ScandAsia South East Asia - June 2016

JUN 2016

Malaysia Indonesia Philippines Vietnam Cambodia Laos

The King and Queen

of Sweden bring Global Child Forum to Asia ScandAsia.dk

ScandAsia.fi

ScandAsia.no

ScandAsia.se

Coming Events

16 JUN 20

Malaysia Indonesia Philippines Vietnam ia Cambod Laos

EuroCham Cambodia: HR Forum Where: Intercontinental Hotel When: 16 June, 08:00 - 12:30

een anCdhildQFourum to Asia King g The Global en brin ia.se

of Swed

ia.no

ia.fi

ia.dk

ScandAs

ScandAs

ScandAs

ScandAs

Your FREE ScandAsia Magazine ScandAsia is the only magazine that covers all the Danish, Finnish, Norwegian and Swedish residents in South East Asia.

We also publish a ScandAsia magazine in China, Thailand, and Singapore.

Please sign up for your own FREE copy: www. scandasia.com Publisher : 211 Soi Prasert Manukitch 29 Prasert Manukitch Road Chorakae Bua, Lad Prao Bangkok 10230, Thailand Tel. +66 2 943 7166-8, Fax: +66 2 943 7169 E-mail: news@scandasia.com Editor-in-Chief : Gregers A.W. Møller gregers@scandmedia.com Managing Editor: Joakim Persson Joakim@scandmedia.com Advertising : Finn Balslev finn@scandmedia.com

Tentative agenda 08:00 – 08:30 Registration 08:30 – 09:00 Opening remarks EuroCham Chairman H.E. Mr. George Edgar, Ambassador of the European Union to the Kingdom of Cambodia (TBC) Minister of Labour and Vocational Training (TBC) 09:00 – 09:15 Coffee Break 09:15 – 09:45 First Keynote Speech 09:45 – 10:45 Panel discussion: Apprenticeship and Vocational training 10:45 – 11:15 Second Keynote Speech 11:15 – 12:15 Second Panel discussion: Healthcare and NSSF 12:15 – 12:30 Wrap Up Session Cost: EuroCham members 30 USD, non-members 40 USD (includes coffee break and lunch)

NBCP: Renewable Energy Seminar Where: New World Makati Hotel Ballroom When: Tuesday, June 14, 2016, 8.30 AM - 12.00 PM The mover s and shaker s of the Philippine renewable energy sector will discuss the current outlook and future prospects of the industry. An overview of the Philippine RE sector will be given, financing opportunities are presented, and leading project developers for hydro, solar, and wind energy will share their experience on projects implemented. Organised by Nordic Business Council of the Philippines Speakers: *Petri Haataja, Head of Energy Consulting APAC, Poyry *Knud Hedeager, COO, Alternergy *Leandro Legarda Leviste, Founder, Solar Philippines *Tor Stokke, Country Director, SNPower Philippines *Walter Wassmer, Senior Executive Vice President, BDO Unibank A panel discussion with Q&A and the following networking luncheon provide the opportunity to interact with our speakers and participants. The seminar is done in partnership with NBCP premium member BDO Unibank, Inc. and Poyry Energy, Inc. Admission fees (includes breakfast & lunch): NBCP members: PHP 1900, Guests (non-members): PHP 2500 For inquiries, contact NBCP events secretariat: events@nbcp.com.ph

Graphic Designer : Peerapol Meesuwan Peerapol@scandmedia.com Distribution : Wanvisa Rattanaburi wanvisa@scandmedia.com Printing : Inthanon Interprint Co., Ltd.

Daily news and features here: www.scandasia.com

EUFTA Seminar and site visit Dinh Vu Industrial Zone Where: Hanoi – Saigon ballroom, Harbour View Hotel, 12 Tran Phu street, Haiphong When: Wednesday, 15 June 2016, 1:30pm - 7:00pm In collaboration with EuroCham and VCCI Haiphong branch, Deep C Industrial Zone is pleased to invite you to the seminar: The Vietnam – European Union Free Trade Agreement: what’s in for me?

Fee: 100 seats available / first come first served Register: www.eurochamvn.org/node/15621

News Brief

Carlsberg introduces Tuborg beer in Vietnam

O

n 8 April 2016 the Danish Embassy, Hanoi participated in Carlsberg’s launch gala in occasion of the introduction of Tuborg beer in the Vietnamese market. Tuborg beer has experienced great success in other markets and is sold in 70 countries worldwide. In fact, the brand surpassed Carlsberg in terms of sale and volume in 2015.

Tuborg beer has a long history in Denmark and was founded in 1880.

Source: Embassy of Denmark in Vietnam

June 2016 • ScandAsia.South East Asia 3

News Brief

Malaysian-Finnish Business Council celebrates 15

M

alaysian-Finnish Business Council (MFBC) is celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2016.

To honour their long history, the hard work and time ever yone involved in MFBC have contributed with over the years, they celebrated with a casual dinner on Saturday 23 April and enjoyed a delicious Italian dinner in Kuala Lumpur with their Directors and Members.

At the same event they presented Dato’ Moehamad Izat Bin Achmad Habechi Emir, one of the founding members of our council, with a lifetime honorary membership.

MFBC thanks everyone that participated in the evening!

Source: MFBC

NBCP Annual Awards 2016 in Manila

N

ordic Business Council Philippines (NBCP) held its annual awards night at the Fairmont Makati Hotel on 6 April.

ABS-CBN Foundation Chairperson Gina Lopez gave a powerful keynote message on ecotourism and social entrepreneurship, and NBCP awards were presented.

The 2016 winners were as follows: • Company of the Year - Investment and Employment, co-presented by BDO Unibank: Jotun (Philippines) Inc. • Growth Company of the Year, co-presented by KMC MAG Group: Vestas Shared Service A/S Philippine ROHQ • CSR Activity of the Year, co-presented by Fairmont Makati Hotel: Delta Minerals • Outstanding Employer of the Year, co-presented

by Kittelson & Carpo Consulting: Grundfos IS Source: Nordic Business Council Philippines

4 ScandAsia.South East Asia • June 2016

Bangkok, Thailand

June 2016 • ScandAsia.South East Asia 5

News Brief

Leadership change Carlsberg Malaysia

C

arlsberg Malaysia’s current MD Henrik Juel Andersen will take on the same position on 1 July 2016 for Lao Brewery Company Ltd (LBC) and will also be responsible for Carlsberg’s successful joint venture partnership in Cambodia. . Lars Lehmann, aged 49, the current Regional CEO, Western Europe Challenger Markets of the Carlsberg Group, will take over at the helm of Carlsberg Malaysia Group. Henrik will succeed Kissana Vongsay, the current Managing Director of LBC, who will retire from the daily operations of the country’s leading beer and soft drinks Company in Laos.

