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Your FREE ScandAsia Magazine in China ScandAsia is the only magazine that covers all the Danish, Finnish, Norwegian, and Swedish residents in China. We also publish a ScandAsia magazine in Thailand, Singapore and the rest of South East Asia.
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Sjælland String Quartet Concert Date: 17 - 28 March 2011 The Sjælland String Quartet is composed of four strings soloists from the Copenhagen Philharmonic Orchestra; Anne Søe Iwan ( principal violinist), John Bak Dinitzen (second violinist), Bernd Rinne (viola), and Richard Krug (cello). At their Tivoli Gardens Concert Hall debut in 2006, the audience was first astounded by their characteristic sound, which continues to make its mark on the Danish musical scene. The quartet mixes classical pieces with non-traditional repertoire which includes less well-known works and folk elements for a unique and colorful programme. As soloists the quartet has performed the Louis Spohr Concerto for String Quartet and Orchestra with the Copenhagen Philharmonic, and they have been appointed by the Royal Danish Opera House to play Elvis Costellos The Juliet Letters. Ticket and reservation please contact ticket@wupromotion.com. Venue and schedule will be announced soon at www.wupromotion.com.
Danish Gala Ball 2011 Date: 26 March 2011, 18:00 - 02:00 Location: Hotel Sofitel Danish Chamber of Commerce (DCCC) invites members and spouse to the annual Danish Gala Ball 2011 which will take place at Hotel Sofitel on 26 March 2011. The participant will enjoy welcome drink, canapé, special gourmet dinner and free flow of red & white wine, Carlsberg Beer. The highlight will be an auction which all proceeds from DCCC Charity Gala Ball 2011 to support construction of new Schoolhouse of Da Wazi Primary School of Majie Village, Malipo County. Don’t miss this big event of DCCC. Further information will be announced at www. dccc.com.cn and www.danishball.com.
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2011 MIECF conference
6th Huangshan MTB Festival 2011
Date: 31 March- 2 April 2011 Location: The Venetian Macao
Date: 9 April 2011 Location: Huangshan
4th Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition (2011 MIECF) will be held on31 March to 2 April at The Venetian Macao. The theme this year is “Low Carbon Urban Development”. Its focus will be on low carbon future and sustainable urban development in South China. Initiated and actively led by the government of Macao SAR the exhibition and conference are strategically located to bring together policy makers, industry movers and decision makers. The 2011 MIECF conference will feature top class speakers that will attract industry players from all across the extended 9 + 2 region and international markets. More information from www.macaomiecf.com.
The professional sport organizer - Nordic Ways will hold the 6th Huangshan MTB Festival 2011 on 9 April 2011. This event will be the first ever international mountain bike marathon in China racing though 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A MTB track truly unique in the world which is now the China National MTB team’s training grounds. Bikers will enjoy an epic ride through dense bamboo forests and tea terraces. Detailed race program and other related information will be released at www.nordicways.com. Please stay tune!
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Magical Swedish Christmas Party in Beijing
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ext and Photo by the Swedish Chamber of Commerce The Swedish Chamber of Commerce Beijing Chapter organized the Christmas Party on 4 December at Radisson Blu Hotel. The evening started off with a Swedish “Lucia tåg”, Lucia came singing with her maids dressed in long white shirts with glitter in their hair. While the boys were wearing a traditional pointed caps and carrying a star on a stick. Later on we all got fascinated by the secret world of magic, with a healthy dose of humor, excitement and astonishing entertainment, Claes Danell and Riku Koponen took us on a trip that made us all question our free will. With mind reading, predictions, mind control and “psychological illusions they made the impossible possible. In addition to this Ms. Tracy, a lyric coloratura soprano and senior student of Central Conservatory of Music, swept us all off the floor with her beautiful voice singing “O mio babbino caro”-from opera Gianni Schicchi by Puccini, “With one look-from Sunset Boulevard” by Andrew Lloyd Webber and “All I want for Christmas is you”. Afterward, our good friend by now, DJ OK, Sam Pearson made sure the dance floor was packed. To please the stomach and our longing for home a traditional “Svenskt Julbord” was served, complete with traditional Swedish Christmas delicacies, including Sill and Julskinka. Of course the traditional Christmas snaps flowed generously. We would like to extend a Big Thank you to our Gold sponsors, Ericsson, Radisson Blu, SAS, SEB and Volvo and our Bronze sponsor Scandinavian furniture for your generous support to the Swedish Chamber’s magical Christmas Party 2010.
