Symrise CEO becomes an economic ambassador for Singapore

Three European appointments​

On 11th July 2017, The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) unveiled its decision to appoint three business leaders as new economic ambassadors to Singapore.

At the awards ceremony, held in Munich, Germany, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loon handed the awarding certificates to Dr Heinz-Jürgen Bertram, CEO of Symrise,  Roland Gerner, Senior Advisor to the Executive Board at Heraus and Dr Erich Erber, founder and CEO of Erber.

In these positions, the three global company heads will support small and medium-sized companies in their Asian market entry efforts.

Building a future in Asia​

As the German, Austrian and Swiss companies have each held their brand presence in Singapore for over 20 years, together, the three economic ambassadors will strive to welcome similar organisations into the Southeast Asian city state and wider Asia region.

Over the last two decades, the companies have invested in production sites, regional distribution and innovation centres, along with regional company headquarters on site to build their relationship with Singapore and gain access to the Asian consumer base.  

The economic ambassadors, which includes fragrance and flavour producer, Symrise, will be on the lookout for small to medium-sized high-tech companies that are hoping to enter the Asian marketplace and gain a following. The ambassadors will support these efforts through offering proven route-to-market expertise and networks.

In June this year, Symrise moved ahead with its global innovation initiative by opening a creative centre in Mumbai​. The plant, which focuses on the business’s scent and care sector, is part of Symrise’s long-term plan to expand in Asia-Pacific (APAC).

Gaining entry​

Singapore’s EDB set up the economic ambassador programme in 2015. Following its establishment, the newly-appointed ambassadors are seeking to advise and make recommendations to US and European companies that are hoping to succeed in generating financial growth in Asia.

At present, over 3,000 German, Austrian and Swiss companies are already operational in Singapore, with the country receiving significant contributions by way of advanced manufacturing technologies and innovation.

“Due to its clear legal framework and prevailing respect for intellectual property, Singapore is an important location for Symrise in terms of research, development and production,”​ said Dr Heinz-Jürgen Bertram, Chief Executive Officer at Symrise.