Dutch Excellence - Dutch Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong
Dutch Excellence - Dutch Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong
Dutch Excellence - Dutch Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong
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April / May 2013
Volume 163
Dutch Excellence
Interview with a Chief 4
Lilianne Ploumen, Minister for Foreign Trade and
Development Cooperation, Government of the Netherlands
Dutch Business Awards Gala 10
Hong Kong Fairy Tales Become Reality
Dutch Chamber Committees 20
The magazine for members of the Dutch
Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong
Unit 2402B, 24th Floor
Great Eagle Centre
23 Harbour Road
Wan Chai
Hong Kong
E-mail: info@dutchchamber.hk
Website: www.dutchchamber.hk
Skype: Dutchchamberhk
Editorial Committee
Alexander de Nerée tot Babberich (Chairman)
Candice Lee
Willem van den Ende
Mirjam Achthoven
Editor
Kristen Beattie
Desktop publisher
Jean Michel Caille
General Manager
Jacqueline Baud
Cover Design
Marleen Walz, TWIG
Advertisers
ABN AMRO
BLUE 8 PREMIUM
HEINEKEN
HKWJ TAX LAW & PARTNERS LTD.
ING COMMERCIAL BANKING
KLM ROYAL DUTCH AIRLINES
KPMG
LOYENS & LOEFF
ORANGEFIELD ICS
PHILIPS
RABOBANK
ROYALE INTERNATIONAL
WINESHOP ASIA
Contents
3 Chairman’s Note
4 News and Views
Interview with a Chief
10 Dutch Business Awards
20 Dutch Chamber Committees
26 Lifestyle
30 Members' Corner
32 Events
34 Enquiries and Information
35 Go Green
World Environment Week
36 Dutchcham Information
z This magazine is distributed free of charge to all members and relations of the Dutch Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong.
z For annual subscription, please mail your business card and a crossed cheque for HK$490 to the above address. Cheques should be made payable to “The Dutch Chamber
of Commerce in Hong Kong”.
z The content of this magazine is largely based on information from third parties. The editors do not necessarily agree with the views expressed therein. All rights are
reserved by the Dutch Chamber of Commerce. Permission may be granted for reprints in any format upon request.
z To enable us to improve our service and avoid multiple mailings or errors with company details, please send us your latest information so that we can update our database.
1
DutchCham Board of Directors
Mr Robert Scholten
Chairman; Managing Director & Country Manager Greater China
of ING Commercial Banking
Mr René Theil
Vice-Chairman and Chairman of the SME Committee;
Managing Director of Blue 8 Premium
Mr Arend Oldenziel
Treasurer; Principal of KPMG
Mr Alexander de Nerée tot Babberich
Chairman of the Public Relations & Publication Committee;
Local Partner, Stibbe
Mr Harold van Kooten
Co-Chair of the China Committee;
Special Counsel, Baker & McKenzie
Mr Daniël de Blocq van Scheltinga
Co-Chair of the China Committee;
Managing Partner of Polarwide Ltd.
Mr Tom Voûte
Chairman of the Membership Committee;
Chief Executive Officer of Algorithmic Trading Group Ltd.
DutchCham Advisory Board
Mr Wilfred Mohr
Chairman; Consul-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Mr K. K. Yeung Chairman of KK Yeung Management Consultants Ltd.
Mr Wiebo Vaartjes Chairman of Philips Electronics Hong Kong Ltd.
Mr Paul Zimmerman Founding member of Designing Hong Kong
Southern District Councillor
Mr Dennis Ziengs Senior Advisor, SwissRE
Mr Frank Koster CEO ING Insurance Asia Pacific
Mr Lodewijk Lamaison van den Berg
Senior Vice President of EFG Bank
DutchCham Office
Mrs Jacqueline Baud
General Manager
Ms Mirjam Achthoven
Marketing & Communication
Manager
Mrs Helen Yong
Office Manager
Excellence Prevails
Finally in March after months of
preparation, secret rounds of nominations
and general excitement, it
was time for the Dutch Chamber of
Commerce in Hong Kong’s “Hong Kong
Fairy Tale Business Awards Gala”.
If the feedback we got is anything to go by, this event was unanimously
received very positively. Not in the least because of the wonderful
program which kicked off with the world famous keynote
speaker, Jim Thompson, founding father of the Crown Group. His
story of how he grew his company from a small office in Japan is
an inspiration of excellence for anyone; Dutch or otherwise.
Our emcee, Case Everaert, seamlessly and expertly joined the
different parts of the evening together and our eloquent Daniel
Scheltinga finally relieved us from the suspense by revealing the
award winners with great gusto.
The real stars of the evening were of course the four extraordinary
award winners. These examples of Dutch ingenuity overseas show
us that wherever you are and whatever state the economy is in,
excellence prevails. Congratulations to our winners: Ricco
deBlank of Sun Hung Kai Properties, Randstad, Pieter Onderwater
of the Orange Tree and Manó Markovits of 3 P.M. These stories
of excellence were even picked up by the Dutch press; glowing
reviews of the Gala appeared in the Dutch paper De Telegraaf and
the magazine Quote. Many thanks to all involved in making this
event happen; not in the least our sponsors.
Having barely recovered from the Gala, the Chamber welcomed
Mrs Lilianne Ploumen, Minister for Foreign Trade and
Development Cooperation during her successful visit to Hong
Kong in early May. We are especially thankful to her for taking
part in the insightful interview with us, featured here on pages 4-
5. During her stay in Hong Kong, Mrs. Ploumen has very successfully
promoted Dutch expertise in environmental protection
and safety (including waste management technology); something
which has not gone unnoticed by the Hong Kong government.
We hope to welcome her again during her time in office.
It is not all fun and games at the Dutch Chamber. On 19th of June
2013 we will explain to all our members what we have achieved this
year and what we hope to gain in the next year during our AGM.
I hope that many of you will join this meeting; for which
Rabobank was so kind as to lend us their office. I would especially
like urge all our new members - and there are many this
year - to take part. Your suggestions and views will be invaluable
in setting the direction for our Chamber; which now is also
yours. Separate invitations to come in due course.
Happy reading and I look forward to seeing you on the 19th June.
Robert Scholten
DutchCham Chairman
Chairman’s Note
3
News and Views
Interview with a Chief
Lilianne Ploumen, Minister for Foreign Trade and
Development Cooperation, Government of the Netherlands
In November 2012, Lilianne Ploumen was appointed Minister
for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation,
Government of the Netherlands. We caught up with her to
find out more about her new position, her views on the new
monarchy and the importance of foreign trade and development
cooperation just as she is about to embark on her first
official visit to Hong Kong and China.
z By Kristen Beattie
How has your career path progressed over the years?
My career kicked off while I was still at university – I
began working as a community outreach worker in the
Crooswijk area of Rotterdam. Two years later I joined
the Institute of Psychological Market Research (IPM), working in
the statistics department and as a research project leader. In 1995
I founded the Ploumen Projecten, an organisation specialising in
market research and innovation for commercial and non-profit
clients and also began fundraising for ‘Mama Cash’, an
international fund supporting women’s initiatives, going on to
become director of the organisation from 1996 to 2001.
My career then took me to the development organisation
Cordaid, first as head of quality and strategy and later as
director of international programmes. I was Chair of the Labour
Party (PvdA) from October 2007 to January 2012 and on 5 th
November, 2012 I was appointed Minister for Foreign Trade
and Development Cooperation in the Rutte-Asscher
government.
What does your day-to-day work consist of? How
much travelling do you do?
Every day is different, but they are all dedicated to supporting
Dutch companies abroad in their trade activities, international
cooperation and expanding the mutual benefits of free, fair and
sustainable trade relations. Most of that work can’t be done
from behind a desk and requires me to travel intensively. This
year, I have some forty international trips planned.
Your Queen will abdicate on 30th April and hand over
the crown to her son, Willem Alexander. Have you met
the new King to be, Willem Alexander? How do you
think his monarchy will be different?
Just like his mother, Queen Beatrix, Crown Prince Willem
Alexander is a huge contributor to the excellent relations the
Netherlands has with other countries. Most visible is their
4
Lilianne Ploumen
leadership of numerous state visits and trade missions all around
the world. Over the past months I have accompanied them on
missions to Singapore, Brunei and Brazil. And the next one will
be soon after the coronation: to Germany in June.
The Netherlands currently has a high unemployment
rate. How can foreign trade and development cooperation
help the Dutch economy?
Our unemployment rate is around 6.5 percent, higher than we
are used to and indeed higher than China’s at 4.5 percent or
Hong Kong’s 3 percent. But it is moderate in comparison to the
Eurozone average of 12 percent or even the OECD average of
over 8 percent. Still, every unemployed person is one too many.
For the Dutch economy, trade is our way out of the crisis.
Foreign trade creates domestic jobs. We remain strong in being
the gateway to Europe, but for growth and economic
dynamism we look beyond our neighbors to countries like
China; and even beyond the BRICs to new markets in places
like Africa.
I believe you are planning a visit to China and
Hong Kong soon?
Yes, in early May I will visit Hong Kong and China. This will be
my first visit in the capacity of Minister for Foreign Trade and
Development Cooperation.
What do you hope to achieve during your visit to
Hong Kong?
During my visit, I want to learn more about the Hong Kong
economy and its synergies with ours. Trade relations between
Hong Kong and the Netherlands are already vibrant and
there is potential for much more. Already around 200 Dutch
companies have an office in Hong Kong; many of which use
it as a hub to service the rest of China and the wider Asia-
Pacific region. Strengthening these relations is in our mutual
interest.
Minister Ploumen visits Dutch drinking water company
PWN-Techologies in Singapore
To give an example, it seems there are
great opportunities for closer cooperation
in the waste management sector. Hong
Kong has sizable plans to overhaul its
waste management policies. It wants to
move away from landfills and focus more
on recycling and waste2energy plants.
During my visit some of our companies
and knowledge institutions will present
state-of-the-art technical solutions that can contribute to
implementing these plans.
How do you hope to develop the bilateral relationship
between the Netherlands and China?
Our relations cover a broad range of areas. The Netherlands is an
open, reliable and innovative country and foreign trade is crucial
to our economy. We are the second largest European trading
partner of China and we wish to further increase our cooperation.
Our knowledge and expertise in sectors like water, agro/food and
creative industries are well known all over the world. These are
also important sectors in China. With our expertise and
technology we can support China’s efforts to manage
urbanization, sustainability and technological development.
During my visit I will explore possibilities to increase cooperation
News and Views
A Philippine entrepreneur
explains her social business
model to Minister Ploumen
in these fields. I look forward to establishing a good relationship
with the new Chinese minister of Commerce and to work together
on promoting trade and investments between our countries. I will
visit Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu during my visit to the
mainland and intend to make regular visits to China.
What are you most looking forward to on this trip?
An important focus of my policy is making trade and economic
growth more sustainable and socially responsible. The world
faces an increasing number of problems that no state, company
or international organization can solve on its own, such as
climate change, extreme poverty, food insecurity and water
safety. China is an indispensable partner in this regard and I look
forward to exchanging views on how these problems can be
tackled.
