捷成集团jebsengroup jebsen1895

WHAT'S INSIDE

VIEW FROM THE TOPP.2

IN THE SPOTLIGHTP.3

COMMUNITY MATTERSP.8

CONNECTING MINDSP.9

BROADER HORIZONS

INDUSTRY INSIGHTSP.6

P.12This year, MOMENTS features cover images by Jebsen employees. This issue's contributor is Mr Ken Li, Sr Technician, Consumer, based in Guangzhou.

NEWSLETTER OF THE JEBSEN GROUP AUTUMN 2014 No. 3 VOLUME 6

SUCCESSFRUIT OF

Taking a long-term view of successAs a private business, Jebsen’s success has always come from taking a longer term view of the market, yet still remaining agile enough to adapt to changing circumstances. In the past century, we have journeyed with China from the turbulent times at the end of the last reigning dynasty to the founding of modern China and now the emergence of the nation as the second largest economy in the world. Our steadfast commitment to enriching lives and enabling businesses has been our guiding principle.

Jebsen firmly believes in the continuing growth of China and is investing in the emerging middle class and their desire for a healthier and more varied and fulfilling lifestyle. In the Consumer sector, this is translating into expanding our business with a new collaboration with Cleansui, a Japanese brand with a range of water purifiers that perfectly complements the healthier lifestyle that Chinese consumers desire. Our Beverage Business Unit is moving with the times by announcing a new partnership with Justin Winery, an American wine estate that utilises organic growing techniques to produce its award-winning wines. As part of the ‘Share the Moment’ campaign, Blue Girl Beer launched its all-new television commercial, shot in the beautiful South Africa, to bring new aspects to the 100-year brand. Jebsen Industrial continues to support the food industry with innovative supplements and functional ingredients. This autumn, Jebsen Motors also has much to celebrate with its Porsche Centre Hangzhou Westlake and Porsche Carrera Cup Asia both driving into their 10th year.

At the same time, we are not losing sight of the here and now — the dynamics of the region. Staying ahead means keeping up with evolving consumer behaviour, the shifting regulatory environment and maturing business needs. Understanding trends, like our Fine Wines Division has done by introducing Japanese sake to its premium beverage portfolio, is key to staying relevant in an ever-changing marketplace.

Yet, none of these opportunities just appear out of the blue. Rather they are the outcome of the professional work put in by the Jebsen teams over many years, thereby making us the preferred distribution partner for global brands.

Focusing on the long term is so ingrained in Jebsen’s corporate culture that it has shaped our talent management approach as well. In the same way we form long-standing relationships

with our partners, we strive to recruit and retain the best talent and give them abundant opportunities to develop as professionals. This applies to everyone

who passes through our doors — even the summer interns we welcome every year. As a Group, we have also recently invested in new systems to enhance candidate and new hire experiences during the recruitment and on-boarding process.

It is true that no one knows what the future will hold. But by playing to our strengths, by always being prepared, I believe that the Group will sail on even stronger than before. Since the last issue of Moments, there have been many exciting developments within Jebsen. I invite you to read on and to join us on our journey into the future.

Our steadfast commitment to enriching lives and enabling businesses has been our guiding principle.”

Helmuth Hennig Group Managing Director

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TOP

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IN THESPOTLIGHT

Cleansui by Mitsubishi Rayon in J apan i s a brand synonymous with clean water. Dedicated to bringing the world a constant supply of healthier, tastier water, Cleansui uses a proprietary filtration system to remove con t a m i n a n t s w h i l e retaining natural minerals. Even particles as small as

Beverage – Fine Wines

Kanpai with sake by Jebsen Fine Wines

Jebsen Fine Wines has added Japanese sake to its enviable portfolio of high-end beverages.

Consumer – Consumer Electronics

Cleaner water with Cleansui

Cleansui has a complete range of home water filters.

0.1 micrometers in size are effectively eliminated so Cleansui’s purified water is safe enough not just for drinking and cooking, but also for infant milk formula! To share its clean water philosophy with consumers, Cleansui has produced MIZUcafe in Tokyo, Japan. The lifestyle café is designed for people to experience different types of water such as alkaline water, which the café uses in preparing some of its food dishes.

Cleansui has a complete range of home water filters from on-the-go tumblers and desktop pitchers to faucet-mounted and counter-top models. These are now available in Hong Kong exclusively through Jebsen Consumer.