6 ScandAsia.China • February 2011
ScandAsia News Brief Anti-corruption and Happy Danes
King Harald V’s Minority Scholarship Awarded
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he future economic and social development of Chongqing, anti-corruption and happy Danes were the main topics of conversation when Denmark’s ambassador met with Bo Xilai on 20 January. As a part of his three day visit in Chongqing, Ambassador Friis Arne Petersen met with Party Secretary Bo Xilai on 20 January at the Foreign Affairs offices in Chongqing. During their meeting, Mr. Bo and Ambassador Petersen discussed the future of Chongqing, which is both bright, full of potential and challenging. Priorities in coming years include continued economic development in order to improve living conditions as well as infrastructure, development and the environment. Just last year, Chongqing’s economy grew by 17% and prospects are that the city will only gain importance in the Chinese economy and the Chinese market. Recognizing the acclaimed high standard of Danish products, with leading companies in waste water treatment, clean energy, shipping and brewery, Mr. Bo encouraged Danish companies to consider establishing themselves in Chongqing and take part in the booming economy. During the meeting Ambassador Petersen briefed on the many societal achievements Denmark has made in areas such as innovation, energy, environment and culture and. International surveys show that Danes are the happiest people in the world and also that Denmark is the least corrupt country in the world. Mr. Bo noted that while Danes are rich they are still hard working. Upon concluding the visit with Mr. Bo Xilai, Ambassador Petersen was very positive about the future outlook for Danish business in Chongqing: “My meeting with Mr. Bo and my visit during the last days to Chongqing has confirmed that there is a great match between Danish experiences and expertise and Chinese demand. Both the Danish Consulate in Chongqing and the Danish Embassy in Beijing will continue to attach great importance to the opportunities in Western China.” The trip to Chongqing is the first out of many visits the Ambassador is going to make to different provinces in 2011. These visits aim at further improving ties with local leaders, have meetings and debates with scholars and students and promoting the match between Danish and Chinese business interests as well as paying visits to civil society organisations and projects.
ecently, King Harald V’s Scholarship for 2010 was awarded to 10 female students who are pursuing their master degree study at Yunnan Nationalities University. On behalf of the Royal Norwegian Embassy, Environment Counsellor Kirsten Jacobsen presented the scholarship to the students and made a speech to encourage the students to study hard so as to make contributions to the development of the region and the country. Vice President Wang Sidai of the university was also present at the ceremony and extended their sincere thanks to the Norwegian government for the generous support during the past years. The Norwegian King Harald V and Queen Sonja visited Yunnan as a part of their state
visit to China in 1997. They were deeply impressed by the region and decided to present a gift to Yunnan Nationalities University in the form of a scholarship program. The aim of the scholarship is to support the education of students belonging to a Chinese ethnic minority wishing to study minority or nationality related subjects. According to Yunnan Nationalities University, all the scholarship recipients are minority students from poor families in different regions of China so the scholarship has been playing an important role in supporting the students pursuing their studies at the university and in a long run in supporting regional development of the regions where the students come from.
‘Fur and Music’ A model walks the runway during Danish brand Kopenhagen Fur autumn winter series fashion show at a department store on October 26, 2007 in Changchun of Jilin Province, China.
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ecently Kopenhagen Fur held the event ‘Fur and Music’ to promote top furs from around the world. At the event, which included a fashion show and performances by musicians from Denmark and Tibet, Ambassador Friis Arne Petersen gave the opening speech. “Denmark is well known for our many outstanding fashion companies and brands. Even so, Kopenhagen Fur is considered a front-runner within the Danish fashion industry. The company is deeply committed to the Chinese market – and has been so for more than 20 years.” More than 10 different brands where featured on the catwalk. Danish royal fur fashion designer, Birger Christensen, opened the catwalk, while NE Tiger, China’s top luxury brand, had the honour of the final appearance on the catwalk. Young designers from Tsinghua University also put their talent on display, showcasing creations from the art school’s fur design centre, which is jointly run by Kopenhagen Fur and Tsinghua University. Fur and Music was taking place during the 37th edition of China Leather & Fur Products Fair. “By hosting our own fashion show, we are able to give several customers a platform to show their styles. We have experienced a great interest in our fashion show,” says Sales Director at Kopenhagen Fur, Mr. Kenneth Loberg.”