“Henrik has delivered excellent results throughout his three years at the Carlsberg Malaysia Group. He has grown our business in a challenging macro-environment and delivered excellent shareholder returns. He successfully boosted the performance of our premium portfolio brands, restructured the businesses in a way that has delivered strong margin growth and built an empowered senior management team in both Malaysia and Singapore. He will be missed by many colleagues and customers alike. The Carlsberg Group is very pleased to have such a

seasoned leader to take over our business in Laos, one of the largest businesses in the Carlsberg Group and a crown jewel in our portfolio of companies,” said Graham Fewkes commented, Executive Vice President, Asia, Carlsberg Group Chairman of Carlsberg Malaysia Group, Dato’ Lim Say Chong said: “Henrik Juel Andersen has made significant improvements in driving the Malaysia and Singapore operations despite a more challenging operating environment in the last few years. His foresight and strong industry knowledge have helped the Company to turn challenges into growth oppor tunities. He led the Malaysia and Singapore operations into sustainable growth in revenue and profits yearon-year.”

“Throughout his 13 years with the Carlsberg Group, Lars Lehmann has undertaken various senior commercial and general management positions across the Carlsberg Group most recently as regional CEO for Western Europe Challenger markets and Export & License division, with a total turnover of RM 6 billion”, Lim shared about the incoming new MD.

New Swedish Cambodia ambassador appointed

Swedish Ministry of Health Malaysia visit

T

he government has appointed Ministers Maria Sargren ambassador to Phnom Penh.

Maria Sargren today serves as Minister Counsellor at the Permanent Representation in Brussels. She has previously served inter alia the United Nations in New York, at the representation in Geneva, at the embassy in Harare and as a national expert at the European Commission in Brussels.

Meanwhile, the current Swedish Ambassador to Cambodia, Anna Maj Hultgård, will host a seminar and networking in Bangkok on 23 May 2016, hosted by the Embassy of Sweden.

On the topic ‘Doing Business in Cambodia: Oppor tunities and Challenges’. According to World Bank Cambodia has enjoyed annual rapid growth, averaging 7.7 per cent annual for two decades.

The members of the Thai-Swedish Chamber of Commerce are invited to attend, including a networking, held at the Embassy of Sweden in Bangkok.

Maria Sargren assumes her new position in September.

6 ScandAsia.South East Asia • June 2016

S

wedish State Secretary Ms. Pernilla Baralt, Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, visited Kuala Lumpur with a delegation one 4-6 May 2016.

The program included meetings with Ms. Marianne Clark-Hattingh, Representative for UNICEF in Malaysiaö Y.Bhg. Dato´ Yasmeen Muhammed Shariff, Vice-Chairperson on the Committee on the Rights of the Child and visits to Sisters In Islam and Dignity for Children in Sentul.

Pernilla Baralt also met with YB Dato’ Sri Hajah Rohani Abdul Karim, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, as well as participated in the Global Child Forum on Southeast Asia on 5 May in the presence of Their Majesties the King and Queen of Sweden.

Source: Embassy of Sweden in Kuala lumpur Photo: Kristian Pohl

News Brief

Danish Cecurify merges with CardCore Group in Kuala Lumpur

Sweden in Vietnam hosts Jan Eliasson of the United Nations

S

wedish Ambassador Camilla Mellander on 3 May hosted a dinner on the topic of the upcoming World Humanitarian Summit, with UN Deputy Secretary General Jan Eliasson as Guest of honour.

Among the guests were UN resident coordinator Pr athiba Metha and other ambassadors to Vietnam. Eliasson was on a threeday visit to Vietnam consisting of official meetings and a visit to Ben Tre, one of the worst drought hit provinces in the Mekong delta.

Source: Embassy of Sweden in Hanoi

T

homas Jorgensen, founder and CEO of Cecurify has in April merged his company into the Kuala Lumpur-headquar tered CARDCore Group, described as an “exciting move for both parties”.

Thomas Jorgensen has assumed the position of Chief Operating Officer and will be working closely with CEO Adam Ducquet. Founded in 2013, Cecurify has a strong focus on smart card security and consultancy. It will continue to operate as part of the CARDCore Group, augmenting its current suite of services.

“Thomas and I are both really excited about this merger,” said Adam. “Cecurify is a natural match for the CARDCore Group. By working together, we can achieve something that the

entire industry will stand up and take notice of.”

With a core focus on all things cards, CARDCore fills a marketplace void as a global leading multi-channel comparison service for Gift, Loyalty, Membership, RFID, SIM and Smart Card products.

Both Thomas and Adam are veterans of the plastic card industry. From 2004 until 2013, the Dane served as the managing director of DZ Card Malaysia, a Danish-owned secure card manufacturer. His experience and deep understanding of the card industry led to the creation of Cecurify, which began in Hong Kong and established a strong network of consultancy partners throughout Asia.

Norway at OTC Asia 2016

O

n 22 – 25 March energy professionals met in Kuala Lumpur to attend the Offshore Technology Conference Asia (OTC Asia) 2016, where Norway was represented.

This is the trade event where energy professionals meet to exchange ideas and opinions to advance scientific and technical knowledge for offshore resources and environmental matters.

12 of the 17 Norwegian companies that exhibited at OTC were gathered under the Norway Pavilion, which was hosted by Innovation Norway. The companies at the pavilion were Rustibus, Wellcem, DNV-GL, T.D. Williamson, Kongsberg Oil & Gas Technologies, Telenor Maritime, Autronica Fire & Security, Bandak, Endswell, Salcon Petroleum Services, Tamrotor Marine Compressors and Wilhelmsen Ship Management Holding. Aker Solutions, Harding , Frigstad, Independent Oil tools and Aarbakke also exhibited at OTC Asia 2016.

In light of the current situation in the petroleum sector, there were concerns prior to the conference regarding this year’s participation rate. Yet, the companies at the Norway Pavilion

were very pleased with the turn out.

“For T.D. Williamson the OTC has been really good. We are pleased with our placement at the Norway Pavilion, and the number of people that came by our stand” a representative of this company stated.