With contribution from Pinky Tse

Jebsen Fine Wines, one of Hong Kong’s largest independent distributors of premium wines, spirits and waters, has added Japanese sake to its enviable portfolio of high-end beverages. Representing high quality sake from “N” Sake, Manotsuru, Fukuju, Hakuko and Michizakura, Jebsen Fine Wines set out to introduce the traditional Japanese alcohol to the market with a series of launch events. In addition to a media briefing, it hosted a trade and consumer tasting event at Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers as well as a tasting dinner at Japanese fine dining restaurant Kazuo Okada. It also collaborated with American Express to organise an exclusive dinner for its Centurion cardholders at Bridges, an Okinawa dining concept restaurant in Causeway Bay. In Hong Kong, consumers can now also purchase Japanese sake conveniently through Jebsen Fine Wines’ e-shop at www.jebsenfinewines.com.

With contribution from Catherine Yuen

J-Select, Jebsen’s multi-brand lifestyle retail channel, debuted in December 2013 with the launch of its online store (www.jselect.hk). It has racked up considerable success in just a few months with its collection of international premium products from home electronics to designer watches. Now, to offer sophisticated consumers an integrated shopping experience that is available both online and offline, J-Select will open its first brick-and-mortar store in January 2015. Located in Homesquare at the heart of Shatin in Hong Kong, the physical store will offer consumers yet another convenient, hassle-free shopping option. J-Select recently unveiled its flagship store on Tmall.

With contribution from Jimmy LeungJ-Select physical store has soft-launched in Oct at HomeSquare, Shatin, Hong Kong.

Consumer

J-Select expands with physical store

Beverage – Beer

‘Share the Moment’ with Blue Girl Beer

Blue Girl Beer launches the new “SHARE THE MOMENT” TV commercial.

Hong Kong’s favourite lager, Jebsen’s own brand Blue Girl Beer has launched a new television commercial themed ‘Share the Moment’. Telecast on TVB Jade, Pearl and i-News, Cable TV, Now TV and Apple Daily Mobile App, the clip is a tribute to all the happy memories shared over a refreshing Blue Girl Beer. Depicting three friends on a journey as they create new memories and relive past ones, the commercial echoes the essence of Blue Girl Beer — genuineness, adventurousness and comradeship. To add a dimension of excitement, it was filmed through handheld shooting in South Africa. The visually stunning result was complemented by a modern remake of the brand’s signature song, ‘Waiting for a Girl Like You’, with soaring female vocals to uplift the senses. Blue Girl Beer has led the Hong Kong market for eight consecutive years, according to Nielsen Retail Audit Reports (Mar 2006 – Feb 2014), and is a wholly owned brand of the Jebsen Group.

With contribution from Vincent Leung

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Jebsen Motors, which operates eight Porsche Centres in the Greater China market, celebrated the latest addition to the Porsche family of high-performance cars in July with a series of gala events across the region — in Guangzhou and Shenzhen (July 4), Beijing (July 5), Hangzhou (July 12), Shanghai ( July 13) and Hong Kong (July 25). The Macan, which draws its name from the Indonesian word for ‘tiger’, embodies strength, speed and agility. As the first Porsche in the compact SUV segment, it is built on the brand’s distinctive sporting DNA, bringing drivers maximum acceleration value, vast engine power, extreme agility and optimum steering precision with a high level of comfort and everyday suitability.

“We are confident in the luxury car market and have prepared growth strategy plans accordingly. This year, Jebsen Motors hope to deliver a new experience to high-end customers by bringing in the new Macan. By constantly catering to our customers’ needs, we believe that organisational success will follow,” said Mr Joachim Eberlein, Managing Director of Jebsen Motors.

With contribution from Priscilla Hu

Luxury – Motors

Porsche Macan zooms into Greater China

New Macan, New life.

Many luxury timepieces are classic but Jebsen Watch’s approach to marketing them in China is definitely modern. For Swiss watchmaker Raymond Weil, this means a new collaboration with its Greater China brand ambassador and noted film director Jiang Wen. On September 1, 2014, the brand showcased a special edition of its maestro rose gold chronograph in conjunction with the announcement of Mr Jiang’s latest movie ‘Gone with the Bullets’, which will hit theatres on December 18, 2014. The Raymond Weil maestro chronograph, which is known for its precision craftsmanship, is the perfect tribute to Mr Jiang’s meticulous filmmaking style.

Jebsen Watch is also investing in the promotion of NOMOS, the German watch brand, by taking it social. A new NOMOS WeChat service account has been just launched in October this year and will bring the latest news, model launches and other exciting updates from the brand directly to consumers. By leveraging the widely-used social media platform, Jebsen Watch hopes to encourage greater interaction between watch-lovers and the NOMOS brand. With contribution from Wayne Yang

Luxury – Watch

Watches that move with the times

Porsche Centre Hangzhou Westlake, invested in and operated by Jebsen Motors, hosted a grand celebration by the picturesque West Lake to celebrate its 10 Year Anniversary.