SwedCham in Taiwan Established
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Taiwan Committee of SwedCham has been formed, with Louise Bystrom, Director of Cross Multimedia Incorporation, as Chairman and Martin Soderberg, Regional Manager of TCO Development Asia Office as Secretary. The first event was a Swedish Christmas Lunch at Flavors Restaurant in mid December with Michael Cole as an appreciated invited speaker. More and regular events to follow in 2011. Interested to join the events in Taipei? Please e-mail Martin Soderberg directly: martin.soderberg. taiwan@swedcham.com.hk
February 2011 • ScandAsia.China 7
Norwegian Sings Chi Norwegian Christina Lein has not only won the Chinese version of Idol for foreigners in Beijing, she is also the first Westerner to study Chinese opera in Beijings most prestigious music school, Central Conservatory of Music. “My friends think that I am crazy studying Chinese opera,” she laughs. But Lein it’s not crazy, she just likes to experience different things. Text and photos: Alexandra Leyton Espinoza
8 ScandAsia.China • February 2011
inese Opera
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hilst her friends travelled to the US or the UK after high school, Christina Lein from Tromså decided to move to China. She was no stranger to the city, since her mother worked for Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), so a trip to the middle kingdom was nothing out of the ordinary for her. Moving there, she soon fell in love with the city, people and culture. “Since my family is very interested in music we got to know many people in the cultural sphere here. They were the ones that suggested me to audition for the school,” Christina Lein says. So she did, and four months after her first audition, she got accepted. That made her the first Westerner ever to enter the school where she is now studying opera as her major subject by the age of 20. “I felt very honored when I got accepted, many people try to get in for years,” she says. Since all the classes are conducted in Chinese, Christina had to study the Chinese language for a year. That meant she had to integrate herself with the Chinese culture and language from day one. Besides studying hard, having private lessons with a teacher after school, she also
made many visits to spots where she could find Chinese people to practice the language with. “I spent many hours in the park speaking to seniors,” Christina says with a smile. “It was really rough, when I listened to the radio in the taxi on my home, I sometimes thought: “Will I ever learn this?”. But she did, and during her first year in China, her Chinese got so good that she was able to participate at the Idol-like competition ‘Arts from our land’ competition. The idea of the program is letting Westerners sing in Chinese for a Chinese audience. After several rounds, the best singer in Chinese wins. The program was broadcast during Chinese New Year and was seen by 300 million viewers. Best of all, Christina Lein won the competition! “It was such a great experience, even if the prize was modest. I got a lot of attention and had the opportunity to do other performances as well,” she says. So by the time she entered the school, she was a well recognized face. “I guess nobody was expecting a white girl and people stared in the beginning but many of my classmates knew about me and they were all very welcoming,” she says.
Even if Christina Lein is the only Westerner, the teachers do not treat her differently in any way. “I have to pass all the exams without using an English dictionary,” she says with a laugh. “They expect me to write fluently as well, but I am OK with that.” For Christina its hard to explain why she chose Chinese opera. She just knew she didn't want to sing the more traditional Peking opera. “I have never been a fan of opera, but the more I listened to Chinese opera, the more I loved it. There is a hidden treasure in Chinese opera that many people don’t know about, the Chinese lyrics are really unique,” she says. The Idol competition is just one of many performances that Christina Lein participated in. She has also had one of the main roles in the Korean musical Maria, Maria, and she sang during Regatta sailing closing ceremony during the Olympics in Qingdao and she has also performed before the Norwegian Queen and King. Not to mention the numerous private parties and other ceremonies that she has attended. “In the future I want to have the opportunity to travel to Europe and be able to exchange what I learned here. Many people think that Chinese opera is Peking opera, but it’s so
much more than that,” she says. Chinese opera has lyrics that are deep and about love and nature, like Western opera but now and then red guard lyrics can link in. “Right now we are singing, “I am in love with China”. The text is beautiful so it appeals to me, I guess I feel like I am a proper Chinese,” she says with a smile. Christina’s dream is to sing musicals on Broadway and even if musical and opera are two whole different techniques of singing, she has already been in contact with agents to help her with auditions. “I have to bring everything that I I am learning here and make the best of it. I really want to achieve something from the 6 years I have been studying music,” she says. The fact that she has been able to embrace the Chinese culture and people very closely has given her some of her best experiences in China. She has made many good Chinese friends and since she also works for SAS in Beijing as their event coordinator, she gets to meet with other Westerners as well. “Even if I have cried myself to sleep in the beginning, I am glad I came to China and I got to know these funny and adorable people. And I got the opportunity to do what I love the most, sing!” she says.
I was never a fan of opera, but the more I listened to Chinese opera, the more I loved it. There is hidden treasure in Chinese opera that many people don’t know about, the Chinese lyrics are really unique.