The Norway Pavilion impressed the visitors at OTC Asia: “The Norwegian pavilion had a great floor plan, the open environment was very welcoming and easily allowed for small meetings and discussion, unlike the ’cubical’ spaces of other pavilions. The open space allowed discussions to become plural, which allowed me to meet companies that I normally wouldn’t approach, but who turned out to be great leads and contacts” said Allen Miller from Insight Numerics.

Norway’s ambassador, Hans Ola Urstad, attended the OTC and met all the Norwegian companies at the fair. He also hosted a buffet dinner with over 100 guests, including some of the leaders of Petronas.

Source: Royal Norwegian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur June 2016 • ScandAsia.South East Asia 7

News Brief

Dong Energy and Cenviro to test technology in Malaysia

D

ONG Energy has in April 2016 signed agreement with Malaysian Cenviro and sends a mobile REnescience plant to Malaysia to test whether the country offers a new export market for the technology.

In the presence of the Danish Minister for Environment and Food, DONG Energy entered into the cooperation collaboration with Cenviro, one of Malaysia’s largest players within waste management. The parties will now test DONG Energy’s REnescience technology, which uses enzymes to convert food waste and other organic household waste constituents into biogas.

“Malaysia is a very interesting market for our technology, as there’s a growing need for exploiting the resources in the increasing waste volumes. A REnescience plant can produce large quantities of biogas from the very wet Malaysian household waste,” said Thomas Dalsgaard, Executive Vice President in DONG Energy.

Today, the majority of Malaysian waste ends up in landfill sites, which is a huge environmental challenge, and none of the resources are utilised.

At the same time, waste volumes are increasing – in Malaysia and worldwide. According to the World Bank, waste volumes worldwide will have increased by 70% by 2025 compared to 2012.

There is therefore a need to find new solutions to handle the waste.

The Danish Minister for Environment and Food, Esben Lunde Larsen was in Malaysia to talk with his Malaysian counterpart about Denmark’s

experience and competences within the area of waste management.

“Denmark has been working closely with Malaysia for a number of years on environmental and waste legislation. I’m pleased that preliminary steps are now being taken towards commercial cooperation. Malaysia is working hard to grow its economy in an eco-friendly manner, and this agreement will hopefully help bring Malaysia closer to this goal,” the Minister said.

Waste is increasingly seen as a resource rather than a problem. And Denmark has unique competences in the field of waste management.

“Waste can be recycled and used in new products. It can also be converted to fuel, heat or other types of energy. Modern waste management not only helps improve the environment; it also helps us utilise a valuable resource which can create development and contribute to increasing wealth,” said Karin Klitgaard, Environmental Policy Director at the Confederation of Danish Industry.

As the content of waste differs considerable from country to country, DONG Energy is now shipping a mobile version of a REnescience plant to Malaysia. DONG Energy is planning to send the mobile plant to other Asian countries to test whether there is an export market for it.

DONG Ener gy is in the process of constructing its first full-scale REnescience plant.

Located near Manchester in the UK, it will be capable of handling 120,000 tonnes of waste a year. The plant is expected to be operational at the beginning of 2017.

Saab Defence hopes for Malaysia Gripen leasing

A

t Defence Security Asia (DSA 2016), from 18-21 April, Sweden’s Saab Group exhibited its latest range of advanced solutions for air, maritime, land and coastal security domains. Saab showcased the width of their product por tfolio, and the efficiency of these products, and their technology transfer. Sabb has strengthened its commitment towards meeting Malaysia’s military and civil requirements through good value for money and complete future partnership.

During DSA, Saab Test Pilot Mr Robin Nordlander hosted an update on the Gripen programme. Visitors were able to experience what it’s like to be a Gripen pilot in the Gripen cockpit simulator.

“Saab is the smart, independent choice for nations that want full performance, cost efficient, interoperable solutions. We constantly develop and improve new technology to ser ve the global market of governments, authorities and corporations with products, services and solutions ranging from military defence to civil security. Our mission is to keep societies and people safe by pushing intellectual and technological boundaries,” said Dan Enstedt, President & CEO, Saab Asia Pacific.

8 ScandAsia.South East Asia • June 2016

“We have a long history of supplying high performance, cost efficient systems to Malaysia’s Armed Forces including navy and army radars, selfprotection systems for fighters, naval command and control and army support weapons.We strive for a collaborative partnership. We have a strong offer today to meet Malaysia’s requirements,” says Thomas Linden, head of Saab Malaysia.

Speaking to media, Saab remains committed to its offer of leasing the Malaysian government its JAS 39 Gripen C/D multirole fighter in a bid to kick-start the country’s stalled multirole combat

aircraft (MRCA) programme, Mr Linden said (source: IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly).

Linden outlined the lease package being offered to the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) to meet its stated requirement to replace its ageing fleet of Russian MiG-29N ‘Fulcrum-A’ fighters, which were originally scheduled to be retired by late 2010.

The Malaysian government’s response was reportedly positive, but whether or not they will go ahead with Gripen was unclear.

News Brief

Cifor’s Peter Holmgren receives Swedish forestry award

D

irector General, Peter Holmgren of Center for International Forestr y Research (CIFOR) has been awarded the ’Golden Twig’ by the Swedish Forestr y Association, on the occasion of International Day of Forests 2016, to be presented by the Swedish king, H. M. Carl XVI Gustaf.

Indonesia-based (Bogor) CIFOR is a nonprofit, scientific facility that conducts research on the most pressing challenges of forest and landscape management around the world.

Research in the six thematic work areas is underway in more than 50 countries.

The Golden Twig, one of the most prestigious awards within the Swedish forestry sector, is awarded to individuals deemed, on a national or international level, to have made a valuable contribution to the development of forestry and the forests.

Almost all people on ear th depend on forests. Rich and poor. Forests provide food and fuel for cooking. Forests provide medicines, income and all kinds of products of importance in our everyday lives. Forests also give us exciting adventures and spiritual experiences. But if we in the future want to live in justice and prosperity and in balance with nature the forest must give a

lot more of this. One of the Swedes who do the most to get there is Peter Holmgren, writes the Swedish Forestry Association.

“It is a great honour to receive the Golden Twig. I am especially glad that I, who work internationally, receive this award because it shows that forest issues are important. I look forward to continue working with both International and Swedish forestry,” says Peter Holmgen.

