Joined September, 2021
Core Engine Group
My name is Emerico Habacon Aguilar. I am from the Republic of the Philippines, and have been living in Japan for four years, since coming to Japan in 2017. Before coming to Japan, I worked as a lecturer at a university in my country.
I also have experience working as a Software Engineer for IT companies. After being selected as a member of the “Innovative Asia” Initiative conducted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA), I came to Japan and entered the Doctoral Program of the Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University, where I conducted research on “Gossip-Based Models for the Opinion Dynamics of Social Networks.”
As part of the program’s training curriculum, I joined AWL for a long-term internship at the end of March, 2021 after completing my Doctoral studies, and became a full-time employee in September, 2021.
I work as an AI Engineer for two departments, AWLBOX development and R&D. For the AWLBOX development, I created tools to help testing our main solution. For R&D, we are deeply involved in the development of a model. I think these projects demonstrate that AI is a powerful tool that can be used for solving complex problems.
My first contact to AWL was at a company briefing session held by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in 2020.
The speakers at the event were Mina-san, the CHRO (Chief Human Resource Officer) and Babu-san, AI Engineer. Babu is also from “Innovative Asia”, and their presentation left a strong impression on me.
Initially, I was hesitant to go to Sapporo because it’s quite well-known that winters can get very cold. However, the idea of joining a startup company with high goals was hard to resist and this is how I started my career here.
I was surprised to find out how casual our work environment is. It feels more like a university research laboratory than a company. Despite the laid-back atmosphere, everyone is very professional and strives hard to contribute in their respective projects.
I also appreciate the fact that I am surrounded by coworkers who come from different countries. Despite our differences, we are able to work together and come up with solutions to challenging problems.
I am now focused on developing the technical skills necessary for addressing my current tasks. I am also eager to learn about how things are done on the business and managerial side as well. I want to keep on learning and exploring all possible areas through which I can contribute to the company.
My goal within the next few years is to continue to develop my contributions to the teams that I am part of. I am surrounded by hard working people, who are sincerely committed to their work. I would like to create even greater results with them!
(Working from home)
Have a quick breakfast then prepare for my day.
After reviewing my tasks, I pick up where I left off the day before.
Start developing code and test scripts.
Review materials and gather information related to my current work.
If I am working from home, I usually buy food from a bento shop or convenience store. (In case I go to the office in the afternoon, I will eat at a restaurant nearby.)
I implement the relevant new ideas I gained before lunch.
Regular meetings and conferences may be held to share progress.
If I am working at the office, I usually drop by the supermarket on the way home.
During my free time, I enjoy watching good series or movies. Sapporo is a beautiful city and also one of the largest cities in Japan, so there are many interesting places to explore here. Before coming to Sapporo, I would always say that “Sushi” and “Sashimi” are my favorite dishes. Now I also enjoy “Ramen”. It’s hard to pick a favorite “Ramen” place since each is unique, so I suggest trying out different “Ramen” shops.
If you are the kind of person who is interested in working on challenging tasks projects, then AWL is the company for you. I am grateful and excited to be part of AWL, and I am sure many of you will also feel the same.
All of my colleagues have useful knowledge to share, so I learn a lot even by just talking to them. A culture of cross-departmental cooperation has been established within the company, allowing us to help each other achieve goals.
Interviews with other employees