RAYMOND WEIL invites you to look forward to the official release of Mr Jiang Wen’s latest masterpiece – ‘Gone with the Bullets’ by the end of this year.

Jebsen Watch recently helped NOMOS to create its official WeChat account: NOMOS_Glashuette.

In 2012, Jebsen announced an investment of over HK$575 million to further its Porsche dealership business over the following 24 months. In that time, it has developed one of the largest Porsche Centre in Asia — the Porsche Centre Shanghai Minhang that opened its doors in October 2013. Porsche Centre Shanghai Puxi, another Porsche Centre under Jebsen Motors, has also recently been given an upgrade. It unveiled its new showroom extension, which spans 1,640sqm, on June 28, 2014 with a celebration befitting the occasion. Work is also well underway on a new Porsche 4S centre in Shenzhen. In Hong Kong, Jebsen Motors is also opening a new Porsche showroom right across from its existing service centre in Kowloon by this year.

Porsche’s popularity in Greater China is fuelling ambitious growth plans for Jebsen Motors, giving it plenty of cause for celebration. On September 5, 2014, Jebsen Motors marked the 10th anniversary of its Porsche Centre Hangzhou Westlake. As the first Porsche Centre in the Zhejiang province, Porsche Centre Hangzhou Westlake has done remarkably well in the past decade. In the second half of 2013, it beat out other Jebsen Motors-operated Porsche Centres to win top honours in sales excellence.

“The proud success we have achieved in Zhejiang is due to our deep insights into China’s luxury car market and 59 years of close partnership with Porsche. I am confident that Jebsen Motors will achieve even greater success in the next 10 years and more to come,” said Mr Joachim Eberlein, Managing Director of Jebsen Motors.

With contribution from Aaron Li

Luxury – Motors

Accelerating Porsche’s success in China

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This summer, Jebsen Marine collaborated with two major brands, Blue Girl Beer and Rolls Royce, to bring the new yachting lifestyle to Hong Kong. With World Cup fever running high, Jebsen Marine and Jebsen’s own brand Blue Girl Beer invited boat owners to enjoy the season on board a luxury Fairline Squadron 78 yacht on July 5 and 13. They sailed the Hong Kong waters, with its beautiful scenery and refreshing sea breeze, while toasting the 2014 Brazil World Cup with an icy cold Blue Girl Beer in hand.

Luxury – Marine

Yachting with Rolls-Royce and Blue Girl Beer

Building Products

Setting the stage for performing arts

Jebsen Building Products recommended and installed the strong, high-density indoor stage floor system for Ko Shan Theatre.

Fans of traditional Cantonese opera would be familiar with Hong Kong’s Ko Shan Theatre, which has hosted shows for over 30 years. The venue has recently added an auxiliary annex that features a 600-seat auditorium and supplementary rehearsals and turned to Jebsen Building Products for help with its stage flooring system. With performers’ safety, eco-friendliness and the building’s Chinese architecture in mind, the team recommended and installed the strong, high-density JB Pro indoor stage floor system for Ko Shan Theatre. Made with tempered hardboards that are resistant to abrasion and water absorption, the long-lasting system offers a smooth, even surface that is perfect for Cantonese opera as well as a variety of performing arts.

With contribution from Teresa Wong

Jebsen Marine collaborated with Rolls Royce to celebrate their 110th Anniversary.

The Fairline Squadron 78 was also Jebsen Marine’s yacht of choice for Rolls Royce’s 110th anniversary Icon Tour in Hong Kong. A fleet of Rolls Royce cars chauffeured guests to Central Pier to experience the next level of luxury aboard the exquisitely handcrafted yacht. This fitting collaboration between two of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands was truly an experience unlike any other.

With contribution from Charles Tang

J ebsen Group has continually introduced top-qual i t y foreign brands to the Greater China auto market since 1921, when it established its first auto industry partnership with Bosch. Speaking of aftermarket, Jebsen Automotive Technik ( JAT), a subsidiary of the Group’s Industrial Business Unit, has launched its first in-house brand, BLAUMANN, to provide premium products, parts and services to China’s automotive aftermarket. JAT also has been serving both commercial vehicle and passenger car markets in Hong Kong for some years, with several long-term principals including Bosch, Varta, and its latest partner Hella. In German, BLAUMANN refers to blue-collar mechanic, which is a reminder of Jebsen’s efforts in the automotive industry with the spirit of craftsman over the past century. For its debut, BLAUMANN enters the market with a series of high-performance motor oils. In the near future, JAT plans to extend the BLAUMANN product line to include other auto components and parts as well as corresponding aftersales services.

