Celebrating 150 years A publication to celebrate our past, present and future

Joerg Wolle

Dear readers,

This year is significant for DKSH as we celebrate our 150th anniversary. To celebrate 150 years of helping companies expand into new and existing markets, I am very pleased to present you with this special edition publication which explores various aspects relating to both the future of our industry, Market Expansion Services (MES), and the Asian region in which we operate.

We have brought together a collection of perspectives from economic, business and academic leaders who are changing the world across different sectors and industries. The impressive list of contributors speaks for itself. Their fresh and insightful viewpoints contribute to articles within the three sections: the future of Asia, market expansion perspectives and the evolving customer.

Over the past few months, worries about slowing economies in Asia have been increasing. We at DKSH however have experienced over many decades that it seems to be in the nature of both the financial markets and the media to hype Asian markets, then quickly switch to denigrating them, before starting the whole round of hype again. Comparisons have been made to the so-called “Asian crisis” in 1997, with catchphrases such as “lack of reforms,” “institutional weaknesses” and “structural deficits” surfacing yet again. In reality, the situation is fundamentally different. Asia – most notably China – has moved on significantly and made huge investments in technology, capital and manpower.

DKSH has achieved strong growth since 2002, the year the three predecessor companies merged, and created more than 13,500 jobs which reflects the ongoing attractiveness of our business model. DKSH is ideally positioned to benefit from the following growth drivers: rapid growth of the middle classes and the huge pent-up demand of those who have not yet participated in the economic upturn, rising intra-Asian trade and increased outsourcing to specialist services providers.

Our in-depth knowledge of local markets and pan-Asian footprint are the foundation of our success and were built up because of our long and rewarding history in Asia.

The DKSH story is one of entrepreneurship and adventure. Independently of each other, three young Swiss entrepreneurs made their way to Asia, founded their own companies and laid the foundations for today’s Asia trade. This exciting journey charts the transformation of Asia from being the focus of the major trading nations in Europe and the USA to becoming an active growth driver in today’s global economy.

This publication is a celebration of our past, present and future. We hope that the articles provide you with as much inspiration as they have for us; to ensure that we continuously take our services to a new level, add value to our partners and help them to achieve unprecedented success in Asia.

I would like to extend my personal thanks to all those who have contributed to this publication. For any comments, please contact us.

With best regards,

Dr. Joerg Wolle
President & CEO

  • Evatec

    Andreas Waelti, CEO, Evatec AG

    “We are pleased to congratulate DKSH on their 150 year anniversary. As a supplier of thin film production solutions to the semiconductor industry Evatec relies on the technical competence of DKSH to provide sales and technical support at the highest level to our customers in China and Taiwan.”

  • Lindt & Sprüngli logo

    Ernst Tanner, Chairman & CEO, Lindt & Sprüngli

    “We are proud and fortunate to work with DKSH in selected Asian markets to expand our footprint and delight more and more Asian consumers with the very finest premium quality chocolate in the world. We congratulate DKSH on 150 years of Market Expansion Services!”

  • Omron logo

    Jose Maria Salazar, MD, Omron Healthcare Singapore

    “For 150 years, DKSH has played a fundamental role in linking companies and products between and within Asia and Europe. In doing so it has contributed significantly to Omron Healthcare’s growth outside Japan, and we look forward to continuing our great relationship with DKSH.”

  • Boehringer Ingelheim logo

    Gerrard McKenna, Country Managing Director/Head of Prescription Medicines, South East Asia & South Korea, Boehringer Ingelheim

    “On behalf of Boehringer Ingelheim we want to extend to DKSH our warmest wishes as you celebrate 150 years of Market Expansion Services. We wish you continued success as you celebrate this important milestone.”

  • Malvern

    Paul Walker, MD, Malvern Instruments

    “On behalf of Malvern Instruments, it is my pleasure to congratulate DKSH upon the occasion of your 150th anniversary. We have appreciated your support over the years and offer you best wishes and continued success.”

  • Logo Axens

    Patrick Sarrazin, Senior Executive Vice-President, Catalysts & Adsorbents BU Director, Axens

    “Axens and DKSH started their cooperation more than 50 years ago selling high added-value materials to the refining and petrochemical industries in Japan. Considering the outstanding sales performances of DKSH in this country over the period, Axens decided to extend the cooperation with DKSH to other North Asian countries. We enjoy excellent team work since the beginning, leading to very good results. Congratulations to DKSH on their 150th anniversary!”

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