5
News and Views
Good Food Made in Holland
Dutch Excellence - Leading in Innovation – Health and Sustainability –
Solutions for Global Issues
z By Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
The Netherlands is the second-largest exporter of agri-food
products in the world, only after the United States which
is 296 times bigger than the Netherlands. The Dutch
annually export 7.5% of global food exports. Hard work and
smart working practices have resulted in the highest added value
per FTE in Europe.
Priority sector
Companies, knowledge institutes and government work together
in the top team agri-food. The aim of this team is to help the
sector to continue to strengthen its sustainable, innovative and
internationally competitive edge. The agri-food sector generates
€ 48 billion in added value, which equals almost 10% of the
Dutch economy, and employs 660,000 people in total.
Europe or global?
More than 80% of the Dutch exports are destined for Europe,
primarily Germany and other neighbouring countries. However,
Dutch companies are venturing increasingly further abroad,
especially to the green fields of Asia. Everyone in Hong Kong has
heard of Friesland Campina. Except perhaps for the carefree Lan
Kwai Fung singles who deliberately ignore baby formula…
Safe urban food
In 2050, 70% of the world’s population will live in cities. This
puts enormous pressure on food production and food safety.
Metropolitan food security is therefore high on the international
agenda of researchers and governments. Dutch researchers are
making plans for sustainable urban food clusters on a global
scale. Wageningen University, for example, is advising on the
construction of Ecovalley on the outskirts of Beijing.
It is always a nice pastime to look at the websites of large
corporations and to read company slogans or pay-offs. Where
‘Sense and simplicity’ can be seen as a rather clear and practical
approach, ‘Make.believe’ (Sony) is already more spiritual. ‘Life’s
Good’ may be nicely abbreviated to its owner LG, but doesn’t
give any distinction at all. And could you tell what companies
use(d) the slogans: ‘Where do you want to go today’,
‘Imagination at work’ and ‘High Performance, Delivered’?
I believe a good slogan should set a company apart from the rest.
However, only few companies use such slogans. The reason
behind might be that most companies are having a hard time in
determining what their distinction is. What makes them excellent
innovators, manufacturers, distributors or service companies?
A good slogan is appealing, but also explains the unique selling
point of the company. Ebay makes it easy to trade: ‘Buy it, Sell
it, Love it’. Nescafe uses ‘Coffee at its Best’. M&M has ‘Melts in
6
It tastes like chicken
Flexitarians eat less meat than average or than they used to,
which means they can still eat more meat than the average
person… The Dutch company Ojah received the Dutch SME
Innovation Award for cleverly mixing compressed flour and
water. This product, called Beeter, is made from vegetable
proteins that take on a structure similar to meat when heated at
a high temperature. Beeter formula:
flour + water + heat = almost chicken. Great food for
flexitarians.
Crisis, what crisis?
Despite the economic difficulties of the last years, the Dutch
agri-food continues to grow. With growing awareness of food
safety and increasing purchasing power in Asia to buy the best
and most trusted foods and brands, the Dutch agri-food sector
will continue to thrive – and deliver quality food products to
Asian consumers.
Further reading:
Top Institute Food and Nutrition: www.tifn.nl
Dutch Federation of Agriculture and Horticulture: www.lto.nl/english
www.hollandtrade.com/business-information
Striving for Excellence Through Partnerships
z By Alfred Griffioen, Alliance Experts
your mouth, not in your hands’. And Nokia was ‘Connecting
people’, until Facebook started to help people not only to
connect, but also to share.
Creating a really unique proposition requires focus. Focus on
what your company can excel at. Medium-sized and smaller
companies especially need to direct all their efforts on their
cutting edge. If this is innovation and product development; then
find a partner for production and distribution. If you have a
distribution network, then find a partner who can provide you
with the right services.
What a pity for the marketing communication boys and girls!
The slogan should not be leading the company, it should just
follow what the company is good at. Whether it is ‘I’m loving it’,
‘Everything we do is driven by you’ (Ford) or ‘Specialists in
partnerships’, it starts with defining your own excellence and
leaving the rest to others.
News and Views
Nederlandse Vereniging
in Hong Kong
z By Rinske Kuiper & Ente Breed
Together with the Dutch Chamber and the Consulate
General, the Nederlandse Vereniging (Dutch Association)
forms the Dutch triangle in Hong Kong. And together we
make it very easy for the 6,000 Dutch people to survive in this
city!
The Nederlandse Vereniging was founded as a Dutch social
centre and to promote solidarity amongst the Dutch in Hong
Kong. The eight board members of the association and an
enthusiastic group of other volunteers put in a lot of effort to
make this happen. Together we do all we can to organise great
events, but it’s the more than 800 association members who
turn whatever we put on the calendar into successful
happenings.
Each of our board members has their own specific
responsibilities, which reflect the many duties of our
association. Gouke van Voorst is responsible for a smooth
organisation of all our events; the most crucial service to our
members. Mariska Kes practically knows all association
members by name, since she spends many hours working on the
membership administration. Hilde Kerstens is in charge of the
finances; she makes sure the costs we make are in balance with
8
the (moderate) membership fees and generous sponsor
donations. Ente Breed takes care of our communication on
Facebook, on www.nedverhk.com and in our digital newsletter.
He also is responsible for our magazine, the Hollandse Nieuwe,
which is created by a talented group of writers and designers.
Yen Fai Chau has been our faithful registrar for years; he
prepares our board meeting, takes its minutes and makes sure
we’re properly administered with the authorities. Yukki Ngay
keeps in touch with our sponsors, without whom our
association wouldn’t be able to thrive. Since the beginning of
this membership year, we have been working hard on creating a
new website. Roald Andersen has taken charge of this nice
project. And last, but not least, Rinske Kuiper has been our
chair for almost two years now. She keeps the board motivated
and helps the association stay healthy and growing.
All of the board members are involved in organizing events in
one way or another. With the help of many other volunteers, we
for instance arrange each year for the hero of all Dutch
children, Sinterklaas, to visit Hong Kong. We also go iceskating
and we hunt for Easter eggs in the garden of the Consul-
General. Knick knacks in need of a new owner are sold at the
Vrijmarkt, which takes place around Queensday (Kingsday
from next year).
Every first Thurday of the month, all Dutch Hongkongers and
their friends can meet at Linq on Pottinger Street for a drink
and a chance to meet new people. We also try to show a Dutch
movie each year. Last year we watched De Heineken
Ontvoering and this year we enjoyed Alles is Familie. You
definitely want to clear your calendar for our big events like
“Leids Ontzet” and our Orange Ball. This year, because of the
abdication of Queen Beatrix, the ball is named “Kroningsbal”
(Crowning Ball). It will be held on May 11 th and it’s promising
to be one very special night. Other things we organize include
excursions, comedy, coffee mornings, and Dragon Boat racing.
Besides all the events, we also make sure everyone is kept up-todate
on Dutch things that are going on in the city. We send out
digital newsletters with information we get from our members,
the Dutch Chamber, the Consulate-General, and other
interested parties. The magazine Hollandse Nieuwe is published
four times a year. It displays pictures and stories about the
events, and other subjects that connect Hong Kong with the
Netherlands.
It’s great being part of this group of Dutch enthusiasts who
share the ins and outs of the city that they have gotten to know.
Let us know you if would also like to participate!
Nederlandse Vereniging in Hong Kong
vz@nedervhk.com - nieuws@nedverhk.com
www.nedverhk.com
Facebook.com/nedverhkBy Rinske Kuiper & Ente Breed
ING Commercial Bank
When and where did you company start?
In the 19th century, ING Insurance started in its first venture in
Xiamen, China. The Hong Kong office has been open for more
than thirty years.
How many employees do you have in the Hong Kong
office?
ING Asia works with the concept of Greater China, consisting
of 3 branches in Taiwan, Shanghai, Hong Kong and a
representative office in Beijing. Around 200 employers work in
these four locations. On top of that, we have a minority stake in
the Bank of Beijing, the largest city commercial bank in China.
We were also the first bank to open a representative office in
Mongolia five years ago, which is a token of ING’s
entrepreneurship in Asia.
What makes your company unique?
ING has been active in this region for more than twenty years. We
are proud to say that a large part of our client base has been with
us for that same period of time. We have grown with our local
customers, which started as small, local players and have now
become large, global players. What makes ING stand out is its
excellent network in Europe and in Asia. Since we have long and
strong connections with our clients in both regions and have
extensive knowledge of their markets, we can come up with tailormade
solutions for Asian clients who would like to expand their
business in Europe and vice versa. What also makes ING different
is its loyal staff (many employees have been with us for more than
Business Awards Gala Sponsor
Robert Scholten and Jean-Charles Casier of ING talk to us about the history of the company, what makes them unique, about their
business in Hong Kong and why they are an example of Dutch Excellence.
10, 15 and in some cases even longer than 20 years (that's our
Chairman, Robert Scholten).
What is your company’s specialization in Hong Kong?
We are a true commercial bank with investment banking capabilities.
Main strengths include our international network, and expertise in
commodity finance (as do Rabobank, and ABN AMRO) and deep
understanding of sectors such Telecommunications, Transport,
Natural Resources and the Utility sector. Our client base is a mix of
state-owned enterprises, commodity traders, MNCs, financial
institutions and Blue Chips in HK and China.
What does Dutch Excellence mean to you?
Dutch Excellence means that we focus on building long-term
trust with our clients. Mutual understanding is very important to
us, as well as quick, direct and pragmatic execution of work.
Why is your company an example of Dutch
Excellence?
We do not only build trust and mutual understanding with our
clients, but also find it very important to build up a good
communication between the different departments within the
bank and across the offices in our cluster. The front office,
middle office and back office all work aligned, and together
form a very efficient chain. Collaboration is key.
What are your company’s future ambitions in Asia?
We want to be the preferred European bank for our customers.
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Dutch Business Awards 2013
Hong Kong Fairy Tales Become Reality
On Friday the 15th of March, 2013, the Dutch Chamber of
Commerce hosted its biggest, most prominent event of
the year: ‘the Hong Kong Fairy Tale Business Awards
Gala’. After entering the beautiful Star Room of the Langham
Place Hotel, sipping glasses of sparkling wine and greeting our
Prince on the White Horse, our Dutch kings and queens were
seated at one of the fifteen Fairy Tables. At their tables, our
guests could enjoy excellent wines and a five-course dinner, while
listening to the jazzy sounds of our live band and watching the
hilarious improvisational comedy show by 'The Three Dudes'.
The program of the night was opened by our honorary guest speaker
Mr. Jim Thompson, Founder, of the Crown Worldwide Group.
Starting off with only 1,000 USD in his bank account in 1965 and
having managed to expand his company to the largest privately
owned company in international removals today, Mr. Thompson’s
story is the perfect example of our idea of the Hong Kong Fairy Tale.
Inspired by stories like Mr. Thompson’s, we invited our own
Dutch companies and business leaders to share their fairy tales
with us. Over the past months, our jury interviewed many
different businesses and individuals, in search of examples of real
‘Dutch Excellence’ in Hong Kong.
We were very proud that on this Fairy Special Evening, we could
award two companies and two individuals for their outstanding
achievements and successes in this vibrant, fast and challenging city.
