Bridging Europe and China: SME Innovation in the Greater Bay Area

  • Date
    20 December 2023
  • Beijing Time
    16:00 - 17:30
  • Brussels Time
    9:00 - 10:30
  • Location
    Guangzhou & Online
  • Venue
    Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich | Zoom 3BF, Salon Rodin, 988 Guangzhou Da Dao Zhong, Tianhe District, Guangzhou
  • Open to
    All European SMEs
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Delve into the vibrant world of SME innovation within the Greater Bay Area and understand how this pivotal hub is key to the building of new connections between China and Europe. On 20 December 2023, the EU SME Centre and the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China are inviting European small and medium-sized businesses to gain insights into the evolving role of collaborative innovation in shaping the trajectories of SMEs in this dynamic region.

This event will illuminate the diverse urban and regional landscapes of innovation, with company representatives sharing their experiences in the region. ANDRITZ China will explain how they are fostering innovation in the Greater Bay Area, building strategic alliances with promising SMEs, and facilitating mutual growth with emerging companies. Arne Weber, the visionary founder of Faytech AG, will share his journey of transforming a start-up into a global enterprise with a turnover of 50 million USD and a team of over 300 worldwide in just a decade.

This event is free of charge and open to all SMEs from EU Member States and countries participating in the Single Market Programme. The workshop will take place online and onsite in Guangzhou.

Agenda

15:30–16:00

Registration at the venue
For onsite participants in Guangzhou
With MC Ms Daisy Yang, Chair of the European Chamber SME Forum

16:00–16:05

Opening remarks
EU SME Centre introduction
European Chamber introduction

16:05–16:25

Collaborative Ventures: ANDRITZ China and EU SMEs Innovation Cooperation in the GBA
Mr Peiyun Miao, Chief Operations Officer, ANDRITZ China

16:25–16:45

Faytech’s Blueprint: German Engineering, Asian Manufacturing, Local Services
Mr Arne Weber, Founding Manager, Faytech

16:45–17:15

Panel discussion
Moderator:
Mr Liam Jia, Team Lead, EU SME Centre

Panellists:
Mr Peiyun Miao, Chief Operations Officer, ANDRITZ China
Mr Arne Weber, Founding Manager, Faytech
Mr Fabian Blake, General Manager, AMS Products Assembly (Foshan) Co., Ltd 

17:15–17:25

Q&A session

17:25–17:30

Closing remarks

Speakers
Daisy Yang
Chair of European Chamber SME Forum, South China Chapter

Daisy Yang has been elected as the Chair of the European Chamber SME Forum for the South China Chapter for the year 2023/2024. She is a Senior Associate at D’Andrea & Partners Legal Counsel and is responsible for overseeing the firm’s operations in the Greater Bay Area. With her extensive international exposure and experience, she collaborates closely with her colleagues in Vietnam and the UAE. Over the years, she has accumulated a wealth of knowledge in various fields, including corporate law, labour law, outbound and inbound investments, and more. Her expertise has been instrumental in assisting numerous companies in expanding their operations in both China and overseas markets, fostering growth in local markets as well.

Throughout her career, Daisy Yang has acquired valuable experience in both the manufacturing sector and the professional consulting industry. This unique blend of backgrounds enables her to comprehend the intricacies of both domains, making her exceptionally effective in providing valuable guidance and support to her clients.

Miao Peiyun

Miao Peiyun holds a Master’s degree from Tsinghua University. He has nearly 20 years of experience working for international companies in automotive manufacturing, CNC machine tools, molds, and electrical equipment. He currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer of ANDRITZ (China) Co., Ltd., promoting customised manufacturing execution systems, lean digital factories, and proactive quality and safety management. He will share the experience and lessons of ANDRITZ China’s digitisation process.

Arne Weber

Arne Weber is the managing founder of Faytech Tech. Co., Ltd. in Shenzhen and CBDO at Faytech AG. Faytech’s core business focuses on high-quality touchscreen solutions and optical bonding services for various markets globally. Mr Arne Weber’s true passion is for technology and innovation.

With over 20 years of experience in the IT industry, he has extensive knowledge of trends in IT particularly in the display and touchscreen solutions market. After the recent merger with Pyramid AG, a stock-listed company in Germany, Mr Arne Weber overtook the role of CTO to further develop the digital automation solution business of Pyramid globally.

Liam Jia
Team Lead, EU SME Centre

Liam Jia is a versatile professional with the past 8 years advising European businesses on market access and business strategies to China. He has a solid working experience in project and operations management, financial and risk control in the EU context.

Liam is an experienced speaker and author of publications on a range of topics, including the environmental sector, SME digitalisation and F&B distribution. Great team player, generating positive influence on teammates.

Fabian Blake
Vice Chairman, European Chamber South China Board; General Manager, AMS Group

Fabian Blake is a Belgian national who presently serves as the Managing Director of AMS Assembly Foshan, a Dutch-owned company that has been operating in the Pearl River Delta, providing manufacturing services in South China since 2003.

Having resided and worked in China since 2008, Fabian has accumulated 15 years of experience exclusively in South China. During this time, he has played a pivotal role in the operational development of major corporations like the ETEX Group. Additionally, he has successfully managed smaller Chinese business units specialising in engineering services, offering value-added solutions to European clientele.

AMS Group, under Fabian’s leadership, currently boasts a workforce of 90 employees, with 80 of them based in our facilities located in Foshan and Shenzhen. The company is actively involved in the development, manufacturing, and assembly of hardware devices, primarily serving customers situated in Europe.

Furthermore, Fabian has also served as a Member of the Board of the Benelux Chamber of Commerce from 2013 to 2016. His extensive experience and dedication to the industry make him a valuable asset to both AMS Assembly Foshan and the broader business community.

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