Johann Nassier
Tell us about yourself. How long have you been with the company, and what positions have you held during your tenure?
I graduated with a degree in aerospace in 2019, but like many others, my career took an unexpected turn when COVID hit shortly after. I had to leave my first job, but I managed to land a new role in a completely different industry—semiconductors. For about two years, I dove into the world of microelectronics, which I like to call my "semiconductor adventure." While it was a great experience, I realized my heart was still in aerospace.
That’s when Quinn Collett from the US started building the APAC Aerospace team here in Singapore, and I was lucky enough to become his first hire as a project engineer at the start of 2023. Since then, the team has grown significantly, and I’m excited to share that I was recently promoted to engineering manager! Now, I lead a small, talented team of aerospace engineers, and I’m thrilled to be back in the industry I’m most passionate about.
As an employee, what are your main responsibilities in your current role? How has your role evolved over the years?
Our Singapore team is dedicated to introducing innovative products to customers across the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. But our mission goes beyond that—we are constantly exploring ways to drive business growth and deliver meaningful innovation to the APAC market.
We strive to be more than just suppliers or solution providers; we aim to become trusted partners. When our customers face challenges, we want to be their first thought—ready to step in and support them. To achieve this, I make it a priority to work cross-functionally, deepening my understanding of my colleagues’ perspectives at Trelleborg. Similarly, I engage directly with our customers, traveling often to meet them, listen to their challenges, and gather insights that I can bring back to my team. Together, we develop strategic solutions to move forward effectively.
My role revolves around building strong business cases and streamlining processes to accelerate outcomes. Yet, even with all of this, I still see myself as a learner. Mastery feels like an ongoing journey, and that sense of continuous growth is what drives me every day.
What has kept you motivated and engaged while working at Trelleborg for an extended period?
I wouldn’t call less than two years an extended period, but I think staying motivated and engaged in any job is so important. For me, I keep myself motivated by never resting on my laurels. What does that mean? Well, I’m never satisfied with just “getting the job done.” I always aim to provide quality, think about what could have been better, analyze what went wrong, and learn from it. I’m constantly in learner mode—always improving and growing.
When it comes to staying engaged, working with people from so many different backgrounds really keeps things interesting. I’ve had the chance to work with people from China, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand. Everyone works differently, and it’s fascinating to learn about their approaches. It keeps me curious and reminds me there’s always more to learn. Honestly, it feels like a perk of my job because not every role gives you these opportunities.
One of my favorite memories has to be the recent air show. I’ve been to a few in Singapore before, but this was my first time attending as an exhibitor. It gave me a behind-the-scenes look into Aerospace, which was so cool. Plus, I finally got to meet colleagues from around the world face-to-face. Building those deeper connections was such a highlight, and honestly, it’s one of the best memories I’ve had on the job.
With your wealth of experience, how do you envision the future of your area of expertise within Trelleborg?
Aerospace is an industry that will always continue to evolve, and that constant innovation is what keeps it exciting and motivating. It drives you to stay connected, grounded, and continuously learn. Think about how far we've come in just a few years—massive four-engine aircraft have now been replaced by two-engine planes capable of flying long-haul routes, like from Singapore to San Francisco. As the industry advances, staying up-to-date is essential. It’s a field that never becomes dull.
Currently, I’m heavily focused on developing the Japanese market, where there's significant activity in the Advanced Air Mobility sector. Many customers are exploring groundbreaking projects, and even major automotive manufacturers are getting involved. When industry giants start investing seriously, you know it’s something worth being a part of.
The same can be said for hydrogen technology. In India, for example, their space programs are driving demand for hydrogen-related applications. This is a clear indicator that we need to stay ahead of the curve and the market. These advancements represent incredible opportunities for growth and innovation in aerospace.
What advice would you give to people at the beginning of their careers, based on your own professional journey?
Seize every opportunity that comes your way. If you’re always waiting for the “perfect” chance—the one you feel you truly deserve—you might end up waiting forever. Luck often plays a role, and that’s something you can’t control. What you can control is how you respond to the opportunities you’re given. Even if the experience doesn’t meet your expectations, there’s always a lesson to take away.
This is especially true when you’re young. You have the time, energy, and freedom to invest in yourself. Whatever comes your way, embrace it. Learn from it, grow through it, and keep moving forward.
Outside of work, how do you spend your free time?
Outside of work, I’m all about sports. Are you familiar with Liverpool? That’s my favorite soccer team in the English Premier League. Being a fan from Asia means catching their games in the middle of the night sometimes—sacrificing sleep and occasionally showing up to work the next day looking like a total zombie. But hey, that’s what being a die-hard fan is all about, right?
Sports aren’t just about watching for me, though. I love staying active too—it’s my way of keeping fit and having fun. When I do watch, I’m into everything: tennis, Formula 1, the Tour de France, NBA, you name it. I’m also hooked on sports documentaries on Netflix. I always tell people my favorite movie is Interstellar, but honestly, I’ve watched Moneyball (yes, the baseball movie) at least five times. There’s just something about the mix of stats, strategy, and heart that gets me every time. Sports are a big part of my life, whether I’m cheering from the sidelines or out there giving it a go myself.