February 2011 • ScandAsia.China 9
It All Comes Down to th
Mats Johansson, Chairman of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, looks ahead with an EXPO-year in the review mirror - and a struggling but interesting 2011 to come, where focus will be on the Chinese authorities and local employees. Text and photos: Martin Kristensen
i Nu ävenika! er Nordam
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he Christmas decorations on the busy Huai Hai Road downtown Shanghai are still clinging to the trees, hoping they might survive maybe a few more days on the winter chilly city street. The Shanghainese don’t seem to notice, as they walk past and pull up their collars for the cold. Wandering on toward the warmer weather and the nearing Chinese New Year.
On the 18th floor in the Lippo Plaza building on no. 222 it has been New Year – the ordinary one and a Swedish one, and now it’s time for Mats Johansson to look back on 2010, and on what 2011 looks like from his point of view. Not from the chair at his Gunnebo Security office in the Lippo Plaza, but from his chair as Vice Chairman of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in China and Chairman of the Shanghai Chapter.
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10 ScandAsia.China • February 2011
he Chinese Employees “Well 2010 was very much dominated by EXPO. With that came lots of events and people on visit from Sweden. That characterized the whole of 2010. Plus the air has been much cleaner in Shanghai,” Mats Johansson adds with a chuckle as he looks out of his corner office window on 18th. He refers to the heavy industry around Shanghai, which was partly shut down during EXPO. “Ah, today is actually quite clear,” he says, reminding that the industry has now been rebooted.
The chairman of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, Mats Johansson, sums up the chamber’s New Year Status from high above the Shanghai streets
The struggle in 2011 The Swedish Chamber of Commerce arranged, participated and helped throughout 2010 in events together with the Swedish Consulate among others, and informed Swedish delegations about China and how to do business in China. But now when EXPO has ended, the Chamber of Commerce can return to more everyday matters, and with about 120 members in Shanghai alone – about 600 in Swedish companies established in all of China - everyday matters means lots of work and events to look forward to in 2011. ”We are not a tiny Swedish club anymore,” Mats Johansson laughs and explains that one of the Chamber’s main focus points now is the Chinese employees in the Swedish Companies. The number of local employees in the companies is growing. Not just the ordinary employees but in the management too. As a result, fewer and fewer expats hold the managing positions. Therefore the chamber specifically tries to target its seminars more towards these local employees. “We do it to achieve a more deep connection between the employee and the Swedish company, and both here and in Beijing it has been very well received. I think it’s important to get such a connection, as there are differences between Chinese and a Swedish management.” Mats Johansson explains.
A strong and united voice Another important role for the Swedish Chamber of Commerce, Mats Johansson says, is to help Swedish companies in the more and more demanding Chinese society. A help that has changed in the recent years. ”Previously, the help was more about establishing a company in China, how to get employees and
such. It’s not that big a question anymore. Today we have established the chamber as an important part of the Swedish community, and together with the Swedish Consulate and the Swedish Trade Council we have a strong voice with the Chinese authorities. Thereby we can help Swedish companies in matters that would trouble them if they stood alone.” Mats Johansen explains, that it has become more and more difficult to be a foreign business in China. Partly because of an increasing amount of regulations and directives from the Chinese authorities, and partly because of increasing competition from improving local companies – but also because of a change in attitude. “Yes that’s correct,” Mats Johansson states and explains in an airplane allegory: “I’ like: ‘You have shown us how to make an airplane. Now we don’t need your Airbus anymore. We have
our own.’ Of course there’s still big opportunities here but it has become more and more tough.”
All business is local All together it has changed the Chamber’s range of focus - the focus of 2011 and the future. “I think the next step is more focused on the Chinese authorities and in lobbying - that, and then the Chinese employees,” Mats Johansson says The wages have increased strongly, and the skilful people are harder to get - and keep, and that’s another reason why the Chamber’s focus is on the local people in the Swedish Companies. “By that they get a better understanding and loyalty towards the Swedish companies. I think the most important thing here is to be the good example. For example show that is possible to work in teams; that you don’t need a hierarchical structure where the managers do
one thing and employees do something else. An open and informative way where every employee is equal no matter position. That is something we try to achieve.” Mats Johansson looks out of the window towards the Shanghai skyscrapers and the Chinese people on the Huai Hai road below him. Then he states: “Our job is to make the Swedish companies attractive for the Chinese employees. All business is local.”