The Awards went to the following businesses and individuals:
• Dutch Multinational 2013: Randstad Hong Kong
• Dutch SME 2013: OrangeTree Restaurant
• Business Leader 2013: Mr. Ricco deBlank,
CEO of Sun Hung Kai Properties Hotels
• Special Achievement Award 2013: Mr. Manó Markovits,
Founder & CEO of 3 P.M.
The stories of these four winners have all made a unique and
inspiring contribution to the Dutch business community in Hong
Kong. Warm thanks go to all the other nominees who took the
challenge of sharing their fairy tales with us. We are proud to
have so many examples of Dutch excellence in Hong Kong, and
hope that this gala has inspired each of you to make your own
fairy tale become reality.
This fairy special evening could not have been possible without
the generous contributions of our sponsors. We would like to
thank our Frog Prince Rabobank, our Cinderella sponsors Loyens
& Loeff, ABN AMRO, Orangefield, ING and KPMG and our
Snow White sponsors Philips and Randstad. A big thank you also
to our fairy event sponsors: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Garuda
Indonesia, Hong Kong Philharmonic, Mandarin Oriental, Philips,
Sun Hung Kai Properties Hotels and Wineshop Asia. We would
also like to thank everyone who helped make this evening a great
success: our MC Case Everaert, the Gala Organisation
Committee, the Gala Jury Committee and the Jury.
Last but not least, we would like to thank all of you who
attended this event. Together with you, we made the Hong Kong
Fairy Tale Business Awards an unforgettable evening!
The net proceeds of the lucky draw ticket sales (39,400 HKD)
were donated to Bring me a Book Hong Kong.
10
Dutch Business Awards 2013
11
Dutch Business Awards 2013
Manó Markovits, Founder & CEO of 3 P.M.
Winner of the Dutchcham Special Achievement Award 2013!
We talked to Manó Markovits, Founder & CEO of 3 P.M. about the
challenges he faces operating a factory in Mainland China and as a
foreign investment company there, his company’s future ambitions in
the Region and how his family is settling into Hong Kong life.
z By Kristen Beattie
Can you tell us about your business?
3P.M. China Manufacturing Ltd produces mainly two types
of products (1) protective cases or accessories for mobile
phones (2) Display Phones which are the none working
mobile phones you find for example at SmartTone or other
telecom shops.
How long has your company operated in HKG?
3 P.M. Limited, a Hong Kong Trading Company, was found in
1996. In 2004 we established 3 P.M. China Manufacturing Ltd,
our manufacturing activities in China. In the mean time we
opened offices in the USA, Japan and soon in Korea.
What are the main challenges you face daily operating
a factory on the Mainland?
Ha Ha, I can write a book about the challenges I face in
Manufacturing. Running a factory in China makes it even
more adventurous. Our objectives is to translate the overseas
customers idea’s / requirements and design / build high end products
in a short period of time at a competitive price level. Translating the
Japanese or Western requirements and having it executed in mass
production by operators in the assembly lines require proper process
and tight process control. Furthermore, the ongoing manufacturing
costs increase, cost control and resource planning require a lot of
attention. Being a foreign investment company in China makes it
more challenging as our mainland competitors interpret the laws
and regulations in a different way than we can.
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We hear you family has recently joined you to live in
Hong Kong – how are they settling in?
Yes indeed, Barbara and my 11 years old twin daughters moved
to HKG. In 2009 we had a 3 months trial period and in 2010 we
moved to HKG for a “short” period. We are having a very good
time in Hong Kong and I’m very pleased to spend much more
time with the family than before. The very first year
was definitely the most difficult one for the three ladies at home
because of numerous reasons. Now the Markovits Family are
enjoying the Hong Kong lifestyle and love to explore the Asia
Pacific region during the holidays. The pollution in Hong Kong
is the main down side.
What are your company’s future ambitions in the
region?
We initiated activities in Korea and we expect to have our own
office in Seoul later this year. Furthermore, we see a healthy
increase in demand which would mean that we need to expand
our production capacity by means of a 2nd factory. Having that
said, we not that long ago learnt that the demand can plunge in
a very short period of time too. So we carefully look at short
term flexible capacity increase and long term solutions.
Any advice for budding entrepreneurs trying to set up
manufacturing in China?
Make sure you have good people around you who you can trust
100% and who have faith in your strategies.
Were you in Hong Kong before you started at SHKP
Hotels?
Iwas in Japan for 6 years before moving to Hong Kong;
although I did live in Hong Kong for my first time in the late
90’s. Having been here for the past 4 years I guess this is the
place I like to stay.
It is rumoured your style of management is ‘hands off’
– how does this translate to your day-to-day activities?
I think that a strong leader is one who does not micro manage
the business and has great managers around him or her. So my
day-to-day is rather spent on more strategic matters instead of
on organizational and operations issues.
Are you involved in executive hiring decisions for the
group's hotels? What qualities do you look for in your
staff?
Yes, I interview all our general managers of our hotels and look
for leaders that are hard workers and are committed to
delivering excellence. IQ is good but EQ is also equally
important. They have to be a people person. Lastly, I ask myself
if I would enjoy spending the evening having dinner with this
person - and if the answer is yes, I would probably know this
person would be a good fit.
Dutch Business Awards 2013
Ricco deBlank, CEO of Sun Hung Kai
Properties Hotels
Winner of Dutchcham Business Leader Award 2013!
We caught up with Ricco deBlank, CEO of Sun Hung Kai Properties
Hotels to find out more about his particular style of management,
what he looks for in an employee, which hotel he is most proud of
and how feels about winning this award.
z By Kristen Beattie
Which hotel in your portfolio are you most currently
most proud of and why?
That is a tough and unfair question, like asking which of my two
kids do I love more? But let me refer back to many years ago
when I met Enzo Ferrari and I asked him which of his Ferrari’s
was his favorite? I expected him to say the 1956 GTO …but he
said: The next one: it will always be better, stronger, faster, more
efficient, etc. So I guess my answer will be: My next hotel!
What does Dutch excellence mean to you?
Dutch excellence means people that are flexible, who can move
at a second notice, who will work very hard for a company
which they admire and stay with that company even if there are
other offers being presented. Dutch excellence is about having
fun and loving what you do. We, the Dutch don’t take ourselves
that seriously but we take our work very seriously. In general,
whenever one knows there is a Dutch person at the helm, you
can bet you are going in the right direction. And because we are
very competitive, in the most efficient way with the least effort
possible.
How did you feel about winning the award?
It is a great honor and my family were especially very proud.
Thank you.
13
Dutch Business Awards 2013
The Orange Tree restaurant
Winner of the Dutchcham Dutch SME Award 2013!
We talked to Pieter Onderwater, Owner and Head Chef at The Orange
Tree restaurant in Hong Kong about how he has managed to keep his
business going and profitable over the years in such a tough market and
what Dutch excellence means to him.
z By Kristen Beattie
How did you end up in Hong Kong?
Whilst working on a cruise ship as a cook, I came to
Hong Kong, really liked it and decided to stay. I found
a job at the Jockey Club as a chef where I worked for
a number of years.
How long has the Orange Tree been in business in HK?
We opened in September 1997 – it was the perfect time to set up
my own business. We are located high up on the Midlevels
escalator between Caine Road and Mosque Junction in Soho.
What kind of food does the restaurant serve?
The restaurant serves high quality Dutch and Continental food
made with the freshest imported ingredients available.
How have you managed to keep your business profitable
in such a tough market?
By being hands on in every aspect of the business, good
communications with suppliers, landlord and staff helped us
through tough times. The restaurant business in Hong Kong is
highly competitive so it is not easy for a small ‘niche’ restaurant
to run a profitable business.
What does Dutch Excellence mean to you?
Just try to do things as well as you can.
14
What percentage of your clientele is Dutch or European
versus local?
We are very lucky that 50 % of our guests are local, that has
always helped us.
How did you feel about winning the award?
Long overdue! No just joking, I feel very privileged to receive the
SME award, there are so many Dutch SME’s in HK, and it’s
great publicity.
Any plans to open another restaurant in Hong Kong –
or even in Singapore?
Not at the moment, but if the Orange Tree has to close at its
present location we will open elsewhere in Hong Kong.
Orange Tree Restaurant
17 Shelley Street
Mid Levels
Hong Kong
Restaurant@orangetree.com.hk
Tel 2838 9352
Fax 2524 0688
Opening Hours
Daily from 6pm
A private room is available for parties up to 20 guests
Randstad Hong Kong
Winner of the Dutch Multinational Award 2013!
What is Randstad’s main business?
Randstad specialises in the field of recruitment and
HR solutions. We are taking the lead in shaping the world of
work, by matching people with companies that will help
them develop their potential, and matching companies with people
who will work to develop their business. In addition, we support the
creation of modern and flexible labour markets around the world.
In Hong Kong, we cover 95% of the labour market and
currently in growth mode with our team and financial
results tripling in the last twelve months with continued growth
planned for 2013. Our business operations in Hong Kong are
focused on banking and financial service, information
technology, retail and luxury brands, procurement and supply
chain, accounting, human resources, sales and marketing,
business support and construction property and engineering. We
also provide a number of HR and recruitment solutions
including Recruitment Process Outsourcing, Managed Service
Programme, payrolling, employee development and
psychometric solutions to mention a few.
How long has Randstad operated in HKG?
We have grown from a “start up” with just under 50 headcount
and a revenue of $9M HKD in 2009 to over $40M HKD in 2012.
What makes the Hong Kong market unique?
Numerous benefits make Hong Kong unique, but at a practical
perspective it would be the ease of doing business, from setting
up a company swiftly through to engaging clients and driving
revenue. Also, in Asia companies and people are not afraid to
work hard, grow, develop, and improve themselves and the
company they work for. It gives great opportunities for
companies (and its people) to achieve above expectation. In this
vertical city, literally ‘the sky is the limit’.
Why is Randstad a good example of Dutch excellence?
It has been said for many years that people, not capital, is an
organisation’s most important asset. With this in mind we play a
critical part in assisting local, regional and global organisations
in finding the best talent, retaining and developing their people.
Throughout history, the Dutch have been recognised as avid
traders, bringing knowledge and goods to distant continents. For
over 52 years, we have shaped the world of work in the
Netherlands and have proudly ‘exported’ best practice labour
knowledge and research to the rest of the world. We provide this
information through our ‘World of Work’ annual report,
Dutch Business Awards 2013
We talked to Peter Yu, Associate Director - Banking, Financial
Services, HR & Information Technology at Randstad Hong Kong about
the Company, what makes the Hong Kong market unique and the
significance of winning this award. z By Kristen Beattie
quarterly ‘WorkMonitor’ reports, regular thought leadership
events (i.e HR Director Luncheons), the ‘Randstad Award’
employer branding research and surveys as well as other
qualitative and quantitative data and Whitepaper publications.
How did you feel about winning the award?
Our mission is ‘Shaping the World of Work’, so both globally
and locally having a positive impact on our community is an
important part of what makes Randstad unique. We are
immensely proud to have been recognised as one of the most
influential Dutch businesses in the Hong Kong community and
winning along-side well established Dutch brands like KLM,
Heineken and Orangefield ICS is a feat in itself.
What are your company’s future ambitions in the region?
