Working toward a sustainable future

So how do you get along with your local partners?

That is a very good question. To be perfectly honest, this is one of the reasons for our success in China during the past two decades. DSM acquired Aland (Jiangsu) Nutraceutical Co Ltd in November last year to strengthen its position in vitamin C supplements.

When the company is fully integrated, Aland's operations will employ some 1,800 people in DSM China.

The market for vitamin C is extremely large. It is the biggest vitamin by volume in the sector and is used in numerous products. Rather than setting up a plant of our own, it was better to work with another leading company. This will benefit both DSM China and Aland.

In May, we announced plans to set up a joint venture with Zhejiang NHU Co Ltd to specialize in the production and development of a material called PPS (polyphenylene sulfide). PPS is used to make filter fabric for electrical insulation, and is widely used in the automotive and electronics industries.

We are hoping to come up with similar agreements in the future. In this way, we can share resources and gain an advantage in the marketplace. By cooperating we can also avoid wasting time and energy by cutting out repetition.

Is there a strong international flavor to the DSM China team?

Actually, we would like to see more international talent in the company. That means new college graduates as well as experienced overseas experts. About 90 percent of the overseas experts that I know are willing to work for companies in China even after retirement.

These people have great knowledge and would relish the opportunity to work here. They would also help us increase entrepreneurship in the country. I believe we should learn from the United States, and bring together the brightest and the best from all over the world to contribute to the local economy.

What are the challenges you face in the future?

Even as a leading market player, transformation from a traditional chemical company, which had specialized in coal and petrochemicals, to one which focuses on material science and life science, is not easy. To be honest, it is a very painstaking process.

We have been doing this for the past two decades since we acquired Roche (vitamins division) in 2003. It is relatively easy job to buy or sell a company, but it is quite difficult to change people's mindsets.

So, what we have learned from our experience is to work with other companies. There are a number of European firms which have obtained advanced technologies but have no room to develop them in their home countries. For DSM China, this is a perfect opportunity.

What are your dreams or ambitions in China?

My realization of "the Chinese Dream" is to see more people working in substantial industries. It would also be nice to see people stay their entire life with just one industry because they love what they do.

What is your business philosophy?

Love your job and believe you can be the best in your industry.