With contribution from Rita Ng

Industrial – Automotive Technik

Jebsen Industrial introduces BLAUMANN

Industrial – Cinematic & Broadcasting Solutions

Transforming China’s film and media industry

Jebsen Industrial helps China’s film and TV sector accelerate its digital transformation.

The global film and media industry turned its attention to China during BIRTV 2014 (August 27-30, Beijing). Participating for the 16th year, Jebsen Industrial ramped up efforts with its first Pre-BIRTV Show in Taiwan (July 27, Taipei). The event was a hands-on opportunity to experience some NT$20 million worth of high-end equipment by Angenieux, ARRI, Cooke, Schneider, ZEISS and more. These five principals, along with 15 others, formed Jebsen Industrial’s record delegation of 20 principals at BIRTV 2014. In tribute to China’s digital transformation, Jebsen Industrial adopted the theme ‘Transformation: Digital Era, Digital View’ and brought in a four-meter tall Transformer from the popular movie franchise. The imposing figure, which presided over the booth, made a stunning statement about Jebsen Industrial’s confidence about the new age of digital cinematography. Together with a suite of industry-leading solutions from its principals, Jebsen Industrial attracted over 1,500 visitors to its booth and successfully converted about a third of these into solid business leads.

With contribution from Connie Luong

Motor oil is the first of the BLAUMANN product family to be launched.

I N D U S T R YINSIGHTS

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A taste for fine winesWhen it comes to fine wines, the Mainland China market is still relatively young. “Jebsen as a Group takes a long-term business approach. This is no different for our beverage business. We are very optimistic about the Mainland wine market in the long run. Right now, China’s per capita wine sales is not particularly high compared to global levels but this, for us, signals an immense potential for growth,” said Mr Glover. “As more Chinese consumers go abroad and visit wine-producing countries like France, Australia and the United States, they learn about wine appreciation and are likely to bring this new-found interest home. Consequently, we believe that this lifestyle trend will drive demand for better quality wines.”

Naturally, educating the market is a priority for Jebsen. To do so, it first invests in its own people development. Many of its employees are trained at the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), which is the foremost international body in the field of wines and spirits qualification. With its team members well versed in this field, Jebsen organises wine tasting and appreciation events to impart their wine knowledge to customers and consumers.

Even in Hong Kong, where the wine market is undoubtedly more mature, wine education continues to be important — but with a slightly different focus.

“The type of wines that Hong Kong consumers enjoy can be quite diverse. Beginners usually prefer easy-to-drink wines, like fruity ones with a hint of sweetness while sophisticated drinkers often look for age-worthy wines with more complex structures,” said Mr Paul Yeung, Business Development Manager of Jebsen Fine Wines. “For investment purposes, however, Bordeaux fine wines continue to be very popular, especially the First to Fifth Growth Grand Crus Classe.”

“Looking ahead, in Hong Kong, I would like to see more consumers embracing wine not

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The beverage market is constantly changing, bringing with it a new set of challenges every day. But this, according to Mr Michael Glover, is where opportunities for success lie. As Managing Director of Jebsen’s Beverage Business, which encompasses Jebsen Fine Wines and Jebsen Beer, Mr Glover oversees a diverse portfolio of premium wines, spirits, beers and waters in an equally diverse market that spans Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

“It is critical that we offer the right product to the right market,” explained Mr Glover. “When we do this right, we actually create even more opportunities for ourselves.”

Greater China’s thirst for premium beverages How Jebsen is serving up success with its extensive portfolio of fine wines and imported beers

Mr Michael Glover thinks It is critical that we offer the right product to the right market.

Mr Paul Yeung thinks even in Hong Kong, where the wine market is undoubtedly more mature, wine education continues to be important.

only as a beverage, but as a unique tool for social and business networking. This is why organising wine tasting dinners and appreciation workshops continues to be very important in our market outreach efforts,” shared Mr Yeung. As a Certified WSET Wine Educator himself, Mr Yeung also hopes to offer wine lovers in Hong Kong more opportunities to connect and share their common passion for wines.