Firstly, success is measured in a number of ways; financial
success (exceeding budgets and forecasts) is only one part. We
also measure people success in our engagement surveys. Brand
success is measured through analysing our brand recognition
and ‘share of voice’ in the media against our competitors.
Secondly, we operate in cyclical markets with structural growth.
Randstad aims to further strengthen its positions in the countries
we already operate in and indentify potential growth markets to
enter. Ultimately however, our strategy has been designed to
capitalize on the structural growth in the markets in which we
operate, while shaping the world of work as a whole, adhering
to our founding ethos ‘to know, to serve, to trust’, and always
applying our core value ‘striving for perfection and simultaneous
promotion of all interests’.
15
Business Awards Gala Sponsor
Rabobank Hong Kong
Rabobank talks to us about their main business in Hong Kong, their area of specialization, the significance of Rabobank’s Dutch roots
in shaping it to the company it is today, their presence in Asia, what makes them unique, the importance of sustainability and more.
How long have you been operating in HK?
Our presence in Hong Kong began 27 years ago, when we started
as a rep office which later became a full serviced bank.
What is Rabobank’s main business?
Rabobank International is the Rabobank Group’s international
banking wholesale and retail banking division, primarily focusing
on servicing food and agribusiness (F&A) companies and
commodity traders around the world. In 2012, EuroMoney
voted Rabobank the best soft commodity finance bank.
Rabobank has extensive knowledge at every step of the F&A supply
chain, – more F&A specialist knowledge than any other
financial services company in the world. That’s because
Rabobank has been financing agriculture for over a century, and
understands like no other the natural cycles of the F&A industry.
To what extent have its Dutch roots allowed Rabobank
to become the company it is today?
Rabobank has been funding farming and agriculture for more
than 110 years, since it was first established by farmers as a
Dutch co-operative in the 1890s. Today Rabobank Group is a
global leader in financial services, recognised for its F&A focus,
sound capital structure and sustainable business practices.
How strong a presence do you have in Asia?
Rabobank has more than 25 years’ experience financing food
and agribusiness in Asia, reflecting established networks, a deep
knowledge of and long term commitment to the region. Today
Rabobank has offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Japan,
Indonesia, Malaysia and India. Singapore services Thailand, the
Philippines and Vietnam, while the Shanghai business services
South Korea and Taiwan.
What makes Rabobank unique?
Rabobank is owned by 138 member banks in the Netherlands.
Our cooperative structure is founded on sustainable business
principals where customers come first. Our international network
connects food and agribusiness companies in Asia,- the
epicentre of food trade flows and the global demand for food –
to the rest of the world.
We partner with customers to provide innovative structured
finance and commercial banking solutions throughout the supply
chain. We have a deep understanding of Asia’s food and agribusiness
challenges and the needs of food and agribusiness customers.
16
Rabobank’s expertise lies in the Food and Agribusiness.
What are you doing to leverage on this expertise?
The food and agribusiness sector is in Rabobank’s blood so we’re
passionate about its future. Looking to 2050, the Asia region will
be home to 56% of the world’s population with the average consumption
of food per person expected to increase with income
growth in the future. Helping Asia’s food and agriculture sector
to grow efficiently and sustainably to meet this demand is a very
exciting opportunity for Rabobank. That’s why we’re sharing our
specialist food and agriculture knowledge, developing new
finance solutions and creating new strategies - to help Asia’s food
and agribusiness companies grow for tomorrow.
Rabobank International has a dedicated Food & Agribusiness
Research and Advisory team (FAR) comprised of a global team of
food and agribusiness professionals, offering clients local on-theground
Asian market knowledge. The FAR team analysis specialises
in seven commodities sectors - Animal Protein, Beverages,
Dairy, Grains & Oilseeds, Farm Inputs, Sugar and Value Added
Processing. We use this deep industry knowledge to benefit our
clients, sharing industry insights to enable clients to foresee market
developments and advising them on strategic business decisions.
Where in China are you operating?
China is one of the largest agricultural producers in the world.
Naturally, we are committed to growing our business in China.
Currently we have offices in Shanghai and Beijing.
How important is sustainability at Rabobank?
Sustainability is one of Rabobank Group’s core values. Our
roots in agriculture and co-operative structure means we are
especially aware of the need for sustainable development. We
specifically have a variety of teams dedicated to sustainability:
Renewable Energy & Infrastructure Finance, providing for sustainable
investment solutions and sustainability in the F&A supply
chain to name a few.
Why did you sponsor the Dutchcham Business Awards
Gala?
Rabobank is a Dutch bank and we feel that it is important to support
Dutch businesses in the local market where we are located.
Contact details:
Jeroen Nijsen – CEO Asia, Rabobank International
Claire Worp – Corporate Communications Manager
How Excellent Are We?
Ihad a whole thing written about how excellent our banking system is and
how utterly crap the banks in Hong Kong are. Our banks are a breeze to
work with, internet banking is simple and ATM cards are not suddenly taken
off the Cirrus network making it now possible to withdraw money while in Iraq
or Yemen, but leaving you penniless after having arrived at Schiphol Airport
(yes, HSBC, I am talking to you!).
But just when I wanted to submit my piece, ABN and especially ING
experienced nothing but trouble with their online banking, SNS Bank fell over
due to idiotic managers and our savings are no longer… safe. Back to the
drawing board!
When meeting foreigners, the first thing they will mention, is that we are
excellent football players. And we are. Or actually, they are, because I can’t
play to save my life. But then I recollected the horrible Euro-campaign in
Poland and Ukraine last year….
The Dutch are multilingual? Well, most try to be and unashamedly speak
Dutch loudly with a German accent and then claim to be fluent in German. I
have come across Dutch who will still ask for the ‘card’ or the ‘map’ in a
restaurant… And everyone knows someone having lived in Hong Kong for
over 5 years who still doesn’t know how to ask for the bill in Cantonese. We
are not afraid to speak a language, but fluently….? Not really. Nowadays,
there are even Americans that speak Putonghua rather well!
Are we great diplomats then? The last international diplomat we had will
mainly be remembered for allegedly pinching ladies’ behinds. I think Belgians
are the true diplomats as they never feel the need to tell everyone how things
are or should be. We just have very big mouths that get us places and make
sure we are not forgotten, but our straightforwardness often makes us step on
some toes over and over again. Still, we are adventurous and boldly go where
no-one has gone before; although society in the homeland is very
discouraging and disapproving of anything out of the ordinary.
But, I hear you say: in the 17th century we sailed the seven seas and fought
the many beasts! The VOC was the first multinational and we…. yeah, yeah,
but if Abel Tasman had not been such a slacker, Australians and Kiwis would
speak Dutch by now and don’t get me started on Manhattan... Who trades
New York City for Suriname, a great city for great food? Not sure.
Finally, I found it! Inventiveness!! To name a few Dutch inventions: the
microscope, telescope, fire hose, submarine, stock market, 4WD car, speed
camera, electric shaver, cassette tape, Laser disc and the CD-player all came
from Dutch minds. How excellent is that? I wonder what will be next.
News and Views
By Mark Scholz,
ms@presenttime.com
17
ABN AMRO
Capability-led Growth - ABN AMRO
Business Awards Gala Sponsor
Financial turmoil has reshaped the financial industry in the last few years. ABN AMRO today is a new entity created from
the legal merger of ABN AMRO’s former Dutch business and Fortis Bank Nederland in 2010. We have emerged as a smaller
but stronger and focused institution with scale and international growth ambition. We are a leading retail and commercial
bank in the Netherlands with a dual international strategy of supporting the activities of our Dutch clients around the world,
while also building the global positions of our capability led businesses: Energy, Commodities & Transportation (ECT), Private
Banking and Clearing. Today, we have 23,000 employees across 23 countries and territories, serving some 6.8 million clients.
Hong Kong, with all the above business lines present with significant and growing market positions, is a unique foothold of ABN
AMRO. One of the world’s premier financial centres, Hong Kong, has historically been one of the ABN AMRO’s most important
markets, particularly considering its role as gateway to and from China. Our goal is to continue this tradition and to grow ABN
AMRO in Hong Kong in line with our international ambition of capability led growth. In 2012, ABN AMRO opened a new
representative office in Shanghai focusing on supporting the clients in the region. The latest addition to the ABN AMRO Hong
Kong family is Escrow & Settlement, a vital service for all our clients in the above-mentioned businesses.
Aiming for excellence always, our clients in 2012 voted ABN AMRO the ‘Best Commodity Trade Finance Bank in Asia-Pacific’
in Trade Finance Magazine’s Awards for Excellence. ABN AMRO Private Banking Asia holds the title of ‘Overall Best Private
Bank in Singapore’ as well as the ‘Top 5 Best Global Private Banks’ in the Asiamoney Private Banking Poll 2012 – both awards
which are based on the votes of our high net worth individuals. In 2012, Datamonitor – which undertook a competitive
benchmarking and ranking of the world’s largest private wealth managers, also named ABN AMRO, one of the top 10 global
players in the Wealth Management Super League.
With a strong growth ambition in Asia and the Middle East, we continue to strive to offer our clients the best opportunities
presented by the regions’ growth, by combining our global strengths and local knowhow.
Left & top right: ABN AMRO office in the Netherlands Bottom right: ABN AMRO office in Hong Kong
19
Dutch Chamber Committees
Focus: Dutch Chamber Committees
China Committee
z By Harold van Kooten and Daniel de Blocq van Scheltinga
As one of the oldest committees of the Dutch Chamber, the
China Committee aims to inform the Dutch Chamber’s members
of the latest developments in Mainland China in the economic,
social, environmental and political field.
From its early days years before the handover to the present,
the members of the committee strive to uphold this aim by,
among other things, organizing the annual China Seminar
and a various, smaller events informal events.
Topics of the various events therefore tend to reflect current
affairs on the other side of the Sheung Shui border. Recent China
Seminars dealt with the increase of purchasing power of consumers
in Mainland China, the PRC’s blueprint for its development
based on its eleventh five-year plan, and, most recently, with
China’s ambitious outbound investment plans and its implications
for various regions that are on the receiving end of this
investment. The more informal events touched upon matters as
registration of a corporate China presence, practical strategies to
deal with disputes submitted to the People’s Courts, and tips on
investing in Chinese modern art and French wines. In all, a broad
range of subjects in each instance addressed by experts in the relevant
field, from CEOs, senior business executives from household-name
multinationals, economists and individual business
owners, to globe-trotting diplomats and reputable journalists.
Indeed, a diversity in topic and speakers that reflects the different
aspects of the PRC, the members of the Dutch Chamber and the
background and composition of the China Committee members.
The China Committee currently has seven members, being five
volunteers from the business community and Dutch Chamber
members Jacqueline Baud and Mirjam Achthoven. It is one of
the few committees that actually is co-chaired, namely by Daniel
de Blocq van Scheltinga, a seasoned banker and entrepreneur
with contacts in highest business circles in Beijing, and Harold
van Kooten, a jurist who has been dealing with legal issues in the
PRC for the last 17 years and currently is plying his trade with
Baker & McKenzie. Both chairmen spend considerable time in
the mainland, resulting in the decision to share the responsibility
to manage the China Committee. Other members include
Connie Leung of Intertrust and Maarten Koning of ING, who
both are based in Hong Kong. Diederik Maessen of De Brauw
provides support from the capital from time to time.
