Swedish Chamber of Commerce in China

[Member News]: Meeting with Helena Hedblom, CEO and President of Epiroc Earlier this month, our General Manager Malin Hammarén 马琳 had the privilege of visiting Silver Partner Epiroc in Nanjing, where she met with Helena Hedblom, CEO and President of Epiroc. Helena, who flew in from Sweden, took the time to sit down with us for an engaging discussion on key topics such as innovation, sustainability, and Epiroc’s continued success in China. The visit also included an impressive factory tour, where we got a first-hand look at Epiroc’s cutting-edge operations and its celebrated achievements. Their accomplishments speak for themselves:
 🏆 Helena Hedblom’s recognition as “CEO of the Year” by the T50 World Construction Machinery Summit.
 🏆 Time Magazine listing Epiroc among the World’s Best Companies for Sustainable Growth 2025.
 🏆 Awards for innovation, including the Q16 intelligent subversive drill as “Mining Machinery Product of the Year.” With urbanization accelerating - “a new Paris every week by 2025,” as Epiroc notes - their innovative solutions are vital to meeting the demands of a rapidly growing world. As Epiroc marks 31 years in China, discussions also focused on strengthening collaborations, enhancing business environments, and exploring opportunities ahead of the 75th anniversary of China-Sweden diplomatic relations in 2025. We are proud to engage with and support companies like Epiroc, whose leadership in sustainability and innovation drives the industry forward. Stay tuned for more - Helena will join us as a key speaker at our upcoming seminar on sustainable mining solutions next year! #SwedChamChina #Epiroc #Sustainability #Innovation #Leadership #BusinessInChina #FactoryTour #ChinaSwedenRelations #SwedishBusiness #FutureOfMining #Collaboration

[Chamber News]: Welcome our new SwedCham Shanghai intern: Zahed Elhassen! Introducing Our New SwedCham Shanghai Intern Zahed Elhassen! We’re thrilled to welcome our newest addition to the SwedCham Shanghai team meet the dynamic and globally minded Zahed Elhassen! Starting as our Communication & Admin Intern, Zahed will be hitting the ground running for the next six months, working side by side with our members in different projects to reinforce the bonds across our network. Zahed can’t wait to get started: “I’m truly honored to join SwedCham Shanghai. With my interest for both Chinese and Swedish markets, along with my background in Industrial Engineering, Business Management, and cultural diversity, I’m excited to add fresh perspectives and fuel new ideas that will drive growth and innovation for both the Chamber and its members.” A Swedish national who grew up immersed in cultures from both the Middle East and Sweden, Zahed brings a new perspective to our team. He recently studied M.Sc. in Industrial Engineering and Management at Blekinge Tekniska Högskola focusing on Mechanical Engineering and Sustainable Product Innovation and rounded out his education with exchange semesters in Shanghai and Tokyo. Along with experience at NKT and member companies like IKEA and Tetra Pak, Zahed is ready to channel his global mindset and creative energy into strengthening our SwedCham community. Please join us in giving Zahed a warm welcome starting this exciting journey!

[Chamber News]: Episode 17 of the Swedpod with Pontus Erntell 🎙️ We are excited to share Episode 17 of the Swedpod, featuring Pontus Erntell, President and Chief Sustainability Officer at IKEA China. In this episode, Mr. Erntell talks about his inspiring journey with the company and their ambitious vision for China - with a goal of bringing IKEA into every Chinese home. Pontus shares how he’s leading IKEA to adapt to the evolving needs of Chinese consumers, integrating sustainability into daily operations, and driving innovation to enhance competitiveness. ♻️ 💡 We also get a glimpse into the life of an international CEO, balancing family and work abroad, and the cultural distinctions between Sweden and China. Tune in for unique insights, inspiring stories, and much more in this engaging conversation! 🎧 About Pontus Erntell: Pontus Erntell assumed his role as President and Chief Sustainability Officer of IKEA China in November 2022. He leads IKEA’s retail business with a focus on innovation, efficiency, and sustainability, working closely with IKEA’s global team to adapt the company’s strategies to the Chinese market while aligning with global goals. Mr. Erntell integrates IKEA’s "People & Planet Positive" sustainability strategy into daily operations and consumer engagement, ensuring IKEA products meet Chinese consumption habits while maintaining the brand’s unique identity. He fosters an inclusive work culture, empowering employees and driving talent development. With over 20 years of diverse experience at IKEA, including roles in supply chain, financial planning, and leadership in various markets, Mr. Erntell brings comprehensive expertise to his work in China, ensuring IKEA’s continued growth and success. Don’t miss out on this engaging episode! You can listen to it, and find all of our previous episodes, on the following platforms: Spotify: https://lnkd.in/dwr5aJMG Buzzsprout: https://lnkd.in/d6hEq5XN SwedCham China Website: https://lnkd.in/d9KrQZe2 You can also scan the QR code to listen to all Swedpod episodes on Ximalaya（喜马拉雅平台) Let us know your thoughts and feel free to suggest who you’d like to hear from in future episodes! 🎤 #Swedpod #Leadership #Sustainability #IKEAChina #GlobalBusiness #SwedChamChina #Innovation #SwedenInChina