Blue Book • Mats Johansson is born in Göteborg, Sweden • He majored as Civil Engineer from Chalmers University of Technology. • Since he has been around Volvo Car Corporation, Uponor and IMI Indoor Climate - a background mainly in development and manufacturing. • In January 2004 he moved to Shanghai, where he as Executive Director Asia Pacific was responsible for establishing Fagerhult Lightning in China from scratch. • Today he is Country manager for Gunnebo AB in China and vice chairman of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce, chairman of the Shanghai chapter February 2011 • ScandAsia.China 11
Managing the Swedish We want the Chamber to become stronger and stronger and see Swedish companies make it in China
Yvonne Chen has worked for the Swedish Chamber of Commerce even before it was founded in March 1998. Actually she has been linking Swedish companies with China ever since her graduation in Swedish language from Beijing Foreign Studies University. Text and photos: Alexandra Leyton Espinoza
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for details contact
12 ScandAsia.China • February 2011
Bo Jeansson bo.jeansson@spray.se 012-339 5289
Chinese Network
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country located in the north of Europe, famous for its beautiful nature, iron and many lakes. That was all Yvonne Chen knew about Sweden when she decided to study the Swedish language instead of the traditional German or English, like many of her student friends. ”We called ourselves pandas. Very few students studied the Swedish language back then so we felt very special. My classmates and I became very close,” she says. She could have ended up working in a Chinese company with Swedish ties or for the Chinese government in the diplomatic sector after graduating from Beijing Foreign Studies University. That would have been the most usual case. But not for Yvonne Chen. “The government used to find jobs for the graduated students. But the year that I graduated there had been a reform and we had to find our own jobs. That came as a surprise,” Yvonne Chen says. “So, what could I do?”
Impressed by efficiency Beijing Scandinavian Furniture Company, a manufacturer of modern Scandinavian office furniture became her first employer and her main task was to set up the company in Beijing. Three years later she started to work with tourism, another branch within the same company. During that time, Chen had the
opportunity to live in Sweden for a couple of months and besides that she found it to be a beautiful country, she was most impressed by the new technology that was used in Sweden. “In China we use a lot of people to do one thing, in Sweden one person can do so many things. It’s so much more efficient. At the same time, the Chinese government need to give everyone something to do in China, everyone has to work,” Chen says. After that she started working for the trading company Elof Hansson. But after nearly one year she had to search for another job due to changes in that company.
Started at the Chamber Then she joined the Swedish Chamber of Commerce. ”The Chamber had not really been founded yet, but my boss gave me a good recommendation and by the time the Chamber was established, I started working there,” Yvonne Chen says. The Chamber had 60 companies that were members when it was founded in 1998. Most of them were representative offices and some were manufacturing companies. Today there are around 240 member companies in both Beijing and Shanghai. ”When we first started, Ikea had one office in Beijing. Today they have around 7-8 stores around China,” Chen says.
Advice on start-up
A stronger Chamber
According to Chen, one of the Chamber’s main tasks has been to support companies in China and give them advice of how to run their business in the country but also helping companies to network with other Swedish companies, both bigger and smaller by arranging member events. “We notice that these events have been very well appreciated, especially when we invited different Chinese or Swedish ministers to be guest speakers,” she says. “We give our members a platform to network on.” Yvonne Chen mentions that the Chamber during latest year has been working with informing Chinese clients and staff how to understand Swedish management style and in 2011 will promote more Swedish culture issues. She mentions one commonplace thing about the way Chinese people think about their Swedish clients or staff when the Swedish manager goes for one month leave during summer time. “We explain that in Sweden during winter time, there is barely any light. That’s why when the summer arrives, Swedish people take their holidays, so instead of seeing their client or boss as strange, they will understand the reason why,” Yvonne said.
The Swedish Chamber of Commerce in China tries to frequently have breakfast meetings, workshops, seminars and social events both in Beijing and in Shanghai, have a good contact with their members and keeping them updated with what’s going on, they are also trying to develop a Chapter in the South and has a good cooperation with the Swedish Young professionals (SYP). “The SYP is good for students and not just business, I think we have a great relation. This is good for both,” Chen said. Since 2005 Yvonne has been the General Manager at the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in China and has no plans to quit. Instead she is looking forward to be able to develop new ways to support their members of the Chamber and uphold a higher profile. “We want the Chamber to become stronger and stronger and see Swedish companies make it in China,” Chen said.
