Ryan Chan

Engineering Leader, Building for How Japan Moves

Meet Ryan Chan
Engineering Leader, Building for How Japan Moves📦

Growing up in Hong Kong before studying Computer Science at UCLA, Ryan Chan began his Amazon journey as an intern. Over the next decade, he grew from software engineer to engineering manager, building and leading teams behind large-scale systems at AWS DynamoDB.

After nearly a decade in Seattle, Ryan relocated to Tokyo. Today, he leads Amazon Japan's Delivery Experience engineering team, building technology around how customers receive their purchases while adapting global ideas to the unique needs of Japan.

What are you currently building?

A smarter delivery experience for customers across Japan. Ryan's team works on everything from how delivery options are presented to making better use of existing delivery capacity based on factors like location, timing, and volume. His team recently helped launch “Add to Delivery,” allowing Prime members to add a forgotten item to an upcoming delivery.

What excites you about Japan?

The potential for technology and AI to improve everyday decisions. Whether someone is shopping for a product, car, or home, Ryan sees opportunities to make digital experiences more intuitive and personalized, helping people find the information that matters most to them.

A risk that changed your trajectory?

Moving from Seattle to Tokyo after nearly a decade at AWS. The move gave Ryan the opportunity to work on challenges unique to Japan while meeting people from a much wider range of industries and backgrounds. That diversity has become one of his favorite parts of living in Tokyo.

A habit that has had the biggest impact?

Tracking his health and staying curious. Ryan pays close attention to his steps, sleep, and activity, while using walks as time to reflect and listen to podcasts. When something sparks his curiosity, he looks it up immediately. GenAI has made that even easier, allowing him to explore unfamiliar topics and ask follow-up questions in the moment.

Advice for your 20s?

Don't put too much pressure on making the “right” decision. Even choices that don't work out as expected can teach you something. Give yourself time to learn, but don't let the fear of choosing wrong stop you from moving forward.