It is critical that we offer the right product to the right market, when we do this right, we actually create even more opportunities for ourselves.ˮ

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Looking ahead, in Hong Kong, I would like to see more consumers embracing wine not only as a beverage, but as a unique tool for social and business networking.ˮ

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From a business perspective, the market is also dictating certain strategic shifts for Jebsen Fine Wines. “We are beginning to focus on direct-to-consumer sales, as an extension of our current channel marketing strategy,” said Mr Yeung, referring to Jebsen Fine Wines’ recent overhaul of its Hong Kong website. The site now features e-commerce capabilities for Hong Kong consumers to easily purchase premium wines online.

Jebsen Fine Wines is also expanding its offerings to keep up with changing taste buds. Mr Yeung explains: “Wine is nothing new to Hong Kong drinkers, so many of them are looking for alternatives. Since many wine lovers are also experienced diners and Japanese cuisine is very popular in Hong Kong, we have recently added a series of Japanese sake brands to our portfolio.”

A palate for imported beerAnother major segment for Jebsen’s Beverage Unit is the high-end beer market, especially with its flagship brand Blue Girl Beer leading the way.

“Blue Girl Beer has always done very well in Hong Kong, It has been ranked the No. 1 beer brand for eight consecutive years. Even in its leadership position, we have continued to see significant growth in sales over the past five years. Comparatively, the brand entered Mainland much later but I believe we already rank among the top 10 imported brands. In Taiwan, sales has also been very robust, with Blue Girl Beer regarded as a top-three premium imported brand. Overall, we are very satisfied with Blue Girl Beer’s standing in the Greater China region,” disclosed Mr Glover.

However, Jebsen is not resting on its laurels, especially since it understands the volatility of the market. Mr Carson Jin, Senior Trade Marketing & Sales Development Manager for Jebsen Beer noted: “Especially in the last two or three years, Chinese consumers have developed a taste for imported beer. This has attracted many foreign beer brands to enter the market, so competition is stiffening. Rather than fighting a price war, which is not our strategy, we have invested our efforts into differentiating Blue Girl Beer as a premium brand through its long history and strong brand values.”

This positioning includes sponsoring the China Cup International Regatta for the second consecutive year. The event is China’s first and only big boat sailing regatta, typically attracting international participation from over 30 countries. As the official beer, Blue Girl Beer travelled with the China Cup in August and September this year, raising its brand awareness while building a strong association between Blue Girl Beer and the premium boating lifestyle via events in bars and nightclubs in the key local regions of Fujian and Guangdong.

At the same time, securing the right distribution channels is also critical especially in a market as geographically large as Mainland China. Last year, Jebsen Beer successfully expanded its presence in Xi’an with this approach, complementing traditional channels like bars and nightclubs with new ones like small and medium-sized bars as well as karaoke parlours. In Shanghai, for example, Blue Girl Beer is now present in over 400 convenience stores and supermarkets such as Ole’.

A toast to the futureWhether it is the Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, or Mainland China market, or whether they are dealing in fine wines or imported beer, Jebsen believes that its steadfast commitment to quality will pave the way to sustained success.

“There can be no compromises when it comes to product quality,” emphasised Mr Glover. “We are very careful about selecting our partners. This is in part due to our quality standards, but it is also because we are selecting a long-term partner. Some of our wine partners, for example, have been collaborating with us for over 20 years ever since our wine business was established.”

As an organisation whose roots in Greater China run over 100 years deep, Jebsen will continue to serve up premium beverages to the market it truly calls home.

With contribution from Mandy Duan and Priscilla Hu

Mr Carson Jin thinks securing the right distribution channels is critical especially in a market as geographically large as Mainland China.

Especially in the last two or three years, Chinese consumers have developed a taste for imported beer. This has attracted many foreign beer brands to enter the market, so competition is stiffening. Rather than fight a price war, which is not our strategy, we have invested our efforts into differentiating Blue Girl Beer as a premium brand through its long history and strong brand values. ˮ

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The hectic modern lifestyle can be a pressure cooker with stress inflicted from all directions. To help its employees better cope with stress, Jebsen has introduced an Employee Abundance Programme (EAP) across the Greater China region. EAP’s 24-hour hotline is manned by a team of professional counsellors and promises that every conversation is kept strictly confidential. Sharing one’s thoughts with someone who is willing to listen has always been known to be an effective stress management tool. The EAP service is available in Mandarin, Cantonese and English and has been extended to the family members of staff as well. This initiative is part of Jebsen’s commitment to caring for its people.