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For Sale
Gold plated Silver Filigree 42 cm high, 640 g Sterling Silver, semi precious stones. Made in a limited quantity by Mr. Tian Ruihe for Beijing Jewellery Branch of the China National Arts & Crafts Import & Export Corporation. Price: MYR 20.000 + package and transport Contact: Bo Jeansson 012-339 5289 bo.jeansson@spray.se
February 2011 • ScandAsia.China 13
Swedish Hotel Maps
14 ScandAsia.China • February 2011
in China The unforeseen problems never seemed to stop. But I didn’t give up and worked more on my idea and when Sars was over I tried again
Text and photos: Alexandra Leyton Espinoza
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eing the son of a Swedish diplomat, Rurik Nyström has been used to moving from one country to another without knowing what to expect when he gets there. No wonder he has always had a passion for maps. “Languages has never been my strength, learning Chinese properly has not come easy to me. In China you need a clear direction written down on a piece of paper or no taxi driver will understand you,” he said. First time Nyström came to China was in 1998 as a project manager for the newly established Ikea in Beijing. His role was to teach the Ikea concept that was fairly new for the Chinese staff. By this time Nyström had worked in the Ikea family for more than 14 years all around the world. “After one air-hostess used my initial language cards and gave them to fellow crew members when they landed in Beijing, I thought this was a winning concept,” Nyström said. People today want something that fulfills their needs without being too complicated and giving too much unnecessary information. Many guidebooks need two or three days to study, and some people don’t have the time,” according to Nyström. “You can be urban but still be completely lost when you come to a new city. Our maps are supposed to show you the best places in that city,” he said. Rurik started redBANG Inter-
national in 2000. After a few initial business hiccups redBANG has now grown to become Chinas largest supplier of hospitality maps, supplying customized guides to over 300 4-5 star hotels in 22 cities in China as well as 5 cities outside China. Other reputable clients include Starbucks, DHL, Air France as well as dozens of other service companies, schools and universities.
Bumpy Road But the road has not always been so easy. When Nyström first started his company he sold his maps at bookstores. The logistics just didn't work, they had to many outlets which took to long to navigate and collect the money, it was not easy or lucrative. “That business model didn’t work at all. Expats in Beijing were not interested, since many came to China for business or tourism. These people either had assistants or guides that showed them around the city,” he said. So Nyström tried another method to sell his maps to hotels around Beijing, the idea was to show the hotels that the maps were going to solve their guests domestic needs when they walked outside the hotel property. Unfortunately this didn’t really work either, since hotels in Beijing back then got traditional maps for free from the Municipal authorities. “Their biggest argument was, why would we want to buy something that we get for free? It didn’t
matter to them that these maps were old and hard to understand, not to mention that they were written more or less in Chinglish,” Nyström says.
More bad luck However two years later, the local authorities stopped giving away maps for free, and Nyström saw his big chance. If it had not been for Sars... “I thought this was the end for my company. Nobody travelled to China, so hotels stood empty totally uninterested to buy maps. “The unforeseen problems never seemed to stop. But I didn't give up and worked more on my idea and when Sars was over I tried again,” Nyström said.
Saved by the Olympics Little by little, the the bad luck turn around, however, and for the Olympic games the business was booming like never before. Every big hotel in Beijing wanted to use his maps. Nyström’s business model is making theses maps a good tool for the concierge and give the hotel guests that extra service. For an affordable cost of 2 RMB a map, or even less depending on quantity. “Many hotels stop giving any costumer service the moment their guests leave the hotel. By giving them a map that will help them in a strange new environment shows that the hotel cares about their guests. To put a piece of chocolate on a guests pillow is a nice gesture
that is less helpful and can even cost a little bit more,” Nyström said.
Facts about the City The pocket sized customized maps consist of interesting facts about Beijing and lists around 20 must-see places with useful Chinese words translated to English. According to Nyström its not supposed to be a traditional guidebook. “We get rid of 90 percent of the places and things you don’t need to see. We try to make 80 percent of our customers happy. If you try to please everyone you end up getting those numbers the other way around,” he said. The maps are well made, look simple and easy to read, they are almost a reminder of a perspective map with colorful identifiable monuments. But everything is particularly thought-out, even the size of the letters in the map. “We asked the Swedish opticians association to give us the international font standards, the reason why our maps are illustrations instead of cartographic is because they are much easier to understand.” Nyström doesn’t believe his idea would have been possible in Sweden, but that China has made it possible to expand. “Next step is to expand the company, and develop an app to your mobile phone that people can download as soon as they get to a city. So you are never ever lost,” Nyström says.