In his current job as Director General of the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and his previous work in the UN he runs, on a global level, the development of a sustainable use of forests. With roots in Swedish forest inventory, forest management and multiple use of forests, with an impressive global network, he works for forests that give more to everyone.

From those living in or close to the forest to urban residents who need renewable industrial products and fuels in their everyday lives.

“To push the global development requires skills in science and analysis, as well as advocacy.

It requires experience of cultural differences, visions and ability to see many perspectives. Peter Holmgren combines these talents. He shows that the commitment to the forest not only concerns your own surroundings. Peter makes a great

contribution to the sustainable management of the world’s forests.”

The Golden Twig is awarded to individuals who on a national or international level have given valuable contributions to the development of forestry and the forests. It is one of the most regarded awards within the Swedish forestry sector.

Danish ice cream shop opens in Ho Chi Minh City

I

n early April Osterberg opened its doors to the first Danish ice cream shop in Vietnam.The grand opening of their first store in Ho Chi Minh City was celebrated with invited guests for a taste of Danish ice cream. The Danish Embassy participated and enjoyed a taste of Denmark.

The background of this ice cream brand is Cathrine Østerberg, who has always loved ice cream. So much so that when she was 13 years old got his first job as ‘ispige’. Lots of ice cream, the smell of freshly baked waffles, long days and hard work – was an enticing scenario for her.

The interest in food was aroused, and this meant that she studied Bsc. Food and subsequently Msc. Gastronomy and Health at the University.

A final thesis drew Cathrine to Canada,

home to one of the world’s leading ice cream researchers.

Thereefter she has gradually been researched ice cream thoroughly with ice cream courses in Denmark, Italy and Canada. It has taken no less than two years to reach the right recipes that underlie what Østerberg think is the ideal ice cream. And that development continues in introducing new flavors.

“Ice cream is a food you can really geek out with. You can adjust the ratio of sugar, fat and protein, and thus arrive at exactly the ice cream that tastes best and is sufficiently creamy without being too rich. If you just slightly change the conditions this can be noted and tasted. And that’s what makes that ice cream a fantastic food

to work with, and not least enjoying the result that follows, “says Cathrine Østerberg.

Her father, Niels Østerberg, started Orana A/S in 1999, which stems from the old cider factory in Rynkeby. Orana has grown steadily, and there are now subsidiaries in Vietnam, Egypt, India, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Kenya. This has made Orana into one of the leading fruit companies in the world.

With the local know-how Orana achieved a great knowledge and a good understanding of all the many interesting fruits, plants, extracts and spices that grow around the globe. Østerberg can not think of a better way to offer all kinds of fruits than through a delicious, refreshing ice cream.

June 2016 • ScandAsia.South East Asia 9

The King and Queen of Sweden bring Global Child Forum to Asia

By Joakim Persson

O

n 5 May H.M King Carl XVI Gustaf, Honorar y Chairman of Global Child Forum, and H.M. Queen Silvia of Sweden hosted their first forum hosted in Southeast Asia (SEA). Global Child Forum was initiated by the Royal Family of Sweden on the occasion of the 2oth anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 2009.

“Global Child Forum is an independent Royal Foundation with special focus on children’s rights and the business sector. Our vision is a world where children’s rights for future generations are respected and supported by all actors in society, and where the business and financial sector can have a special role to play,” said H.M King Carl XVI Gustaf opening the event.

The multi-stakeholder platform constitutes an information service and inspiration to the world, and their objective is to engage businesses in the next generation. Their point of departure for these efforts is the United Nations Children Act, ratified by all the countries in SEA. Held in Kuala Lumpur this was the organisation’s third regional Forum (tailored to the region in which they are hosted), themed 10 ScandAsia.South East Asia • June 2016

‘Mobility and Connectivity: Children’s Rights and Sustainable Business’, where leaders from business, civil society and government shared best practices for how companies can strengthen children’s rights within their operations.

King Carl XVI Gustaf described the Forum as a “unique platform” that boosts “dialogue”, as H.M the King also outlined SEA as being one of the most dynamic in the world.

“The countries in the region are home to more than 600 people, which is the same as the entire population of Europe, and who are much younger, increasingly digital, mobile and connected.”

The King had noted that some of the countries here are among the highest percentage of smart phone owners.

“The region is also home to many globally competitive companies and is projected to be the fourth largest economic power by 2050. Hence, economic growth and the focus on fur ther development is looking bright for this part of the world. But this development also raises some critical questions regarding children’s rights. When business is booming how do we ensure Children’s Rights are protected?” King Carl XVI Gustaf called

out to the audience of 250 delegates from the ASEAN region and beyond.

In attendance were also Ulf Kar lberg, Chairman, Par tner Advisor y Board and Åse Bäckström, Managing Director, Global Child Forum.

A high-level session on children’s rights and sustainable business in the region set the stage for business leaders to share their best practices.

The Forum also included ActionLab sessions focusing on four topics unique to the ASEAN region. These were: Reframing challenges as opportunities – youth employment as a driver for change; Children in the digital age – how the ICT sector can support and respect children’s rights; Safeguarding children’s rights in the travel and tourism sector; as well as The children’s rights and Business Atlas as a tool for responsible business.

Coinciding with the forum a benchmark report on Children’s Rights and the Corporate Sector in Southeast Asia was also launched. This study assesses how the companies promote children’s rights in their business value chains, based on analysing the repor ted practices of 289 companies operating in the ASEAN region including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore,

Per Heggenes of IKEA Foundation speaking at the Global Child Form SEA Vietnam and Philippines spanning over nine industry sectors.

The resulting repor t shows that most industries in the ASEAN region significantly underperform compared to the global average, but outperform Middle East and North Africa (MENA). It was revealed that the companies have very few activities to report in tandem with the pattern of the global sample. Only 29% of the surveyed companies in the region have a child labour policy in their compliance, which is much less prominent than the global average of 62%, and only 24% adhere to international standards.

“We had hoped that companies, certainly the leading ones, would have a bit better performance,” commented Ulf Karlberg. “We can inspire them to take child issues seriously at board level. Some leaders who take this seriously get respect. Other statistics concerning those who have not even started thinking about sustainability and children’s rights, takes down the average for the regional benchmark. We hope within say 5 years the ranking should increase,” he continued.

Global Child Forum urged businesses in the region to put children’s rights as a top priority in corporate governance in order to bring up the regional benchmark score from 2.1 to 5 (out of 9).

