The South African who is almost Shanghainese

Editor’s note: The Honorable Citizen of Shanghai Award is the highest tier in the Magnolia Awards which are presented to foreigners who have made significant contributions to the city’s development. Named after the city’s flower, the Shanghai Magnolia Awards have been given out annually since 1989 and is among the highest honors a foreigner can receive in the city. investment of at least 100 million euros when it was launched in 2013. He pointed out that there was no regulatory pathway to guarantee that the plant would receive a license after being constructed during that time. Nevertheless, he managed to convince the company’s headquarters in Germany to go ahead with the project because he “had faith in the Chinese government”.

“That faith in government has stood me in a good place for many years,” Preston said, adding that mutual commitment is the key for multinationals to survive and thrive in China.

When asked about his retirement plans, the seasoned businessman said he hopes to become a mentor for Chinese start-ups, which he said is the best way he could give back to the local community. Preston added that he does not plan on ever leaving Shanghai, which he admits still captivates him till today.

“One thing that is charming about the city is although we have the high rises and it’s very modern, you can still walk downstairs and find something very local very quickly,” he said.

Preston also has a piece of advice for foreigners who are new to the city: “Never see something as wrong or right, but rather different. Embrace the Shanghainese of this city instead of being against them. As a foreigner, you have to fit in. You have to be part of it.”

GAO ERQIANG / CHINA DAILY David Preston, chairman and chief executive officer of Boehringer Ingelheim in China, is one of the recipients of this year's Honorable Citizen of Shanghai Award, the highest award an expat can win in this city.