With contribution from Sasa Chen

With the support of her colleagues, Ms Lily Liu, Public Relations Executive of Jebsen Motors in Shanghai, has joined the ranks of the Group’s first batch of CSR Ambassadors. Honoured, excited and charged with a sense of duty and responsibility, Ms Liu is confident that her experience organising customer events will help her in promoting the Group’s CSR activities.

“I look forward to the day that CSR activities become a natural part of everyday life. As a CSR Ambassador, I hope to help all my colleagues learn about it, embrace it and become their own ambassador so that they are motivated to do their part — and to inspire others to do the same.”

With contribution from Mandy Duan

Staff Well-being

Coping with stress

Corporate Social Responsibility

Introducing CSR Ambassador Lily Liu

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Lily Liu looks forward to the day that CSR activities become a natural part of everyday life.

Jebsen has introduced an Employee Abundance Programme (EAP) across the Greater China region.

COMMUNITYMATTERS

Jebsen and HandsOn Shanghai, a non-profit organisation dedicated to children’s health and education, have jointly launched a new volunteer programme called Shutterbug Club. Through this CSR initiative, Jebsen hopes to support children of Chinese migrants who have left their homes in rural areas for the city. These children, whose families are not registered as urban households, can only attend migrant schools in the city suburbs, and these typically have limited resources. Jebsen volunteers have been recruited to lead indoor photography lectures and field trips for those underprivileged children at the coming academic term, beginning with three schools — Tongxin Primary School in Beijing, Yongmei Primary School in Shanghai and Kangle Primary School in Guangzhou. Jebsen has also put in place a series of train-the-trainer programmes to prepare volunteers to help the school children as part of its philanthropy efforts. With contribution from Sasa Chen

Philanthropy

A picture perfect way to volunteer

Jebsen volunteers provide photography lectures and make a brighter future for underprivileged migrant children.

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Over the last decade, Jebsen has witnessed and been part of the dynamic changes in Greater China.Leveraging on the growth of the region, the Group has ventured into new business strategies while continuing investments to sustainably expand the core businesses.

Group Managing Director Helmuth Hennig spoke of repositioning Jebsen along the value chain, extending one end into retail channels and another direction into manufacturing.

Jebsen Automotive Technik (JAT), a subsidiary of Jebsen Industrial under the Group, is an excellent example of the Group’s success in creating additional value for its partners and customers. Since 2007, JAT has moved into the manufacture of auto parts and components through an innovative joint venture business model. The framework involves the subsidiary partnering technology owners overseas to localise manufacturing in China, and leverages JAT’s nationwide sales network to amplify reach.

The joint venture model has been working exceptionally well for JAT, which has recently announced a four th such venture with German steering technology leader, tedrive Steering Systems.

This will build on the visible success of its first three

joint ventures. Mitec-Jebsen, which was established in 2007 as the first-foreign owned company in China to produce balancer shafts, raised its 2013 production to one million units to meet steadily growing demand. Jebsen-TCG, formed in 2011 to manufacture high performance variable oil and water pumps, has become one of the main suppliers to Volkswagen China within short time of its establishment. Even JAT’s youngest joint venture, MSR-Jebsen Technologies is enjoying a positive outlook with its precision-machined components for fuel injection system is expected to feed China’s growing appetite for eco-friendly vehicles. Now the fourth joint venture, to be formally registered as Jebsen tedrive Steering in Shanghai this year, will complement JAT’s manufacturing portfolio with steering gears for the passenger and commercial vehicle segment.

Success never comes by chance. JAT, in operating in the world’s largest automotive market, identified a growth opportunity and grabbed it. Even though Jebsen is by legacy a sales and marketing organisation, with a broader perspective and the right strategy, the possibilities for success are surely endless.

Stepping back to move ahead Group Managing Director Helmuth Hennig discusses how expanding Jebsen’s presence along the value chain can be a strategy for success

Extending one end into retail channels and another direction into manufacturing.ˮ

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CONNECTING

MINDSLeadership Journey

Mr Hans Michael Jebsen (middle), Chairman of Jebsen Group, attended the signing ceremony of Jebsen tedrive Steering Systems.

10CONNECTING

MINDSPeople Speak

From intern to full-time employee Jebsen Industrial’s Connie Luong shares her story

Connie Luong thinks the internship experience at Jebsen is very impressive.

In 2013, Connie Luong joined Jebsen Industrial’s Marketing & Communications team as an intern. Having lived and studied in Germany all her life, both the move to Hong Kong and the entry into the corporate world were major changes for her. After spending a year as an intern, Connie was offered her current full- time position.

Explore the unknown and challenge the uncertain! It’s the best way to learn.