February 2011 • ScandAsia.China 15
Aava Resort & Spa Ready to Roll The high season in Thailand is fully flowing, and the same goes for Finnish resort, Aava Resort & Spa in Khanom. The new resort was fully booked since December 13th and the owners Kati Häkkinen and Atte Savisalo will be busy for months to come. By Søren Lykke Bülow
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ati Häkkinen and Atte Savisalo are currently enjoying their lives in Khanom, on the main land close to Koh Samui in the south-eastern part of Thailand. In September, their new resort, Aava Resort & Spa, celebrated its Grand Opening, and now the Finnish couple for the first time are facing the challenges of Thailand’s high season. ”Right now it’s going pretty well. Khanom was affected by all the floods in the autumn, and our basement was destroyed because of the water. We lost our server, had some electricity black outs and such things. But we were soon up and running again,” Kati Häkkinen says.
Positive reactions Aava Resort & Spa has actually had visitors since December 2009, although it didn’t inaugurate officially before February 2010. The visitors,
who have stayed at the resort so far, have mostly left the place with great satisfaction, says Kati. ”98 percent of the customers have seemed very happy about Aava Resort & Spa,” says Kati based on feedback from her guests. She sees another type of customer going to Khanom than for instance to Koh Samui. ”Most of the people who come here have already travelled a lot in Thailand. They have seen most of the tourist places, and now they are looking for a more relaxed area, and in that sense Khanom is a bit of a paradise.” The Finns have all-in-all found a place where not many foreigners normally go, but in an area that has great potential. ”The Khanom area is simply wonderful. When you look around in the area there is just such an abundance of beautiful beaches, and as it turns out, more and more
people ask for prices of land here,” Kati says.
Quickly attractive The minimalistic Avaa Resort & Spa has quickly become a success in Khanom, and with fully booked rooms, interest has been growing increasingly and fast. ”We have been mentioned in media all over the world which has been great for us. But one of the important ways for us to promote ourselves is by promoting Khanom. We never promote only Aava Resort & Spa,” Kati says. ”That is because Khanom is such a different place from most of the places that the tourists normally go to. If we only promote only Aava Resort & Spa, then a customer might think that they might arrive at a place like Phuket or Hua Hin. So our focus is on the area, the beauty and how natural Khanom is,” she explains as one of the reason for the success.
Co-watching the area Kati Häkkinen emphasises the area’s ability to always think of what is best for the surroundings as an important part in the development of Khanom. ”The local community really follows the instructions and regulations put in place here. The society is waiting for the development of Khanom, but everyone is focused on not ending up as Koh Samui for instance,” she says. ”Khanom people are proud of the area, and there is a mutual respect around here,” Kati mentions 16 ScandAsia.China • February 2011
as one of the important reasons that Khanom will keep its spirit and not ‘sell-out’ too much to tourism. She believes that people in Khanom have learned a lot from Koh Samui, where the development suddenly took a ‘wrong turn’, as she calls it. The population of Khanom is really focused on the originality and quality of the area. The feeling is that the local population will not succome to modern mass tourism.
The high season The first really challenging tasks for Kati and Atte has been the high season that started before Christmas and continues long into the spring. ”We have high hopes for the high season. We were fully booked from 13th of December and all the way until the 15th of January. Then we had a few weeks off with some rooms left, and the we are fully booked again for the rest of February. It looks very good for us,” Kati says. The customers are not only from Finland. Many different nationalities come by. ”We have had many Thai companies coming and, as it turns out, many Thai families do trips in the weekends, so we have had a lot of Thai customers. But now we are in the season, where many Scandinavians will come.” ”Around Christmas time, 98 percent of our customers were Finns, but the rest of the time it is a mix of all types of people,” says Kati Häkkinen.
