Behind every advancement in marine coating technology is a combination of experience, collaboration and a drive to improve. At Nippon Paint Marine, our R&D (Research & Development) teams are focused not only on developing products, but on delivering solutions that create real value for customers.
In this edition of our employee blog series, we introduce Myung Geun (Henry) Choi Head of R&D at Nippon Paint Marine Korea, talking about his nearly 20 years of experience in the marine coatings industry.
Myung Geun (Henry) Choi, Head of R&D at Nippon Paint Marine Korea
I joined Nippon Paint Marine in 2020. In total, I have spent around 20 years working in the marine coatings industry. At Nippon Paint Marine I lead the research and development team in Korea, where we maintain a constant focus on creating products that can lead the market and helping customers achieve better performance and results.
I was drawn to work at Nippon Paint Group because of its position as a global leader and Aisa’s leading paint company. Innovation is at the heart of Nippon Paint Marine as a leading global company.
Creating the right environment
As Head of R&D in our market, I aim to create an environment where people can work efficiently and feel motivated and passionate.
R&D is a shared effort. We work closely together, exchanging ideas and conducting research as a team. That sense of collaboration is what allows us to move forward and continuously improve.
A project that stood out
One of the most memorable experiences in my role came shortly after I joined Nippon Paint Marine Korea. We had to make the difficult decision to abandon a project due to delays in developing a solvent-free universal primer. Regardless, we successfully developed a next-generation ultra-high solid universal primer and went on to secure a follow-up project at the same shipyard. It’s a moment I remember clearly, as it showed how persistence and teamwork can turn setbacks into meaningful outcomes.
Earning customer trust
Working with many different customers and partners means expectations are always high. Each situation is different, and there is no single solution that fits all.
What remains constant is our approach. We focus on honesty and dedication in our work, taking care to understand customer needs while delivering solutions they can rely on. Building trust takes time, and we see it as something that is earned through consistency and commitment in every project.
Ultimately, our goal is to meet expectations, strengthen long-term relationships and uphold the reputation of Nippon Paint Marine.
Learning through experience
Nippon Paint Marine has supported my personal career development as well. ≈Attending the “Group Marine Tech & TSR (Technical Service Representative) workshop” in Osaka in 2024 left a strong impression on me. The event brought together teams from around the world to share our knowledge and experience with each other – after all different markets face different challenges. The workshop broadened my understanding, deepened my understanding of our work and the needs of our customers and reinforced the importance of continuous learning and global collaboration in our work.
Through my role in R&D, I hope to continue contributing to the development of better solutions, supporting our customers, and strengthening Nippon Paint Marine’s position in the industry.