What drives innovation in a city like Shenzhen, the “Silicon Valley of the East”? On our Swedish Chamber of Commerce in China Tech Tour, we visited Pudu Robotics, a company that’s transforming industries like hospitality, healthcare, and food services with their intelligent service robots. 🤖 Founded in 2016, Pudu Robotics has over 2 000 employees with operations in more than 60 countries. What stayed with me most wasn’t just their technology, it was their values. I reflected how they connect to the Chinese culture. ⭐️PURSUING THE ULTIMATE: The drive for perfection made me think of the cultural focus on self-improvement and striving for excellence that’s so deeply embedded in China’s story of growth. ⭐️ BEING ACCOUNTABLE: Responsibility and a strong sense of purpose - this reflects the collective mindset I see in many Chinese businesses and communities. ⭐️ INVENTIVENESS: Shenzhen is proof of what happens when creativity and speed combine. It’s a city built by people willing to challenge the status quo, much like Pudu’s approach to robotics. ⭐️ CUSTOMER CENTRICITY: The focus on serving others reminds me of the Chinese cultural emphasis on relationships, respect, and adding value to the community. Thank you Kreab Worldwide, Eileen Yan and Haizhou Zhang for making this visit possible. #Innovation #LeadershipInsights #TechTour

[Event Recap]: SH Workshop: Energy Management & Resilience (HR) On December 5th, the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in China had the privilege of hosting a workshop on Energy Management and Developing Resilience with Julia Larsen-Disney, Director China of Mercuri Urval, Maria Pastorelli, PCC, ODCP, Executive and Team Coach, and Anne Zhang, Managing Director, Greater China of Boyd & Moore, in collaboration with Danish Chamber of Commerce in China (DCCC) Highlights of the workshop include: - Group sharing about the best experiences in the past year, the wish for next year, what helped maintain resilience in life etc. - Individual Reflection: draw your life as if it is a river - Practical knowledge about resilience shared by the speaker The event was held in a relaxed and open atmosphere. Although many participants did not know each other before, they shared their personal experiences happily. Some participants shared that this was an insightful and meaningful event. To make our future HR network session even better, we’d love to hear from you - what topics are you interested in? Your input is key to making these events as impactful as possible.   A big thank you to everyone who joined us! And a special thanks to CapitaLand Bridge+ for hosting us in your fantastic space!

[Event Recap] Webinar on the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) On December 10, 2024, the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in China hosted an engaging webinar to clarify the implications of the upcoming Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). This directive, soon to be mandatory within the EU for larger companies and certain non-EU businesses, will fundamentally reshape sustainability reporting and compliance across global supply chains. Highlights from the Webinar: Expert Insights on CSRD: Elin Nilsson (Project Manager - Sustainability Management) and Maria Lidberg (Group Manager - Sustainability Management) from IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute provided an overview of the CSRD’s objectives, requirements, and timelines. They emphasized key concepts like the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), the principle of “reasonable effort,” and the importance of double materiality in assessing a company’s environmental and social impact. Practical Case Study from Monitor ERP: David Mariasdotter (Business Consultant & Sustainability Specialist) demonstrated how the Greenhouse Gas Protocol can be applied to systematically measure emissions across Scope 1, 2, and 3. Using Monitor ERP’s tools, attendees gained practical guidance on collecting data and managing the complexities of climate reporting. Key Takeaways: 💡Shared Language & Understanding, Aligning on sustainability terminology and concepts from the start ensures a consistent approach to reporting and goal-setting. 💡Assessing Dependency on Natural Resources. Many companies underestimate their reliance on natural resources, highlighting the need for thorough materiality assessments. 💡"Reasonable Effort" Scales with Company Size, The extent of due diligence and compliance effort will vary by organization. Larger companies, in particular, must prepare for more rigorous data collection and reporting standards. Looking Ahead: As the CSRD takes effect, businesses need to be proactive in understanding, implementing, and communicating their sustainability strategies. We extend our gratitude to our expert speakers for sharing their insights and guiding participants towards full compliance when the directive officially comes into force.

