Dutch marketing strategists in Sabah to strengthen cooperation
KOTA KINABALU: A delegation of top marketing strategists from the Netherlands visited Sabah to learn and exchange information with companies in the state.
Their visit was facilitated by the Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCCI).
Led by Dr Robbert Boonk of Tulip Strategy Consultancy and Ronald Jans of SWOT Strategy Innovations, the delegation of 12 marketing strategists from the Netherlands are in Malaysia for a week-long study tour to learn from Malaysian companies.
“We are very interested to learn about Malaysian Chinese companies,” Jans said when met by reporters after a meeting with KKCCCI here yesterday.
According to Dr Robbert, they have very good contact with Matrade in the Netherlands and it was through the organization that the meetings with Malaysian companies were set up.
“From what we have done and seen here, we would like to set up cooperation with educational institutes like universities. In Kuala Lumpur we signed an MoU with Help University, a business school and we like to be the bridge between the educational institutions in the Netherlands and Malaysia.
“We try to be bridge as well for companies, to expand Dutch companies to Malaysia and vice versa as this strengthens the business cooperation between the two countries. We are also working very closely with the Malaysian Dutch Business Council based in Kuala Lumpur,” Dr Robbert said.
He added that they were interested to have a similar arrangement like the one with Help University, in Sabah.
Their focus is on education as good education is necessary for society, he said adding that it was the cornerstone of success.
Meanwhile KKCCCI secretary general Yee That Hian who headed the delegation from the chamber, said other than learning about the way of doing business in Sabah, the visitors also returned the favour by supporting local companies with their strategies.
“This relative new concept of study tours with mutual benefit is growing fast. Don’t just come to get information but return the favour by helping local businesses as well. By encouraging these initiatives, we support the local businesses in an effective and cost effective way,” Yee said, adding that often, those relationships would last long and fruitful.