“I didn’t really feel the transition from intern to employee, actually. Even as an intern, I was allowed to take on responsibilities like developing corporate branding and marketing materials. I mostly do the same work now, except on a greater scale and with more autonomy,” said Ms Luong, whose portfolio now also includes media relations.

This is because her mentor and team manager Ms Rita Ng believes that interns deserve the chance to try their hand at “real work”, rather than general administrative tasks, in order for them to learn to overcome challenges and earn job satisfaction.

“As an intern, I wasn’t very confident initially as I didn’t have any experience. But Rita was very supportive. She let me work on tasks independently but was very patient and understanding if I made mistakes or if there were quality gaps in my work. She would explain, point out the areas to improve and guide me to getting it right,” said Ms Luong.

This is a learning process that Mr Philbert Chin, Jebsen Industrial’s Head of Business Development who takes in a number of interns every year, believes is necessary: “Internships are a stepping stone to the working world so interns shouldn’t be afraid to venture out of their comfort zone. This is a time when mistakes are tolerable, so it’s much better to figure out the cause and effect of things now rather than later.”

The internship period is also an opportunity for both the individual and the company to decide if they are a good fit together. According to Ms Ng: “Connie’s internship gave us plenty of time — for her to find out if her career aspirations lie in B2B marketing and for us to assess the value she brings to the team. By the end of one year, we knew that we had a win-win situation.”

For similar reasons, Ms Luong is thankful that she chose to take up the internship. “The experience was like a trial run for me. It gave me time to learn and improve. Spending an entire year with the company was also useful in familiarising myself with the business and organisational structure, which in Jebsen Industrial can be quite complex.”

Now, she wants to encourage other young graduates to consider internships as an introduction to the working world. Her advice? “Explore the unknown and challenge the uncertain! It’s the best way to learn.”

Jebsen achieves carbon reduction goal

Welcoming interns from Jilin University

Jebsen’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint has paid off, according to the 2013 Group Carbon Audit Report. The results, which have been examined and verified by Carbon Care Asia, shows that the Group has successfully lowered its carbon intensity by 22% in just five years since baseline year in 2009, reaching its goal of reducing emissions with 20% from baseline year by 2013. With environmental conservation being one of Jebsen’s three main CSR pillars, the Group formed a carbon management working group to manage its carbon emissions by collecting carbon data, analysing and reflecting on its carbon performance and implementing carbon emission reduction actions. In addition to implement carbon emission reduction actions internally, Jebsen Group also contracted with Climate Friendly (an Australian-based carbon trading company) to purchase carbon credit to offset the carbon emission of Group operations since 2012 in order to achieve the carbon neutrality. The Group has achieved carbon neutrality for two consecutive years since 2013, and has been awarded twice CarbonCare® Label by Carbon Care Asia for its efforts.

With contribution from Mandy Duan

In September 2014, Jebsen has donated HK$10 million to Hong Kong University of Science and Technology’s (HKUST) School of Business and Management to establish the Michael Jebsen Professorship in Business, for HKUST’s global recruitment of a top scholar in business.

The Professorship was announced in September 2014 to be awarded to Professor Jitendra Singh, the new dean of HKUST School of Business and Management. Professor Singh, who was previously the Saul P Steinberg Professor of Management at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, is a world-class management scholar and business educator. Since 1995, the Jebsen Educational Foundation, established by Group Chairman Mr Hans Michael Jebsen sets aside HK$1-2 million each year in student scholarship funds for HKUST. Mr Jebsen had served as a Council member of HKUST from April 2007 to March 2013. He is currently Court member of HKUST and a member of the Business School Advisory Council. Over the past five years, Jebsen has donated approximately HK$6 million to HKUST, as well as the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

“Jebsen is committed to fuelling the growth of local talent and promoting competitiveness in the markets we operate. HKUST is one of the centres of education in Greater China, we are glad to sponsor its recruitment of top global scholars and help fund its academic research. We hope to encourage students to contribute to society through their education,“ said Mr Jebsen, who was named Honorary Fellow by HKUST in 2000.

With contribution from Angela Wong

Professor Jitendra Singh, the new dean of the School of Business and Management (SBM) at HKUST has been named the Michael Jebsen Professor of Business.

Supporting excellence in education

Environmental conservation is one of Jebsen's three main CSR focus areas.

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Mr Hennig shared insights from the Group’s long history of doing business in China with Jilin University’s Business School.