“We encourage business to bring up the regional benchmark score and to focus not solely on child labour but to address issues such as product safety, marketing to children and sexual exploitation,” commented Dr. Fiona Rotberg, Research Director of Global Child Forum. She said a lot still needs to be done.

70% of the ASEAN companies are active at driving programmes to promote children’s rights, which is well above the global average of 48%, but only 3% address children’s issues at board level.

“Understand the issues and make sure you have the policy. This is a Board responsibility. Then you implement, and being transparent and make audits. Those who have not understood that will wake up one day and understand,” said Ulf Karlberg, and added: “Issues do not concern only biggest companies. Even start-ups today are fully aware. But in this part of the world there is also a lot of agribusiness.”

Per Heggenes, CEO of Ikea Foundation commented on Ikea’s role having a larger challenge, being a multi-national company.

Ikea feels that children are the most important in the world and look at everything from a child’s perspective.

“25 years ago we set up specific children’s issues. It was a natural thing for Ikea to do as it was

ingrained in the values of the company.”

“Ikea has very strong code of conduct. And it is very black and white – if you don’t meet the criteria you are out. One can be very clear about these standards, we can give time to achieve but we expect change. If we set a standard good for suppliers it will benchmark for the society.”

“We put a lot of effor ts in working with governments to improve education. We can engage with NGOs who engage with government.

How can we help the root causes of child labour, is by assisting having access to education.”

Especially businesses can be a driver for immediate and lasting change in the lives of children and young people,” commented Åse Bäckström, Managing Director of Global Child Forum.

“It’s an impor tant thing for a business to identify how the company impacts children and how children impact companies. There is some good news in the report and also work still left to do.The current status is really good when it comes to programmes, where the regional average is extremely high. 70 per cent of companies do run programmes. That is a really good number. Going forward, children’s rights is not a CSR matter; it is core business. What we want to achieve in this region is for businesses to give children’s rights top priority.”

“Companies should stop using child labour.

Many companies do not allow it even though they don’t report on it. As we start working on those issues the performance will evolve. The benchmarking score should be five. Then you are among the global average.”

“If we should be a global forum that raised the global issues – and not only Swedish issues or very international topics – we needed to go out to different parts of the world and take the temperature on the issues there,” the managing director commented on the purpose of having the regional forums. “So we decided that in order to be a trustworthy player we needed also the regional perspectives. And then we must go to the respective regions and have forums with, for and in the regions. We should then focus on looking at how the reality is regionally, what gap there is against protecting children’s rights, and then use that perspective as point of departure.

Like a think tank.” Åse told ScandAsia that they do these repor ts in order to generate interest around what the situation is now. ”We have used the same criteria and done a study on the Middle East, and on southern Africa and have a global study that we will now repeat

after three years. So the idea is to do the global study every third year and the follow-up regional studies continuously, and then connect to that, as we really would like to measure the progress, and use this as a push.”

Concerning their focus on the business world she said that this is what differentiates Global Child Forum from the usual children’s rights organisations.

“We view ourselves as a business organisation.

We are financed by the business world and we work with their issues in order to – together with the businesses – push the children’s rights agenda.

If one thinks one step further: children’s rights are being abused, why? Children are forced to child labour. Who is the reason behind child labour? It is the corporations. Of course as a consequence of lack of legal systems that can properly protect the children. But if the businesses would not use child labour, it would not exist. A way to push the change is the make them take full responsibility and be advocacies themselves for the issue. The business world that is the catalyst for change” “Charity can reduce but does not change the circumstances, whereas if companies ensure they are not violating in their business they in effect push the agenda and put demands on governments for supplying good education.”

When it comes to adopting best practices she said that businesses look at their own sector.

“And the major question concerning the business world and children’s rights is the difficulty in seeing where we are having an impact on children.”

Taking a bank as example, and how it can affect children she said: “If one thinks that a bank’s systems can be used for transactions relating to trafficking or sexual abuse of minors then that is a to-the-point issue for that business.”

June 2016 • ScandAsia.South East Asia 11

Queen Silvia of Sweden closes Global Child Forum

By Joakim Persson

A

s the full day Global Child Forum was coming to an end, held in Kuala Lumpur on 5 May, the last words were those of Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden.

Their Majesties of Sweden had attended the entire forum day, after having travelled all the way to Malaysia from Sweden only for the Forum; something that was highlighted by Global Child Forum’s Chairman of the Partner Advisory Board, Ulf Karberg and that resulted in a resounding, long applause from the delegates.

In her closing address to the Forum H.M. Queen Silvia highlighted the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and that she had gladly learned about recent strengthened legislation in the host country as well as in Thailand.

In April Malaysia’s lower house amended the country’s Child Act 2001 to provider better protection for children, however without banning all marriage by girls and boys under the age of 18, as called for by several members of parliament and rights groups.

And last year the National Legislative Assembly of Thailand voted unanimously to amend the Criminal Code of Thailand to criminalise child pornography, a legislation that would help protect children from sexual abuse. (Previously, the possession of child sex abuse material without intent to distribute was not considered a crime under the Criminal Code of Thailand.)

H.M. Queen Silvia especially expressed hope that the business and financial sectors would engage in ensuring children’s safety and rights onwards.

12 ScandAsia.South East Asia • June 2016

This was the third ever regional forum, which serves as a unique platform for the identification of opportunities on how businesses can contribute to the promotion of children’s rights.

Ulf Karlberg pointed out that the nonprofit organisation wanted to go places where they could make a difference, and had been encouraged to go also to South Africa, after the first ever regional forum outside Sweden was successfully held in Dubai (in 2014).

He referred to CRC as one of the most ratified UN agreements of all.

“On the other side children’s rights and business principles are very serious for companies and a very powerful instrument. It’s all about involving the corporate and financial sectors in a way it hasn’t been done before. This is not only a government issue; it’s for everyone; you, me and every part of society,” said the Global Child Forum chairman and continued: “The most important part is the next generation, our future.

Are we proud about what we have achieved so far? In Europe we see it; war and conflicts happening every day. Behind that, we have to move from charity to real sustainability.This forum is maybe a little step to involve everyone and take these issues very seriously.”

“Old men like me are not too happy with what we have achieved, in terms of environmental protection, sustainability and human rights,” Mr Karlbeg said elaborated during the press conference, as answer to the introspection he had asked earlier in the day. “We are trying to engage, and we urge the businesses to perform.”