【Event Recap】BJ: Swedish Speaking Courses - Beginner Level II (Online & Offline) 瑞典语口语基础课程2.0 - (线上线下/中文授课). On December 4th, The Swedish Chamber of Commerce in China concluded its Swedish Language Beginner Levell ll course. The program, led by Ms. Zhuyongmei, a seasoned lecturer at Beijing Foreign Studies University with extensive international experience, successfully blended expertise and interactive pedagogy to our 6students attending offline and our online students from other cities who despite being unable to attend offline were eager to learn. Starting on September 25th, spanning three months, the course significantly enhanced students' Swedish conversational abilities, empowering them to use the language in daily and professional contexts confidently. Beyond linguistic skills, the program fostered networking opportunities among classmates and deepened connections with Swedish colleagues. At its conclusion, participants received certificate letters on Wednesday 4th, adding tangible value to their resumes. Upon feedback from an attending student, they praised the course's structure, emphasizing its robust foundation for further self-directed study, encapsulating the program’s effectiveness in building competence and confidence. The Swedish Chamber of Commerce extends heartfelt thanks to Ms. Zhu for her dedicated teaching and congratulates all participants for their commitment to improving their Swedish language skills. Stay tuned to Swedcham.cn for updates on upcoming workshops and courses to enhance our language and understanding of Chinese and Swedish cultures. #Swedcham #SwedchamChina #Language #Course

[Event Recap] SwedCham China’s 2024 Christmas "Julbord" in Shanghai 🎄 This past Friday, we celebrated the Christmas season in true Swedish style with a traditional “Julbord”! It was an evening filled with laughter, connections, and holiday cheer, centered around the Christmas spirit of coming together. Some highlights: ✨ Tickets sold out in record time - 150 in less than a week! We expanded to 180 but still couldn’t meet the high demand. Next year, we’ll aim even higher to include everyone. ✨ Over 30 member companies joined, along with family and friends - Swedish expats and locals alike - all celebrating together. Inspired by the Swedish Julbord, we served classic dishes like julskinka, sill, and meatballs, bringing a little taste of Sweden to Shanghai. As we’ve heard from our members, what mattered most this year was creating a celebration focused on togetherness over exclusivity and grandeur. Therefore we opened our doors to everyone at IKEA Linkong’s newly opened restaurant. Their talented interior design team transformed the space into a cozy haven with a Swedish Christmas feel. A big tack to IKEA for making it all possible! 🙌 We’re excited for more collaborations in the future! 💫 Another heartfelt thank you to all who joined us. We can’t wait to see you all again next year at more of our events. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any wishes or ideas for the coming year - we’re all ears and ready to make 2025 even better, together! Here’s to more celebrations, connections, and collaborations in the year ahead. 🎅🎁 #SwedChamChina #Julbord2024 #SwedishTraditions #IKEA #ChristmasInShanghai #CommunityAndConnections #HolidayCheer

【Event Recap】Company Visit to JD Headquarters On December 4, 2024, the Swedish Chamber of Commerce (Swedcham) hosted an inspiring afternoon company visit to the JD Headquarters (京东总部) in Beijing with 15+ represetentatives from member companies ASSA ABLOY Group, Scania Group, SKF Group, Sweco, White Peak Real Estate Investment, ELETTA FLOW AB, Hilding Anders International AB, Ecolean, Aleido, ARC Group, Scan Global Logistics. This exclusive event provided members with a unique opportunity to delve into the forefront of e-commerce innovation at one of China's leading giants, JD.COM. Event Highlights Exploration of JD HQ Exhibition Center The day began with a guided tour of the JD HQ Exhibition Center, where participants gained insights into the cutting-edge innovations shaping the e-commerce landscape. Attendees marveled at interactive displays showcasing JD's commitment to JD Speed—the company’s rapid fulfillment capabilities—and the importance of customer experience. Engaging Sessions with Industry Leaders The event featured a series of enlightening sessions led by JD experts, covering a range of topics including JD's 357111 vision for the next 20 years. This ambitious strategy aims to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen sustainability efforts, aligning with JD's commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Discussions also touched on JD’s impressive growth, boasting 600 million active users, and how this impacts their logistics and e-commerce strategies. Tours of Intelligent Industrial Parks A highlight of the day was the tours of the JDL Asia No.1 Intelligent Industrial Parks and the Hydrogen Industry Park. Participants witnessed firsthand the innovative logistics solutions and sustainable transportation practices being implemented at JD, reinforcing the company’s role as a leader in green logistics and its efforts towards a zero-emission future. Networking Opportunities Throughout the event, members had the chance to connect with peers, share experiences, and expand their professional networks in an inspiring setting. The collaborative atmosphere fostered valuable discussions and potential partnerships, enhancing the overall experience. Conclusion The visit to JD Headquarters was not only educational but also a testament to the innovative spirit driving the e-commerce industry in China. Swedcham extends its gratitude to all participants and JD.COM for making this event a memorable success. We look forward to future opportunities to connect and learn together!

Thank you Helena Hedblom CEO and President of Epiroc for an inspiring conversation in Nanjing, China. Epiroc is not only accelerating transformation in the mining industry but is also leading the way with their focus on INNOVATION and SUSTAINABILITY - key pillars in shaping the mining industry’s future. As a Silver Partner of Swedish Chamber of Commerce in China, Epiroc shares the values we strive to support and promote. We look forward to have a strong partnership in 2025 and I wish Epiroc continued success in the dynamic Chinese market. It’s always inspiring to connect with companies that are genuinely committed to making a difference!