Inside Jebsen

B R O A D E RHORIZONS

The Jebsen-Jilin collaboration continued into its second year with seven Jilin University undergraduates reporting to Jebsen offices across the region for their summer internship. In order to secure this opportunity to experience real corporate life with Jebsen, the post-90s students had to put in their applications and pass face-to-face interviews before they were offered the internship. They were then assigned to join teams in four different offices where their learning experience will be supported by the Group’s experienced staff.

Meanwhile, in August 2014, Mr Helmuth Hennig, Group Managing Director of Jebsen visited the Jilin University campus in Changchun. Having been appointed a guest lecturer of Jilin University’s Business School, he shared insights from the Group’s long history of doing business in China and discussed practical case studies with the MBA and EMBA students.

With contribution from Mandy Duan

About Jebsen GroupWhat started over a hundred years ago as a general trading company has now evolved into a focussed marketing and distribution organisation, deeply embedded in the industries and markets it serves. With a unique long established presence and deep understanding in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, the Jebsen Group is committed to support our partners’ needs in building market demand, generating and supporting sales and serving as an important link to customers throughout the region. From a broad spectrum of consumer, industrial, beverage and luxury products, Jebsen offers some 200 of the world’s leading products extensive local market access with a high degree in specialisation. Outside the region, the Jebsen Group enjoys close ties with sister companies in Australia, Bangladesh, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Denmark, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, United Arab Emirates and the United States.

www.jebsen.com

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Family Enterprise

B R O A D E RHORIZONS

25 years with Jebsen & Jessen Hamburg On July 10, 2014, Mr Karan Paul celebrated his silver jubilee with sister group Jebsen & Jessen Hamburg. The veteran is credited with developing the sister group’s chemical division in the 25 years that he has worked there. Together with his team, Mr Paul took the company’s chemical trading business international, expanding into the North African, Far East and Indian markets.

At the celebration held in his honour, Mr Paul said: “Joining Jebsen & Jessen Hamburg in 1989, I was literally off to a colourful start selling textile dyestuffs from Sandoz, ICI, BASF, Bayer and Hoechst to India. Thereafter, I managed industrial and speciality chemicals from Bayer, BASF, BP Chemicals, INEOS and more. In recent years, I succeeded in supplying raw materials to Egyptian Aluminum Company, from shiploads of green petroleum coke to several thousand tons of aluminum fluoride, cryolite, magnesium metal and silicon metal. It has been wonderful being a member of the Jebsen & Jessen family and to have achieved 25 years here!”

With contribution from Dagmar Glissmann

GMA extends product offering with new venture Sister group GMA has expanded its global resource base with the equity purchase of a hard rock garnet deposit in Montana operated by Garnet USA. According to Deputy CEO and GMA USA President Mr Rod Liebeck, this latest mining venture is heralding a new era for the sister group with crushed American Garnet (GMX) being added to its portfolio of existing garnet products of alluvial and superfines. Garnet USA employees stand proudly as the first order of GMX departs.

Senior Managing Partner Wolfhart Putzier (left) handing over a present to Karan Paul (right).

This cooperation transforms an existing supplier-customer relationship into a strategic partnership.

Jebsen & Jessen SEA invests in specialist engineering company As part of its strategy to play an active role in the design and technical development of the products and services it delivers to the market, sister group Jebsen & Jessen SEA has acquired a 35% stake in Scantrol AS, a specialist marine and offshore technology firm. This investment transforms an existing supplier-customer relationship into a strategic partnership. In addition to ensuring the ongoing supply of active heave compensation (AHC) technology, an important component for Jebsen & Jessen Offshore’s knuckle-boom cranes, the investment also connects the sister group to cutting-edge know-how and R&D in an important high-end technology field.

Following an in-depth strategic review conducted in late 2013 and on the back of a large and growing order book for knuckle-boom cranes in the last 18 months, the sister group’s Offshore business has identified this product category as strategically important. As well as being a feature in newly produced cranes, AHC is also installed during upgrade projects carried out by the business’s Response team. Managing Director Mr Aw Chin Leng explained: “Technology such as AHC ensures our place at the forefront of the market. We’re committed to meeting our customers’ complex needs. This means creating long lifetime equipment that is safe and capable of performing tough jobs in tough conditions.”

With contribution from Natasha Golding

Production in Montana commenced in June 2014. The first shipment has been delivered to Blast-One for the West Coast of America and more are expected to follow as the plant ramps up production. The sister group is looking beyond the American market, with Malaysia receiving the first export order of GMX in August this year.

GMX is a garnet deposit with a mine life of over 40 years. The venture is also the first open cut mining operation in Montana in 37 years.

With contribution from Stephanie Cheong