“But if we don’t have the facts we just have a

talk show. This is why we are producing research repor ts to show comparisons, and put this knowledge on the social media and give it to the world. We constitute an information service and inspiration to the world, and our objective is to engage businesses in the next generation.”

“In some countries governments are putting pressure on companies. In other parts of the world it is the corporate sector driving governments to do much more. This movement is partly driven by both private and government sectors. With international companies taking the lead good news travel fast.”

Following on the afternoon’s ActionLab group sessions, each group’s recommendations were presented on stage to all delegates, even including an audiovisual documentation from each ActionLab. In the afternoon’s High-level session speakers on the topic ‘Perspectives for the Future – What will it take?’ included the IKEA Foundation CEO Mr Per Heggenes.

To summarize the Forum the co-organiser ASEAN CSR Network’s representative Thomas Thomas, as well as Åse Bäckström, Managing Director for Global Child Forum took to the stage and presented their conclusions.

The Global Child Forum on Southeast Asia was organised in close association with UNICEF, UN Global Compact, ASEAN CSR Network, Save the Children, Plan International and ECPAT International.

Productive Danish Environment & Food Minister Malaysia visit

T

he Embassy of Denmark in Kuala Lumpur hosted the Danish Minister of Environment & Food, Esben Lunde Larsen, on a visit to Malaysia on 13 - 15 April 2016. The Minister held political talks and explored market opportunities within food, agriculture and fisheries Shabery Cheek (to exchange views on current developments in Malaysia within livestock, dairy and aquaculture, and oppor tunities for deepening of relations between Denmark and Malaysia) as well as within clean-tech and was accompanied by a business delegation and representatives from the Danish Agriculture & Trade Council as well as the Confederation of Danish Industry.

A packed two-day programme included, besides bilateral meetings with the Minister of Agriculture and the Minister of Urban Wellbeing, opening a forum on modernization of poultry farming as well as one on aquaculture and water technologies, and witnessing two signing ceremonies among Danish and Malaysian companies. He also got to experience rural Malaysia with visits to a chicken farm and a palm oil plantation.

The Minister rounded off the visit to Malaysia by promoting Danish food products in the Danish residence together with top chefs from the Kokkelandsholdet - National Culinary Team of Denmark and Berjaya University College of Hospitality, School of Culinary Arts. Their skills were showcased at the Danish National Day (Queen’s Birthday) Reception. The celebration of Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II’s 76th year

birthday had Deputy Minister of Trade & Industry, Datuk Ahmad Maslan, as the Malaysian Guest of Honour.

The guests also had the pleasure of enjoying delicacies prepared by the Danish National Culinary Team - Kokkelandsholdet. This chefs team, represented by chefs Sten Slot Knudsen and Mads Søndergaard on 15 April also entertained Malaysian food distributers and bloggers with a show-cooking event in the Danish residence, with the assistance of Malaysian top-chef Azim Amran from Berjaya University College of Hospitality School of Culinary Arts.

The Danish minister witnessed the showcooking and shared his views on “Food for Life

– Danish Green and Natural”. He also cooked alongside the top chefs!

The minister also opened a Forum on Aquaculture & Water Technologies in Putrajaya, where presentations were made by Danish and Malaysian par tners, including WorldFish, Department of Fisheries and Confederation of Danish Industry.

From fisheries, the visit changed focus to solid waste with a bilateral meeting with the Deputy Minister of Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Halima, followed by the witnessing of a business MoU signing ceremony between Danish Dong Energy and Malaysian Cenviro.

June 2016 • ScandAsia.South East Asia 13

Petri Puhakka:

New Ambassador to Malaysia

By Joakim Persson

F

inland’s new Ambassador to Malaysia’s arrival was timely, as the first Asean Team Finland meeting ever took place in Singapore on 28 – 29 April.

H.E. Petri Puhakka then started at the Kuala Lumpur mission on 2 May, and awarded ScandAsia an introduction the very same first week of his first ambassador posting.

The unique Finnish gathering enabled that the Ambassador could kick off his Southeast Asian assignment by meeting all the Team Finland colleagues in the region, including all Finnish Business Council/Chambers of Commerce Director s, FinPro representatives and all Finnish Ambassadors, to brainstorm and plan opportunities and collaboration.

14 ScandAsia.South East Asia • June 2016

“It was one the first time when local business councils were also invited, within the Team Finland framework, and we’re all working towards the same end goals so this was a logical step. We will try to meet on a regular basis onwards.”

“It was really useful what we found out; that there are still room for improvements – especially on the information sharing side. So it was good that we noticed this in the beginning so we know better what we should be aiming at,” relates Petri Puhakka.

SEA Action Plan Finland has a heavy emphasis on economic diplomacy utilizing the Team Finland network that brings all state-funded actors under one umbrella.

“We have the action plan for Southeast Asia that sets the framework. And Team Finland is one of the priorities: Before we had several actors doing basically the same thing but didn’t know exactly what the others were doing. That’s not very effective use of scarce resources. Now we are trying to have an informed idea what the others are doing via information sharing, as well as having common planning and project sharing,” he comments on the new Team Finland framework, which concerns efforts both here in the region and back home.

“What we do in Finland sets the basic framework but we have to adapt it regionally... say events brought to the area from Finland. So it’s wiser to take as much people on board as possible and use the opportunity. With expos, artists and events it’s better to tour the region. That’s one of the ideas and next year it’s going be the Finland 100 years of independence celebration where we will aim at getting more visibility. Let’s see what turns out of our ideas and continued planning.”

The framework Petri Puhakka refers to is ‘Finland’s action plan for Southeast Asia’ release in May last year, with contribution from Finland’s foreign missions in the region.

Malaysia is a long-term, well-known partner to Finland and Finnish companies, where Finnish companies have been established for a long time already, says the plan about Malaysia. Finland’s main expor ts to Malaysia are machinery and equipment, paper, and chemicals. Imports consist mainly of electronic equipment as well as palm oil and rubber. Some 50 Finnish companies operate in Malaysia. There is also cooperation in the education sector.

“The conclusion of a free trade agreement between the EU and Malaysia would improve market access for Finnish products and increase interest in Malaysian markets. More high-level visits between Finland and Malaysia would benefit the promotion of economic relations.”

