing Director of the Tokyo office at Takanawa Travel K.K., the company behind Trip to Japan, a brand-new travel technology company.
At the same time, he serves as Vice Chairman of the Icelandic Chamber of Commerce in Japan. Originally from Iceland, he moved to Tokyo in 2016 to complete a master's degree in international business at Rikkyo University and has since built his career across customer service, sales, marketing, and leadership roles in the Japanese market.
He will share his perspective on building both a career and a life between two very different business cultures.
Moderated by: Erica Adams
Executive Director of Career Development, Temple University Japan Campus
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Temple University Japan Campus for their generous venue support.
Important Notice:
Photos and videos will be taken during the event for promotional and marketing purposes. If you do not wish to appear in any photographs or videos, please inform our photographer upon arrival or at any time during the event.
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Thursday August 27th, 18:00 - 20:00
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Temple University, Parliament Room
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1-14-29 Taishidō, Setagaya City, Tokyo
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1,500 JPY
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1,500 JPY
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Registrations and cancellations must be done by August 24 at the latest. Number of seats are limited and registered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Dress code: Casual