20
Every blue Monday, following good Dutch tradition, people
tend to challenge the relevance of the Dutch Chamber having a
China committee. The argument often is raised that everybody
tends to be far more familiar with China if compared with the
early days of the Dutch Business Association and that a focus on
a country rather than on a specialty or business sector therefore
seems to have outlived its usefulness. These dissenting voices are
useful and always welcome. (Who doesn’t like to win an argument?)
Although the title of this article actually already sums it
up quite nicely, it does not seem the right place to provide a
rebuttal. For those readers that are not convinced, it might be
best to keep an eye out on the activities that the China
Committee organizes and attend! Rest assured that if not the
event itself, then any member of the China Committee present
will be able give you your money’s worth and something to
remember.
SME Committee
We talk to René Theil, Chairman of the SME Committee about
how he got involved in the Committee, what its goals are and
what the Chamber means to him.
Ihave been in Hong Kong since January 2000.When I arrived
I was in the personal finance business which I left around
2005 to start my own companies. We are distributor in Asia
for a few niche Promotional / Premium Products which we
design and personalise in house. After years of operating as
PromoClip Asia we recently rebranded to BLUE 8 PREMIUM
LIMITED.
My function on the board is Vice Chairman. This was born from
the fact that our Chairman travels quite a bit and therefore I
could step in to attend functions and chair the chamber in his
absence. I have been active quite a number of years now indeed.
The goal of our Committee is predominantly to organise useful
and topical events for our SME Members - events that really
bring new knowledge and insights to our members in an
environment where they also have the chance to network and
connect with people. We also feel it our task to have our
members know each other’s businesses so we initiated the
‘Munch on the Move’ where companies can show (off) their
office, their business and share what they do and how they
achieved this all.
Then we make sure there are a few social events a year that do
have a business touch but are mostly to socially engage with one
another and have some drinks.
In the years I have been with the Chamber I have seen quite a
number of changes. We changed our mission statement and
really focussed on serving our members the way they like to be
served. We created many events bringing people together to
connect to share knowledge and develop business relationships.
Other changes are that we added new “special interest”
platforms for our members. The need for this is changing all the
time with people wanting to focus, network and connect with
likeminded others.
The Chamber means quite a bit to me. As a Dutchman in Hong
Kong and a business owner, it is great to network, connect and
build relationships with other Dutch businesses and share and
exchange knowledge, feedback that is helpful to run our
business in this very dynamic and fast moving city. I have the
privilege to be part of bringing people together through my
functions in the Chamber, something which is also fulfilling on a
personal level. Then of course there is also the fact that it is
sometimes nice to just “talk Dutch” and drink beer with fellow
Dutchmen and women!
Women in Business
Find out more about what the Women Committee does, why our
members feel it’s important for women to have dedicated events
for women and details of some of these events:
Agroup of executive women within the Dutch Chamber of
Commerce, Jacqueline Baud, Henrike Hartemink and
Maaike van Meer, have taken the initiative to organize
dedicated events for women as the “Dutch Chamber - Women in
Business”. The goal of this group is to network and socialize and also
to support leading business women in Hong Kong.
This initiative coincides with initiatives in Hong Kong to promote the
participation of women in boards. Following a market consultation
in the Autumn of 2012, the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing
decided last December it will require all listed companies to report on
their board diversity policy as of September 2013. Other initiatives
followed, such as the launch of the 30% Club in Hong Kong by the
Women’s Foundation in March of this year, established by 41
Leading Chairman as founding members, which aims to support
sustainable business-led voluntary change to improve the current
gender balance on Hong Kong boards.
Dutch Chamber Committees
A first luncheon was held on November 7, with guest speaker Dr.
Nirmala Menon, Head of South Asia at ING Insurance Pacific.
Before moving to Hong Kong, Dr. Nirmala Menon was the wellknown
first female CEO of ING Insurance Malaysia. She has been
running diversity programs within ING and shared her journey with
a group of over 20 business women.
Maaike Steinebach, Country Executive ABN Amro Hong Kong, was
the guest speaker of the next Women in Business luncheon, an
invitation-only event held on April 17. The theme of Maaike’s
presentation was Leadership dilemmas.
Membership Committee
Membership Committee’s Chairman, Tom Voûte talked to us
about his role within the Chamber, what it means to him and
the activities and goals of the Membership committee.
What is your name, what do you do and how long have
you been in Hong Kong?
I’m Tom Voûte. My company is Algorithmic Trading Group
(ATG) Ltd since 2009 with 15 employees in Hong Kong and an
office in The Netherlands and Curacao. My wife and I have been
in Hong Kong for 6 years now and have 3 children of 6, 4 and
2 years old.
21
Dutch Chamber Committees
What is your function in the board and why?
I am the chairman of the Membership Committee and I am a
member of the board because that chairman is by default a
member of the board.
How long have you been active within the Chamber?
I became a member of the Dutch Chamber in 2009 because I felt
that Dutch Chamber was the business version of the Dutch
Association. I prefer to talk business over beer rather than
housing and children over beer.
Have you seen a lot of change within the Chamber
while being a board member?
I like the quality of the activities. Not only content wise, but also
the caliber of the participants makes these a great networking
opportunity.
What does the Chamber mean to you?
To me, the Chamber means learning and networking.
What are the activities and goals of the Membership
Committee?
The Membership Committee is made of Matthew Hoyle, Ellen
van Haandel, Bram Eijsbouts, Baud, Mirjam Achthoven and
myself. We market the Dutch Chamber to new and old business
people in Hong Kong – to allow them to expand their
knowledge and network. We invite anyone interested in finding
out more, for drinks every last Tuesday of the month.
If you know any people interested, bring them along. We start at
6pm. Normally there are 10-20 people and we don’t go home early!
22
PR & PUB Committee
For seventeen years Jean-Michel Caille has published and
printed the Dutch Chamber magazine; making him one of the
most enduring elements in the Dutch Chamber history. About
time we speak with Jean-Michel in detail about his work.
When did you set up your company, Encre de Chine?
In 1992, I set up my first company Printing in Asia Limited in
Hong Kong; then Encre de Chine Limited in 2001 when we
moved to Dongguan City.
Before you moved from France, did you also work for a
printer there?
I am from a printing family. My grandfather started the business in
1953 and my father followed his footsteps. I worked as an
apprentice in the family factory in order to learn the trade from an
early age. I started with folding & binding sheets of paper to setting
up a 4-colour print press. After I graduated I worked in the family
business for 7 years until the plant burned down in an accident.
I learnt desktop publishing from my mother using a machine
called “Compugraphic”. This machine could print text on film
directly. After that we would mount the film together with the
photo film registration by hand and make the offset plates
necessary for printing.
Our main business in France at that time was catalogues for
Auctions with reproduction of the paintings. My father’s company
was one of the appointed printers of the Auctioneer Chamber in
Paris. When I move to Hong Kong, I invested in an Apple computer.
What are the advantages and disadvantages
of having your company based in
Dongguan?
The advantage is the proximity to many types of
factories in the Guangdong area with a decent
quality standard. It is very important because we
can conduct tight and frequent quality controls on
our projects and respond faster in case of
problems.
Here’s a story. In 2007, the labor shortage started in
Southern China. Even our main partner scaled down
from 10,000 to 1,500 workers. That year we had a
tender of 12.5 millions gift packets to be produced
within 2.5 months during the summer peak season; a
project with a value of 1 million euros. The designs were
complicated and involved difficult materials and a lot of
handwork.
One month and half before the deadline, my printing partner
could only put 10 workers on this project instead of the 500
originally planned. The only solution to meet the deadline was to
split the job among several sub-contractors. So we worked 16hour
days to control the quality and monitor the progress of those
6 suppliers, around over Shenzhen and Dongguan. During those 6
weeks, we drove over 20,000 km for the daily rounds. We
managed to make the deadline, and client was happy with the
quality.
We even flew to the client’s warehouse in Paris when the twelve
40’HC containers had arrived - just to make sure that the
Dutch Chamber Committees
products were physically there
and in good shape. The
warehouse manager took a
photo of us in front of the
open container, which he
framed and kept in his office.
After that project we stopped
bidding for this tender as the
labor shortage persisted and
the risk was too high.
The disadvantage is that we
have to travel almost 2 hours
back to Hong Kong for good
restaurants.
In what ways did you contribute to making the Dutch
Chamber magazine as it is today?
I always enjoy the energy that the editor and the Dutchcham
team put into the magazine. It is a team effort that makes it what
it is and it’s been a pleasure to be part of the team.
Is there a funny story you would like to share with us
about working with the Dutch Chamber through the
years?
Not a funny story, but a fortuitous one. I remember for the first
Award Event, Lottie my business partner (who’s also an artist)
did some sculptures of tulips as the Award trophies, and I made
the packaging boxes. After that project, our gift packaging
business started to bloom and we produced about 1,500,000 box
sets in these few years. The tulip turned out to be a lucky flower!
23
Business Awards Gala Sponsor
Loyens & Loeff
When and where did your company start?
After about half a year of preparation, Loyens & Loeff started
in February 2012 with a grand opening in our brand new office
on the 28th floor on 8 Wyndham street, Central. Ambassador
Rudolf Bekink and Consul General Robert Schuddeboom
officially opened our office, together with our managing partner
and myself in the presence of some 200 guests. We have been up
and running since.
Our roots go back to the beginning of the 20th century. Since the
merger in 2000 between the tax advisers of Loyens & Volkmaars
and part of the law firm Loeff Claeys Verbeke, we are the largest
firm to offer widespread integrated legal and tax advice in the
Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.
How many employees do you have in the HK office?
As the largest Benelux law firm, the vast majority of our lawyers
and advisors work in the Netherlands and also Luxembourg and
Belgium. In the eleven offices outside the Benelux, we work with
smaller teams to assist clients in the local market. We found it
utmost important to start with a full legal team in Hong Kong
lead by two senior partners and currently have three associates.
The team is supported by one office manager, so six in total.
What makes your company unique?
We are an independent international full-service law firm
specialised in providing legal and tax advice to enterprises,
24
financial organisations and governments. The unique
collaboration between our tax and legal advisers works to the
client’s advantage, as issues are tackled from different angles,
creating synergy and increasing efficiency. The combination of
transaction capabilities and deal (and group) structuring from
a tax perspective, is unmatched in our field.
What is your company’s specialization in Hong Kong?
We particularly focus on advising multinational corporations,
major financial institutions, private equity and real estate
investment funds, fund managers, high-net-worth individuals,
and others doing business in Asia on their cross border
transactions, in particular outbound investments.
Why is your company an example of Dutch Excellence?
Loyens & Loeff has a long history of exploring possibilities
abroad. About 40 years ago we were one of the first foreign
law firms to set up an office in New York.
Many others followed us since. We have continued this ever
since. Also in Hong Kong, we were the first Dutch law firm to
open here in Hong Kong and focus on a new market in Asia:
outbound investments.
What are your company’s future ambitions in Asia?
We want to increase our Asian client base and build-up the same
reputation we have in the Benelux and other countries we are
present in.
Orangefield ICS
When and where did your company start?