Some priorities with regard to Malaysia are: Increase cooperation in information technology, ICT technology and information security; in the energy sector, in particular in renewable energy and energy logistics; in clean technologies; and promote educational exports.

Petri Puhakka is also Ambassador of Finland to Brunei as well as the Philippines, where, says the report, the overall situation has been improving greatly due to the determined reforms carried out in the recent years. Economic growth is expected to continue at the impressive 6–7 per cent annually over the next few years.

Economic relations between Finland and the Philippines are on the rise with key product groups in the trade include electronics components and paper. Approximately 20 Finnish companies have established business operations in the Philippines.

Areas of Finnish interest in the Philippines include information technology and ICT technology, renewable energy, and clean tech. The Philippines’ young, growing and prospering population, as well as the many ambitious infrastructure reforms offer a lot of potential to Finnish companies also.

“The sectors where we think there is potential for Finnish products and knowhow are more or less the same for the whole region.We have some slight differences, with ICT, clean teach, healthcare, education, waste-to-energy etc.; basically where we have expertise.”

This year Ministr y of Foreign Affairs of Finland (MFA) has also been provided with some additional resources to send some extra commercial counsellor, for a limited number of years, of which one is strategically placed in Singapore.

It is a fairly new concept, education as export field, so we need still to define what exactly it is about.

Finnpartnership matchmaking “Education is a growing sector, which was also in focus of the ‘Doings Business with Finland’ seminars held in Malaysia in March. It’s a fairly new concept, education as export field, so we need still to define what exactly it is about.

You cannot just copy; you have to adapt it to local surroundings and local habits,” thinks the Ambassador. “Anyway it’s one of key interests of the Malaysian government as well; everybody wants to get good education. It´s clear there is potential.”

The main objective of these seminars was to connect Malaysian and Finnish companies, promote investment opportunities and promote Finland as business destination of choice.

Co-organised by Finnpar tner ship the seminars this time had more companies to offer thanks to the close cooperation with the Team Finland growth programs of the Finnish internationalization office, Finpro. With the help of Finnpartnership’s Matchmaking Service, companies and organisations in Finland and in developing countries can seek out new cooperation opportunities and business partners, and get financial support.

“I visited FinnFund and Finnpartnership before heading for Malaysia. They do the homework regarding which companies would like to export or expand internationally and which sectors.They

do the same kind of footwork here and then try to match them,” says Petri Puhakka.

“It is also our task to follow up from here,” he adds.

It was successful and the results of the seminars were better than expected. But we need to wait before we can see how much will materialise. They have to negotiate etc. so I don’t expect some fast results in just a couple of months. It could be years, but at least you have seen the interest of both sides.”

The atmosphere here is quite conducive, with some incentives such as the MSC concept (Multimedia Super Corridor), thinks the new ambassador of the Malaysia market.

“The business councils as well have a key role to play. FinPro can do something, but in getting used to local habits and local regulations, Finnish businesses here, plus those who have been here before, are a very valuable source.”

“We are lucky now to have a commercial counsellor from FinPro sitting here in the Kuala Lumpur embassy. But he represents a huge area from India to Australia, excluding China.”

Dig into politics International relations and trade are topics that Petri Puhakka has gained significant experience with, since he began working at the MFA 21,5 years ago. He has been posted to: Embassy in Reykjavik, Iceland; Mission at Nato in Brussels (covering eg. the peacekeeping operation in Kosovo); the Permanent Representation to the United Nations and the World Trade Organisation in Geneva; and the Permanent Representation to the European Union as Finland’s deputy to the trade policy committee.

And prior to the appointment as Ambassador, he worked as a training director for human resources development at MFA. He must also dig in to some other aspects than trade as well.

“You are supposed to be following the events of the area and report back home. There is a lot to learn on that front, of course, but I try to get a proper picture about the countries, the culture and ways things are done here as fast as possible.”

“But my first impressions of Malaysia are really positive – this is a well-functioning multiethnic and multi-cultural country.”

Right after his arrival local elections took place in Sarawak, followed by the Philippines Presidential election.

“People are waiting for you in Helsinki to give an evaluation on what happens and how it will affect the future,” the ambassador comments on his upcoming tasks.

Petri Puhakka himself is awaiting his wife to join him at the end of the Nordic summer, while their two daughters remain in Finland, studying at college and about to star t at university respectively. However, they have promised to come and visit their parents as often as they can.

June 2016 • ScandAsia.South East Asia 15

Jan B. Djerf presides over EuroCham Singapore Undoubtedly Swedish banking executive Mr Jan B. Djerf is one of our most well known Scandinavians in Singapore.

I

n Southeast Asia’s undisputed business hub since 2004 Mr Djerf is not only Senior Vice President and General Manager of Handelsbanken Singapore Branch and Head of South Asia and Pacific; he is also the President of Eurocham, European Chamber of Commerce (Singapore), during two years spanning from 2015 – 2017.

Prior to this, Mr. Djerf took on the role as Vice-President for 3 years. Mr. Djerf also represents the Swedish Business Association in Singapore on the EuroCham Board and has been an active Board member since 2005.

ScandAsia finds out more about these, his prestigious additional roles on a European level. But first, a résumé of his career up to now: In his professional career, Mr. Djerf ’s major step towards senior level management came with his 16 ScandAsia.South East Asia • June 2016

appointment as the Head of the Treasury Department at Ericsson in Stockholm, Sweden. This sparked his globetrotting career phase, leading him to be headhunted by Alfinad SA in Brussels, Belgium, the Treasury Center of Alfa Laval. Mr. Djerf soon saw his career taking him to Lausanne, Switzerland as Director Group Treasury at Tetra Laval. 1994 saw Mr. Djerf ’s entry into one of Scandinavia’s largest banks, Handelsbanken. In 1998, Mr. Djerf was appointed Head of Foreign Exchange Money Markets and Emerging Markets, Europe. This took him to London and then to Stockholm. After that he arrived to Singapore and Handelsbanken.

Mr. Jan B. Djerf represents the Swedish Business Association in Singapore on the EuroCham Board and has been an active Board member since 2005, including taking

on the role of Vice President since 3 years. In March 2015, Mr. Djerf was unanimously voted to the Presidency of EuroCham for a two-year term.

EuroCham’s Board of Governors comprises of the Office Bearers, which includes the President, a Patron, Ordinar y Corporate Board Members, as well as 14 Representatives from the European National Business Groups (NBGs).