Banking in China Working with corporate finance in Asia and being able to see the new China develop from a financial point of view under 20 years has been a fantastic journey and a fun experience
Text and photo: Alexandra Leyton Espinoza
F
redrik Ektander first came to China in 1991. He was then based in Hong Kong as Regional Head of SEB Trading Capital Markets, responsible for the North East Asian markets including China. He recalls his first visit to the Agricultural Bank of China, (ABC) Head office and a meeting with the Head of the International Department. “He was dressed up in an old green uniform with Mao and Chinese flag badges. He talked about the rice harvest, the latest 5 year plan, the Party and Mao’s thoughts. He was not at all discussing banking. My first reaction after the meeting was, “this will never work”, he says. 20 years later, China has become the world’s second largest economy both in nominal and PPP terms and Ektander has been able to follow that development very closely, as Head of Trading and Capital Markets in Hong Kong from 1991 to 1994, the same position in Singapore from 1994 to 1998 and since 2006 as Chief Representative for SEB in Beijing. “Working with banking in Asia and being able to see the new China developing in a financial perspective under 20 years has been a fantastic journey and an interesting experience,” he says. According to Ektander, many Swedes, and other foreigners for that matter, either don’t understand
what’s really going on in China or have preconceived ideas of the country. All they see is a big and dangerous communist state with poor human rights conditions, large environmental problems and corruption. However, that is only part of the description. “China has during the last 30 years transformed its planned economy to a fast growing state capitalist country based on a one-party system with a mix of capitalism, market economy, socialism, all with “Chinese characters”. It has also lifted 400 million people out of poverty. This combined with enormous FX reserves and a relatively stable financial position has created a platform for China to regain its former position as the world’s largest economy, a position it had some 400 years ago,” Ektander says. According to Ektander, Chinese political leaders have the benefit of studying other countries’ political and economic systems when developing their own. They are also closely studying political and financial crises that have occurred and are occurring, such as the banking crisis in South East Asia in 1997, the ongoing financial and economic problems in Japan, the Swedish banking crisis in 1993 and of course the development in the US and Europe in during the last three years. “The Chinese banking system is
very central in the domestic economy and the Chinese people save a very large part of their income in banks, hence a banking crisis in China could have very serious effects on the whole system,” Ektander says. “The fast growth of the economy that to a large extent has been export driven has resulted in the world’s by now largest foreign exchange reserves. These represent 30 years of public savings that today predominantly are used to finance other countries growing deficits. We should however expect more strategic foreign direct investments in different fields in the future such as high tech companies, commodity producers, financial institutions, etc. China will need to invest heavily in developed and developing countries around the World to secure future supplies of raw materials, commodities and technology.” “One of the future challenges for China will be to rebalance its domestic economy from export and investment based to more private consumption based. This will require improvements and huge investments in the social and pension systems and healthcare services. Another challenge will be to move 200 to 300 million people from the countryside to cities during the coming 20 years.” “Sweden has a special role in China. It was the first western country to establish diplomatic relations
with the People’s Republic in early 1950 and has since had good relations with the Middle Kingdom. Sweden’s highly developed social welfare system, high tech companies and environmental protection industry have served as a models for Chinese politicians planning for China’s future reforms.” So how do you succeed in China’s booming economy? According to Ektander it is to ask yourself why you are here and what your unique selling points are and to understand the Chinese consumer. “Ikea and H&M have been and successful showing good growth in China. The Danish fashion group Bestseller with brands such as Vero Moda and Jack and Jones is another example of a successful foreign player on the fast growing domestic consumer market,” he says. In addition to his role as Chief Representative of SEB in Beijing, Fredrik Ektander is also devoting time for the Swedish Chamber of Commerce where he holds the position of Chairman of the Beijing Chapter as well as the European Union Chamber of Commerce Banking Working Group where he is Vice Chairman. “In my different roles I get the benefit of seeing and learning a lot of what is happing in the Chinese society, and that is very interesting,” he says.
February 2011 • ScandAsia.China 17
Medium
Baked Salmon Fillet in Foil
Evil
N
ot only is this an easy way to bake fish, but preparing salmon fillet with savory rosemary and vegetables makes this a delicious and flavorful meal. It is a known fact that seafood is healthy food and that salmon, especially, is very rich in Omega 3 Fatty Acid, which lowers our cholesterol. Baking the fish in aluminum foil makes the clean-up easy, so this recipe has numerous benefits. This recipe is for four people.
Ingredients: 1 pound fish fillet - skin on 1 small onion, thinly sliced Fresh rosemary, chopped. 1/2 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 tablespoon lemon zest 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice Ground sea salt Coarsely ground black pepper Aluminum foil
Are you done?
Preparation: Brush olive oil on a large piece of aluminum foil. Place rinsed and dried fillet, skin-side down on foil. Sprinkle lemon zest, salt, pepper and rosemary
W
hen you have completed the above puzzles, please send your solution by fax to +66 2 943 7169 or scan and email to puzzles@ scandasia.com. We will make a lucky draw among the correct answers. Five lucky winners will receive a ScandAsia polo shirt. Name:
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Deadline for submitting your solution is 15 March 2011 18 ScandAsia.China • February 2011
Vegetables: Broccoli florets Sliced red peppers Sliced yellow squash Thinly sliced red skin potatoes Arrange vegetables over fish. Spritz lemon juice and sprinkle ground sea salt sparingly. Fold foil tightly around the salmon fillet and vegetables and place on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350 C.. Bake 20 minutes.
Serving Suggestion: Place serving platter on top of the foil-covered salmon fillet. Turn platter over and remove foil. Remove skin from fillet. Garnish with tomatoes, parsley sprigs and lemon slices.
This is a great fish recipe and believe me, Norwegians know how to cook seafood.
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