Our history as Orangefield began in the late 1970s with ING Trust
in The Netherlands. A decade later, the Hong Kong office was
established. In 2001, ING Trust acquired the Dutch company Intra
Beheer, and ING Trust Luxembourg later merged with BBL Trust in
2003. Supported by an investment company in 2007, the activities
of ING Trust worldwide continued under the name of Orangefield.
Since then, we have strategically expanded our network with offices
across Asia, Africa, Americas, Europe and the Caribbean. Our head
office remains in the Netherlands, Amsterdam.
In 2012, Orangefield Hong Kong acquired ICS Trust, and
renamed it to Orangefield ICS. Adding to our global offering is
over 30 years of experience in Doing Business in China.
What makes your company unique?
It is not a cliché that the people makes the company, especially
in the services’ industry, and in our case, it really does, which
ultimately comes from us being part of a global group that is
Dutch based whilst being tolerant of the various customs and
cultures whilst doing business. Moreover, we feel that our
entrepreneurial, “can do” attitude meets the needs of our client.
Why is your company an example of Dutch Excellence?
We continuously aim to build upon our international reputation
by being an expert in our field of business and in providing
Business Awards Gala Sponsor
exceptional service to all our clients across the world. With 19
offices spanning the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, Caribbean
and still expanding, we are in an excellent position to serve our
clients with a range of tailored solutions while still remaining a
Dutch organization with Dutch staff in key positions within our
company
As a global company and global citizen, we actively play a part
in bridging the different cultures whilst taking advantages of
opportunities that arise to facilitate a global marketplace. One of
our core services, Doing Business in China, creates a channel
that connects western companies with China, and similarly,
China with the outside world.
What are your company’s future ambitions in Asia?
Towards 2013, Orangefield ICS has plans for both the global
and local markets in relation to Asia. Globally, to provide
support to the many Canadian and European clients that are
doing business in China for the first time. Locally, we launched
a Shanghai office last year and will be looking to open more
offices in China soon to assist mainland businesses in exploring
international markets.
Further, we pay a lot of attention to the developments within
China and the opportunities this will bring to us to support
Chinese clients doing business abroad. We have seen similar
developments with other countries in the region (Japan,
Korea, Taiwan) and will strive to create successful
relationships with clients and business partners in these
emerging economies.
25
Lifestyle
Of Course We Play Rugby
z By Case Everaert
Diederik Blanken and Mick van den Heuvel of Valley Fort U6
with England Player Mike Ellery.
The question is always the same and almost sounds like an
accusation: “Case, why on earth is a Dutchman running
the mini rugby in Hong Kong? You guys don’t even play
rugby.”
Of course we play rugby! I was always a bit low on ammunition
to tackle this statement until the recent 2013 Hong Kong Sevens.
That’s when the Dutch Ladies Sevens team showed up in Hong
Kong and thrashed Singapore and China to make it to the Cup
semi-final. Unfortunately, the girls were beaten by Australia or
we would have had a Dutch team play rugby in Hong Kong
stadium for the first time since 2003. The Dutch Sevens Ladies
went on to win the bronze medal, a great effort from the team.
The success of the Dutch Ladies in Hong Kong may come as a
surprise to some but Holland have had a good ladies Sevens
team for quite some time now. Our girls are well on their way to
Olympic qualification and are within shouting distance of a
bronze medal.
26
Dutch Sevens Ladies
The Sevens Ladies with the young Dutch rugby
crowd on the staircase of the residence.
HKSRFUR Level One Referee Ralph Ybema and his
daughter Anjalika of the South Lantau Buffaloes.
It was therefore appropriate that Consul-General Wilfred
Mohr invited the Dutch Ladies to his residence when they
arrived in Hong Kong before the Sevens. A larger than
expected crowd awaited them there: the Dutch rugby playing
children and their parents had been invited to come to The
Peak to welcome the team and they turned out en masse. At
one stage the garden looked like a rugby field as the national
team started throwing an oval ball around with the kids. It was
great to watch.
There are many Dutch youngsters playing rugby in Hong Kong.
Youth rugby consists of mini rugby (age 5 through 12) and colts
rugby (age 13 through 18). Quite a few people arriving from
overseas will be surprised at the popularity of the mini rugby
programme in Hong Kong and the enormous amounts of kids
that play it. The Hong Kong Mini Rugby Football Union
(HKMRFU) is the Guinness World Record holder for most
children ever playing rugby together in a tournament (2,610)
which was set in October 2010.
Double Dutch: HKMRFU Chairman Case Everaert
and Hong Kong U19 National Squad player Sjors Laurijsen
The HKMRFU consists of 20 mini rugby clubs, spread all over
Hong Kong. No matter where you live, there’s always an
opportunity for a child to play rugby. In the south there’s Valley
Fort in Stanley, up north close to the border with Shenzhen you
will find the Flying Kukris, in the east reside the Sai Kung
Stingrays and in the west you will find the Discovery Bay Pirates
and South Lantau Buffaloes. All these clubs have Dutch kids
playing for them.
Some of them play very well. Julian Onderwater was part of the
Discovery Bay Pirates team that won the Richard Hawkes Cup,
Lifestyle
We’re not only active on a
playing level. On an
organizational level Ralph
Ybema has become a Level
One referee who refereed
at the Youth Showcase
during the recent HK
Sevens
the season trophy for U12, and Joeri Brons won
the Bowl for the same club. And we can all be
excited that there is a Dutch player representing
Hong Kong at U19 level: Sjors Laurijsen
recently went on tour with the Hong Kong
national squad to Taiwan where he won “Man
of the Match”.
We’re not only active on a playing level. On an organizational
level Ralph Ybema has become a Level One referee who refereed
at the Youth Showcase during the recent HK Sevens while I have
been chairman of the HKMRFU for the past two years.
In the coming years I expect more and more Dutch players to
make their mark on the local rugby scene, including girls. And
you never know, one of them may eventually be able to join the
Dutch Ladies Sevens team and represent The Netherlands at the
2016 Olympics in Rio.
27
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Wine Shop Asia’s climate-controlled Hong Kong warehouse stocks all of the listed wines which can be delivered anywhere in Hong Kong
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Register on the site as a member to receive special offers and invitations to wine tasting events and dinners with winemakers! The Vice
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28
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Lifestyle
Third Culture Kids (TCK’s)
z By Barbara Markovits-Spaans, Managing Director of the Dutch School De Oranje Sampan Hong Kong (directeur@oranjesampan.org).
Children in Hong Kong know all about achieving
Excellence, which is the subject of this year’s issue of
DutchCham Magazine. Upon my arrival in Hong Kong,
now 3 years ago, I was very surprised to see young children
receiving extra tuition at the age of 3 in order to excel, be it at
the English language or playing the violin.
Still, it turned out to be contagious, because no parent wants
their child to be behind in their development. If you are hoping
to be accepted at a good international school in Hong Kong,
tuition could be considered an important part of preparation.
Further, extra Dutch language lessons are important to keep
their Dutch roots while growing up as a Third Culture Kid.
Since the term Third Culture Kid (TCK) was coined by
sociologist Ruth Hill Useem in the 1960’s, TCKs have become a
heavily studied global subculture.
After WWII more and more people started moving away from
their home countries. Initially this was mostly military staff, but
this shifted gradually with more and more executives who took
their families to exotic places.
TCKs are children who live abroad with their parents. They are
exposed to a wide diversity of cultural and educational
influences causing them to become internationally-oriented. The
child is developing and does not identify with the first or second
culture (stipulated below). TCK’s have more in common with
one another, regardless of nationality, than they do with non-
TCK’s from their own country.
1. The first culture is about citizenship
2. The second all about which countries they live in.
3. The third is all about community, others with the same
experience growing up internationally.
The advantages of these global citizens are that they connect
with others easily, they are generally highly sociable as well as
having the ability to speak several languages. They observe,
adapt easily and appreciate diversity.
Disadvantages of this lifestyle may become apparent during
adolescence or when TCKs go back to The Netherlands for their
further studies. They are often not familiar with the Dutch
cultural norms. Many TCKs take years to readjust to their
passport countries. They often suffer a reverse culture shock
upon their return, and are often perpetually homesick for their
adopted country. Many third culture kids face an identity crisis.
The sense of identity and culture is lacking, they experience
problems figuring out who or what they are, where they belong
and where they are from.
Culture is learned behaviour which influences our way of
thinking, feeling and our behaviour in general. Culture even
influences our perception and our judgment of others. If we, as
parents don’t spend enough attention raising our children with the
Dutch language and culture, they will eventually disassociate from
their background. Continue to speak Dutch at home, expose them
to Dutch language by reading to them or having them read Dutch
books themselves, play Dutch music in the car, watch Dutch TV
like ‘Jeugdjournaal’. Besides language skills, cultural values can be
taught by honouring Dutch traditions and customs and by going
on holiday in the home country. All these tools combined can help
children to continue to identify with their background.
In Hong Kong, there are three Dutch schools which offer Dutch
language and culture lessons to children aged 4-12 years. We
offer Dutch library books, Computer Assisted Learning and an
opportunity for children to socialize with other Dutch children.
The home environment is paramount and for that reason a
prerequisite for acceptance is that Dutch is spoken consistently by
at least one parent and that the child has a foundation in the
Dutch language with reasonable age appropriate vocabulary. It is
wonderful to see that several Dutch fathers with foreign wives try
their best to have their children attend Dutch School every week!
Of course the students don’t always feel like coming after a full
day at the international school, but attending Dutch lessons does
provide opportunities for them. A good alternative to attending
Dutch School is the educational programme “Edufax” through
the Internet. Language is culture too! This has been a reason for
me as a parent to become involved with the Dutch School and to
continue to stimulate children to stay connected with Dutch
language and culture. This way, they can achieve Excellence in
their native language!
Books to read about this topic:
• David Pollock and Ruth van Reken; “Third Culture Kids”
(the experience of growing up amongst worlds)” explain
what these children and youngsters experience when
transitioning to their passport culture, university and young
adulthood.
• Marjanne Simons; ‘Opgroeien in het buitenland’, and ‘Terug
naar Nederland’ (for parents)
• Marjanne Simons; ‘Ik heb het niet bedacht...’ (for 10+
children)
• A beautiful documentary in English: “Les Passagers: a TCK
story” by Kalen Haymen. It is about what TCK’s are and
their search for their “home”.
Websites:
• www.en.wikipedia.org
• www.drieculturen.blogspot.hk (interesting for teens and parents)
• www.Edufax.nl
Children in Hong Kong can be guided by means of a playful
workshop. A child behaviour specialist and Dutch psychologist
have developed workshops to stimulate confidence in children.
More information: www.happykids.com
29
Members’ Corner
NEW SME MEMBER
Roger KAM – R & T Consulting Group
R & T Consulting Group is a professional consulting firm
comprising of experienced Professional Consultants
specialized in business consulting and compliance services.