EuroCham works very closely with the EU Delegation to Singapore for its events and activities. H.E. Dr. Michael Pulch, Ambassador of the EU Delegation to Singapore sits on the Board as Patron.

Under Mr Djerf ’s leadership, EuroCham has emerged as an instr umental body in the bu s i n e s s c o m mu n i t y, m a k i n g concrete effor ts in enhancing and encouraging a vibrant trade relationship between Singapore and the EU. Locally, EuroCham has had several engagements with a myriad of government agencies and representatives in a bid to foster a conductive business environment.

As Singapore continues to develop itself as a regional hub for major industries, EuroCham’s relevance becomes strikingly impor tant to offer a support base for European companies that are looking to Asia to expand their operations.

To date, Singapore plays host to approximately 11,000 European companies and more are expected to arrive in due course.

The EuroCham collection of sector committees has grown from 9 to 11 – Commercial Vehicles, Financial Services, ICT, Internship, Intellectual Proper ty Rights (IPR), Human Resources (HR), Regional Finance & Tax, Regional Trade, Sustainability, Food & Pharma Packaging and Wine & Spirits.

Sector committees offer a common European platform to exchange information, discuss common issues businesses are facing and undertake coordinated initiatives.

In line with the work of the

sector committees, EuroCham has successfully published a number of Position Papers, which summarise policies and trends in Southeast Asia with recommended proposals.

Examples are: Traceability: The Cornerstone of Food Safety Policy (introducing new regulations in Singapore’s Food Regulations); Position Paper on Degradable Packaging & Plastic Ban as a Solution to Littering; and HR White Paper (outlining priorities for the development of human capital in ASEAN in lieu of the ASEAN economic integration project).

“EuroCham has been involved in many advocacy initiatives in collaboration with Singaporean authorities, and more projects will follow. We have been active on diverse fields, ranging from tourism to taking actions against counterfeiting, not to mention our engagement on many policy dialogues on HR or FS. As such, our presence and close ties with the Singaporean Government allows us to be a key interlocutor for European businesses, and we hope to see our voice growing stronger.”

“In addition, as our scope of action is constantly widening, EuroCham now aims to strengthen its collaboration with the Singaporean Government by taking more initiatives based on corporate social responsibility, a key aspect frequently mentioned in the Budget in March,” Mr Djerf comments on the activities going forward.

Fur thermore EuroCham or ganizes two annual flagship events – Europe Day Luncheon and Schuman Lecture Gala Dinner.

During these events, the Chamber has the privilege to host high profile personalities to deliver a keynote speech, sharing their thoughts and views of the global economy and its future implications for businesses.

EuroCham also offers a less formal platform for its member s and the wider business community to network and access a wide and diversified audience (arranged four

times yearly).

For Mr Djerf his experience from being President also for SBAS (Swedish Business Association of Singapore) is significant in his EuroCham role.

“Not only it is possible but I would say essential to apply past experiences to future roles as experience come with knowledge and lessons on how to overcome a challenge. Each National Business Group has its own topics of interest.

However, building an advocacy and lobbying strategy in Singapore is a constant challenge to all. If the issues are different, the approach

remains the same, and it is crucial to follow the business environment and culture in place in Singapore.”

And one may also wonder how the head of Handelsbanken in the region can balance his additional President roles also with family life?

“Every day is a challenge with many obstacles to overcome .

However, being the President of EuroCham does not mean I have to face them alone. I am blessed to have the support of my family. In addition, I have the great pleasure to work with a dynamic team offering the support I need to carry on the work and responsibilities I hold.“

INTERNATIONAL BOARDING SCHOOL OF SWEDEN

“An inter national boarding school in an idyllic, safe and secur e envir onment.

Gr ennaskolan pr ovides not only good foundations for your futur e, but also for your well-being her e and now”

www.g rennaskolan.se +46(0)390-33208 / info@g rennaskolan.se

June 2016 • ScandAsia.South East Asia 17

Malaysians queue up to find Finnish partners

By Aapo Happonen, Project Assistant, Embassy of Finland in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur

F

innpar tner ship and The Malaysian Investment Development Authority, MIDA, jointly organized Doing Business With Finland seminars in Johor Bahru, Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur during 15-18 March. In Ipoh Invest Perak was seminal in hosting the event. Embassy of Finland in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur reports.

The main objective of these seminars was to connect Malaysian and Finnish companies, promote investment opportunities and promote Finland as business destination of choice.

Finnpar tnership is a business par tnership program that promotes business cooperation between companies in Finland and in developing markets. It grants financial support for Finnish business activities in developing markets in addition to offering a matchmaking service. The organization is funded by the Foreign Ministry of Finland. Finland has a heavy emphasis on economic diplomacy utilizing the Team Finland network that brings all state-funded actors under one umbrella.

Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Finland in Malaysia, Teemu Laakkonen, opened the seminars by giving his remarks on the Finnish 18 ScandAsia.South East Asia • June 2016

activities in Malaysia. After that the floor was given to the hosts. This was followed by two Finnpartnership presentations, whose goal was to discuss the matchmaking service.

The Finnpar tnership matchmaking service allows Malaysian companies to find, free of charge, a suitable business partner in their respective field in Finland. All a company has to do is to sign up a form at the Finnpartnership website.

Finnish companies especially in the Cleantech, IT and education sectors were promoted this time around. Manufacturing was also discussed as many of the attending Malaysian companies represented this sector.

Birgit Nevala from Finnpartnership was happy to see the events surpass the goals set for them.

Especially in Ipoh and Johor the local companies formed long queues in front of the matchmaking table to get their turn in finding a suitable Finnish business partner.

The results of the events look promising, although this is only the first step in forging lasting partnerships. Dozens of Finnish companies have already started discussions with their Malaysian counterparts and some Cleantech companies are coming over to meet their prospective

par tners. Companies in waste management, water purification and early childhood education sectors were the ones that attracted the most interest.

Birgit Nevala mentioned that compared to previous seminars held in other developing markets Finnpartnership now had more companies to offer thanks to the close cooperation with the Team Finland growth programs of the Finnish internationalization office, Finpro. The goal of the said programs is to seize business opportunities abroad. Any Finnish company in the offered areas of business can be a part of them.

Finnpar tnership seminars are usually held in the same country on two consecutive years.

Hopefully we´ll be back next year with many more closed business deals to tell about!

June 2016 • ScandAsia.South East Asia 19

Complete Automation

Your Solution partner