Through our Hong Kong headquarters and our branches in
Shanghai, Shenzhen and Beijing, our regional teams focus
on delivering local knowledge and global reach to assist
global clients to manage local compliance and reporting
obligations. Our bespoke compliance services include, but
are not limited to, business set up and maintenance,
accounting, tax reporting and consulting. Other business
consulting services include M&A and transaction advisory, due diligence, investment
advisory, business restructuring, cross-border tax optimization, financial advisory
and cost management services. We operate together with our twin core firm, Roger
Kam & Co. Certified Public Accountants (Practising) (www.rogerkam.com). Thanks
to our China offices R & T Consulting Group can benefit from a strong presence in
the Chinese market, providing our clients with the best expertise for business
consulting and regulatory compliance. In addition to our service portfolio, our
regional teams in China are able to provide the most effective solutions for company
set-up and maintenance and local taxation compliance, in full accordance with
outstanding legislation. Most of our clients come from overseas, including major
European and Asian countries. We are also a founder member of a strategic alliance
in major Asian cities and have a strong joint venture with a renowned European
consulting group for providing global business advisory services to our international
clients. All these enable us to offer a truly comprehensive solution to your business.
• Room(s) 301-303, 3/F., Golden Gate Commercial Building,
136-138 Austin Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kownloon, Hong Kong
Tel. +852 3105 8968 – Fax +852 2381 3938
info@rnt-consulting.com – www.rnt-consulting.com
NEW SME MEMBER
Oscar SALET – Alliance Experts
Alliance experts is a unique consultancy that focuses
on creating and optimising partnerships and strategic
collaboration. We are headquartered in The
Netherlands with branches in Hong Kong and
Singapore.
Strategic collaborations and partnerships can have
benefits to almost any type of business that seeks
expansion or growth; with limited investment, a
company can build a partner network for product
development, distribution or for achieving economies of scale. Alliance
experts has developed tools, workshops and benchmark data to simplify
and add transparency to the partnership strategy, search and development
process. With our focus on partnership advice, we are a leading party in the
field in East Asia.
The Hong Kong branch facilitates incoming business development projects
out of the EU and ASEAN, advising clients on their China strategy and
paving the way for their expansion. It also acts as the front office for East
Asian clients that need strategic advice and assistance with business
development into ASEAN and EU markets.
• Room 907, Silvercord Tower 2, 30 Canton Road,
Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 5348 5336 - oscar.salet@allianceexperts.com,
www.allianceexperts.com
30
NEW SME MEMBER
Mars MA – Trans Global Logistics Group Ltd.
As a 15 year veteran of the Logistics industry, I
recently joined Trans Global Logistics, a leading
Asia-based 3PL based company. With our expansive
network in Asia and in the US, TGL is uniquely
positioned to service the ‘Gateway to Europe’, the
Netherlands, through a strategic partnership with a
leading Dutch based logistics company.
Having spent a considerable part of my professional
career developing logistics solutions to and from the
EU, I am acutely aware of the challenges associated with this region and the
ability to address those opportunities with a company that specializes in the
U.S. and Asia trade lanes is something I am extremely excited about.
My colleagues and I can provide comprehensive and customized solutions
to help your company get your products to the right market at the right
time.
For more information, please feel free to contact me at
mars_ma@tglogistics.net or visit us at www.tglogistics.net
• Unit 2512 - 25, 25/F, Metro Plaza Tower One
223 Hing Fong Road, Kwai Fong, Hong Kong
Tel. +852 2375 5922 – (+852 2375 5755)
mars_ma@tglogistics.net – www.tglogistics.net
NEW ASSOCIATE MEMBER
Arthur SCHOOF – APM Terminals
My name is Arthur Schoof and I am Client Director
for APM Terminals. APM Terminals is one of the
top-3 leading container terminal operators in the
world and part of the A.P. Moller Maersk Group
based in Copenhagen (Denmark). APM Terminals
has its global headquarter in The Hague since 2005
and operates a sales office in Hong Kong to cover its
Asian customers. I moved to Hong Kong in mid
2012 after having lived in Shanghai for 3.5 years.
APM Terminals operates more than 60 ocean terminals at all continents
except Australia, and even more inland facilities as container depots, repair
and reefer inspection facilities. My job is to work close to five of our Asian
customers to attract their business to any of the facilities we manage in the
world. In Rotterdam we are already operating a container terminal, while
we are developing a new fully-automated facility at Maasvlakte II.
• 10/F, Miramar Tower, 132 Nathan Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Tel. +852 3765 2276 – Fax +852 2972 0627)
arthur.schoof@apmterminals.com – www.apmterminals.com
NEW ASSOCIATE MEMBER
Odette UMALI – Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd.
Odette came across the Dutch Chamber of Commerce
when she led the coordination of the Global Field Study to
the Netherlands by her Executive -MBA class at the Chinese
University of Hong Kong (CUHK). She is set to complete
the program by July 2013. She also recently completed the
Adult Training and Education Course from the Hong Kong
University.
However, Odette is not a professional student. She has been
connected with Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. for more than
15 years and is currently a Learning and Development Executive in its In-flight
Services Department. She has handled flight attendant training for First Class,
Business Class and Economy Class as well as some specialized courses.
Odette likes to learn continuously and share her learnings with others. She is one of
the founders of SeaTack Ltd, a venture dedicated to making sailing as a corporate
team building and leisure activity. She is also an Anusara-certified Yoga instructor.
• 2nd Floor Central Tower, Inflight Services Department
N0. 8 Scenic Road HK Int'l Airport, Lantau, Hong Kong
Tel. +852 2747 2541 – Fax +852 2141 6614
odetteaaa@gmail.com – www.cathaypacific.com
NEW MEMBERS OF THE DUTCH CHAMBER
NEW CORPORATE MEMBER:
TELSTRA GLOBAL
Contact: Martijn BLANKEN – Managing Director
Address: 43/F, One Island East, 18 Westlands Road, Quarry Bay,
Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2531 0588 – martijn.blanken@team.telstra.com
Website: www.telstraglobal.com
NEW ASSOCIATE MEMBERS:
NUTRECO ASIA CO. LTD.
Contact: Rik VAN WESTENDORP – Finance Director
Address: 3304, 33rd Floor AIA Tower, 183 Electric Road
North Point, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 9878 6725 – rik.van.westendorp@nutreco.com
Website: www.nutreco.com
MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS STANDARD
CHARTERED BANK
Contact: Lodewijk MEENS – Managing Director
Address: 25/F Standard Chartered Bank Building
4-4A Des Voeux Road, Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2820 3789 – lmeens@gmail.com
Contact: Maaike VAN MEER
Address: House E, 37 Tung Tau Wan Road, Stanley, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 9682 5515, maaike_van_meer@hotmail.com
NEW OVERSEAS MEMBER
Rob CRINS – GBO PROJECTS BV.
Members’ Corner
GBO PROJECTS is a full service production company
founded in 2008 in extension to the services of GBO
DESIGN, founded in 1989. GBO PROJECTS takes care of
product implementation, tooling, production, assembly,
packing, quality control, logistics, warehousing and
financing.
Having worked with experienced production partners in
Europe and Asia for years and years, the whole process
from design to production is safe with us. GBO
PROJECTS’ one-stop-shop approach has reinforced our current network of suppliers
and partners. This network enables us to lead projects from offices in the
Netherlands, Belgium and Hong Kong under Dutch management. These projects
include professional and consumer products, components, premiums and
packagings.
Clients are multinationals and SMEs like Bavaria, Bosch, Bruynzeel Storage Systems,
Campbells, Coca Cola / Chaudfontaine, Dagravit, DCVF, Dremel, eldoLED,
Ergonomique, Fatboy the Original, FrieslandCampina, Mutracx, Neways, PostNL,
Print Point Displays, Royco, SeeMe Displays, Smaac, Spirotech, Tele2, Van de Velde,
Van Gansewinkel, Vemedia etc.
• NL Office: Wethouder den Oudenstraat 6
5706 ST Helmond, The Netherlands
B Office: Vlaamse Kaai 76, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
HK Office: Fu Fai Commercial Centre, 27 Hillier Street
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Tel. +31 492 599555
rcrins@gbo-projects.eu – www.gbo-projects.eu / www.gbo.eu
NEW SME MEMBERS:
PERFORMANCE BY PEOPLE LIMITED
Contact: Aleida MIENSTRA – Director
Address: Unit 3709, 37/F, Tower II, Lippo Centre, 89 Queensway
Admiralty, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 9665 5217 – aleida@performancebypeople.com
Website: www.performancebypeople.com
DOPPER ASIA LTD.
Contact: Lisa CHRISTENSEN – Co-Founder & CEO
Address: Level 2, 10 On Wo Lane, Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2868 5585 – lisa@dopper.com
Website: www.dopper.com
BLUE FUZION GROUP LTD.
Contact: Simon Kim VAN DER HART – Business Director
Address: 303 Laford Centre, 838 Lai Chi Kok Road
Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2335 6700 – svdh@bfgroup.asia
NEW YOUNG PROFESSIONAL MEMBERS:
GLOBALEYE
Contact: Charles WOOD – Business Development Manager
Address: Suite 504, Level 5 Two Exchange Square
8 Connaught Place, Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 5689 8102 – charles.wood49@gmail.com
Website: www.globaleye.com
TWIG LIMITED
Contact: Marleen SPREEUWENBERG-WALZ – Director
Address: House 2, Silver Shore Villas, 33 Cheung Fu Street
Cheung Sha, Lantau, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 6351 8923 - marleen@twig-design.com
Website: www.twig-design.com
31
Events
52nd Young Professional Cocktail
The52nd Young Professional Cocktail was organized by the Austrian and New Zealand Chambers. The event was attended by 450
Young Professionals from different Chambers of Commerce. The InterCham cocktails are organized every quarter and are a perfect
networking opportunity. The event proceeds have been donated to the Home of Loving Faithfulness.
32
Wednesday 6 February, 18:30 – 20:30, Beijing Club, 2 Wellington Str., Central, Hong Kong
Dutch Creatives Talk by Paul Mijksenaar
The Dutch Creatives attended a lecture by information designer Paul Mijksenaar. In his talk ‘Why we get lost’, Mijksenaar spoke about the
way travellers try to find their way and often fail out of anxiety. His speech included aspects like orientation, routing and information in
public space and buildings, all seen through the eyes of the laymen users like ourselves.
Wednesday 27 February, 18:00 - 19:00, Room A122 (Courtyard), School of Design, PolyU, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
InterSME Event: How to use E-Commerce in your Marketing Strategy?
This sold-out InterSME event was organized by the Dutch, Swedish and Italian Chambers and co-hosted by ten Chambers of Commerce.
A panel of four speakers focused on the topic of E-commerce by exposing some of the tools and strategies as well as providing practical
examples that can help SMEs to boost their E-commerce business.
Thursday 28 Feb, 12:30 – 14:00, The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, Kellett Island, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Finance Lunch with Vincent Piket
The finance committee invited Vincent Piket, Head of Office of the European Union to Hong Kong and Macau, to come and present his
thoughts on the Future of the Eurozone and the European Union. Vincent is a senior EU diplomat and during this lunch he shared some
interesting insides into the workings of the European Union.
Thursday 28 Feb, 12:30 – 14:00, 208 Duecento Otto, 208 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
The World of Wine
Events
The China Committee and the Finance Committee joined forces together to organize The World of Wine. Andrew della Casa, director of
The Wine Investment Fund presented his strategies and knowledge on wine investments, after which Hugo Spencer, Senior Fine Wine Broker
at Corney and Barrow, hosted an interactive wine tasting session.
Wednesday 6 March, 17:30 - 20:00, Residence of the Dutch Consul General, 24 Mount Cameron Road, The Peak, Hong Kong
MUNCH on the Move to Stibbe The lunch was sponsored by Stibbe
Alexander de Nerée tot Babberich and Jan Bogaert, two local partners of Stibbe (a leading full-service Benelux law firm) provided insight
on the functioning of a law firm, spoke about the issues their clients face in the region, and elaborated on their own experiences in setting
up a new branch of a law firm in Asia.
Thursday 7 March, 12:30 - 14:00, Stibbe, Suite 1008-1009, 10/F, Hutchison House, 10 Harcourt Road, Central, Hong Kong
Joint Business Community Luncheon
The Honourable John Tsang, Financial Secretary of the HKSARG
Mr Tsang gave a speech to the Hong Kong business community to eludicate his budget speech for 2013-2014. The Financial Secretary shared
his plans on how we can sustain economic prosperity for future growth and maintain Hong Kong's competitiveness.
Monday 18 March, 12:15 - 14:00, Convention Hall, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Kick-Off Event for Inspire!, Young Professionals of the Dutch Chamber
The new young professional programme of the Dutch Chamber, Inspire!, was launched on the 27th of March in Libertine. We celebrated
this new programme together with YPs of the French, Swedish and Italian Chambers, and invited guest speaker Vincent Piket to share his
experiences on his career within the EU.
Wednesday 27 March, 19:00 - 21:00, Libertine, 26 Aberdeen Str., Central, Hong Kong
Upcoming Events - See on page 34
33
Enquiries & Information
Upcoming Events
w Interactive guided art tour at Art Basel with Jeanette ten Kate 26 May, 11:00 – 12:00 AM, HK Convention and Exhibition Centre
w 10th InterCham Connecting People Cocktail 28 May, 18:30 – 21:30, WET Deck, 76/F, W Hong Kong – Kowloon
w Annual SME Spring Event - The Travel Edition 31 May, 19:00 – 22:00, SME Spring Event, The Royal HK Yacht Club
w AGM 19 June, 19:00 - 21:00, Rabobank Office, 32/F Three Pacific Place
w Rabobank Herring Party 26 June, 18:30 – 22:00, Orange Tree Restaurant
TRADE SHOW CALENDAR
IN THE NETHERLANDS
Electronics & Automation
Location: Jaarbeurs Utrecht Hall 8
Date: 28-30 May 2013
Exhibit: ICT & electronics
Organizer: FHI
Email: i.van.der.zwaag@fhi.nl
Website: www.eabeurs.nl
PLMA’s World of Private Label
Location: Amsterdam RAI
Date: 28-29 May 2013
Exhibit: trendy & fashion
Organizer: PLMA International Council
Email: visitorinfo@prima.nl
Website: www.plma.nl
Smart City Event
Location: Amsterdam RAI
Date: 29-30 May 2013
Organizer: Euroforum BV
Email: g.de.boer@euroforum.nl
Website: www.smartcityevent.com
Regio Business Dagen
Location: Jaarbeurs Utrecht, Hall 7,8 &9
Date: 29 & 30 May 2013
Exhibit: business in general
Organizer: Organisatie Groupe Zuid
Email: daatje@ogz.nl
Website: www.rbdutrecht.nl
Vakbeurs Gebouwbeheer
Location: Jaarbeurs Utrecht
Date: 5-7 June 2013
Exhibit: building management
Website: www.vakbeursgebouwbeheer.nl
IN HONG KONG / CHINA
Hong Kong International Medical Devices
and Supplies Fair
Location: HKCEC
Date: 14-16 May 2013
Exhibit: medical & healthcare devices
Organiser: HKTDC
Email: fina.mc.yeung@hktdc.org
website: www.hktdc.com
Hong Kong Entrepreneur Day
Location: HKCEC
Date: 31 May and 01 June 2013
Organiser: HKTDC
Email: entrepreneurday@hktdc.org
website: www.hktdc.com/eday
Hong Kong Fashion Week for Spring /
Summer
Location: HKCEC
Date: 8-11 July 2013
Organiser: HKTDC
Email: exhibitions@hktdc.org
website: www.hktdc.com/fair/hkfashionweekss-en
Hong Kong Book Fair
Location: HKCEC
Date: 17-23 July 2013
Organiser: HKTDC
Email: exhibitions@hktdc.org
Website: http://hkbookfair.hktdc.com
These trade enquiries were received by the Economic Section of the Consulate-General of
the Netherlands in Hong Kong. Interested parties may approach the companies directly
or contact Betty Liu, the Consulate’s trade officer, on (852) 2868 0690, by fax to
(852) 2868 5388 or via email economic.section@netherlands-cg.org.hk
Hong Kong Agents/ Importers wanted
Hong Kong Suppliers wanted
TRADE ENQUIRIES
Miffy LED lamp
Dangoo Electronics
Phone: 86 21 5426 4979 – Email: chenmeng@dangoo.com.cn
www.dangoo.com.cn – Contact: Ms. Regina Chen
Organic baby care product
Kaap Bossie
Email: info@kaapbossie.com
www.kaapbossie.com – Contact: Ms. Wilma Oudshoorn
34
PVC placemats / coasters
Braun Uitgeverij
Phone: 31 06 26 12 4516 – Email: info@braunuitgevers.nl
www.braunuitgevers.nl – Contact: Mr. Frits Braun
Solar panels
SolarNow Services Ltd.
Phone: 256 788 916 601 – Email: Ronald@solarnow.eu
www.solarnow.eu – Contact: Mr. Ronald Schuurhuizen
World Environment Week
z Presented by Ecozine.com and Dutch Design sensation, Dopper! (June 5-8th, 2013)
Merijn Everaarts, The Founder and Owner of
Dopper, riding the 'Dopper Plastic Wave' in San
Francisco on World Water Day at the Dopper US
and Canada Launch on March 22, 2013
Organized by Ecovision Asia, World Environment Week 2013
will bring together international thought leaders, local
heroes, NGOs, academics, companies and the community to
celebrate sustainability and highlight a powerful, positive approach
to the environmental issues we face.
The event is sponsored by Dopper, a Dutch designed sustainable
reusable water bottle, produced with a net zero carbon footprint, free
of BPAs.
Having recently won honourable mention at the prestigious Red Dot
Awards for design, Lisa Christensen, CEO and Founder of Ecovision
Asia and The Hong Kong Cleanup is delighted to bringing the
product to Asia. “The Dopper is set to be the trendiest eco-product
in Hong Kong, and will literally change the environmental waste
landscape by directly reducing the amount of single use plastic that
winds up choking our precious oceans ”, she says with a big smile.
Dopper was founded by concerned father, ocean lover and
environmental entrepreneur, Merijn Everaarts. He made a choice
three years ago to leave the corporate world and follow his true
passion, to make the world a better place. In 2010, he held a
crowdsourcing design competition for a sustainable reusable water
bottle, and Rinke van Remortel was the winner. The Dopper was
profitable in less than three years, and now at least 3% per cent of
the Dutch population does not leave home without their Dopper.
Aside from its ingenious design, the Dopper is also a vehicle for good.
10% of all net proceeds from Dopper bottle sales go to the Dopper
Foundation, an organization that aims to bring clean water to those
who need it and educate the public on matters of waste management.
The Foundation currently funds several projects in Nepal.
With 1.1 million kg’s of plastic enter our worlds’ oceans every hour,
choking our seas, and killing marine life, we must CHOOSE TO
REUSE. Fresh drinking water is the most sustainable thirst-quencher
there is, with 0 calories. What’s more, it’s free!
Gold medal Dutch beach volleyball team, Meppelink and Van Gestal
are proudly representing Dopper!
Go Green
The World Environment Week series, which will serve to launch the
Dopper and also kick off the 2013 Hong Kong Cleanup, will include
the following events and much more: Film Premiere: A glittering redcarpet
movie night, featuring the award-winning film, Trashed
TEDxCentral: A high-profile symposium of inspiring speakers with
ideas worth sharing Party with a Purpose: The eco-friendly social
affair of the year!
The Dutch community will be invited to join in this celebration of
sustainability and use the opportunity to learn, share, and take action.
For more details, please contact Ecovision: (852) 2868-5585 or
info@ecovisionasia.com.
35
DutchCham Information
We are a member
driven organisation
enabling our
members to share
knowledge & to
develop business
relations in and
between the
Netherlands,
Hong Kong, Mainland
China and the Asia
Pacific Region.
Unit 2402B, 24th Floor
Great Eagle Centre
23 Harbour Road
Wan Chai
Hong Kong
Tel.: (852) 2815 2801
E-mail: info@dutchchamber.hk
Website: www.dutchchamber.hk
Skype: Dutchchamberhk
36
OUR SERVICES
The Dutch Chamber of
Commerce in Hong Kong offers
advice and assistance to its
members. Areas where we can
help include:
• Providing organising and
networking facilities;
• Planning programmes
for student groups
and overseas delegations;
• Providing updated information
on legal systems;
• Preparing specific promotions
or organising tailor-made
seminars;
• Providing updated information
about financial systems;
• Using our members' know how;
• Invitations to annual functions
such as the Dutch Business
Awards Gala Dinner and the
China Seminar; and
• Providing useful information
on our website.
MEMBERSHIP &
ANNUAL FEES
• Gold Member
HK$ 20,000
• Corporate Member
HK$ 8,500
• SME Member
HK$ 3,500
• Associate Member
HK$ 3,500
• Young Professional
HK$ 1,500
• Overseas Member
HK$ 2,500
NO JOINING FEE
GOLD, SME & CORPORATE
MEMBERS ENJOY VOTING
RIGHTS
PR AND PUBLICATION COMMITTEE
• Alexander de Nerée tot Babberich (Chairman)
• Kristen Beattie (editor)
• Willem van den Ende
• Candice Lee
• Mirjam Achthoven
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
• Tom Voûte (Chairman)
• Matthew Hoyle
• Ellen van Haandel
• Mirjam Achthoven
• Bram Eijsbouts
CHINA COMMITTEE
• Harold van Kooten (Co-Chairman)
• Daniël de Blocq van Scheltinga (Co-Chairman)
• Connie Leung
• Diederik Maessen
• Maarten Koning
• Jacqueline Baud
• Mirjam Achthoven
SME COMMITTEE
• René Theil (Chairman)
• Bas Fransen
• Hans Pompen
• Tom Uiterwaal
• Ester van Steekelenburg
• Oscar Venhuis
• Jacqueline Baud
TAX COMMITTEE
• Sytske Kimman (Chairman)
• Carola van den Bruinhorst
• Jochem Temmerman
• Eric Kampman
• Willem Hoogland
• Jacqueline Baud
WOMEN’S COMMITTEE
• Maaike van Meer
• Henrike Hartemink
• Jacqueline Baud
FINANCE COMMITTEE
• Harmen Overdijk
• Lodewijk Meens
• Sander Holman
• Pieter van der Schaft
• Hidde Baars
• Jacqueline Baud
CREATIVE COMMITTEE
• Mike de Regt (Chairman)
• Caitlin Lam
• Candice Lee
• Marleen Walz
• Jacqueline Baud
• Mirjam Achthoven
DUTCHCHAM COMMITTEES