Having worked across both mainland China and Hong Kong, you have a long-standing connection to the region. Reflecting on your time here, what initially captured your interest, and what shift in China’s innovation ecosystem has impressed you the most?

I arrived in 2012 as an exchange student at the University of Hong Kong while conducting my PhD research in the art world. I was fascinated by the energy and mindset I encountered. What struck me most was the speed, openness, and willingness to experiment. It’s a curiosity and lack of fear of failure that creates a dynamic environment for tackling diverse projects. This spirit in Hong Kong of acting quickly, without over-questioning every step, strongly resonated with my own drive to get things done and was one of the reasons I founded my startup at the time.

When it comes to the innovation ecosystem, the most impressive shift I have witnessed since then is China’s rapid transition in the energy sector and circular economy. From the time I arrived in the region until today, there has been such an incredible shift , not only around the technology side but also in terms of how people think about it. China has not only caught up but is now leading in areas such as solar and wind energy, demonstrating an extraordinary ability to drive change at scale and speed.

 

What are your top priorities to advance Swissnex in China’s mission in the next four years, and how do you plan to translate them into action?

Over the next four years, my top priority is to deepen engagement in key thematic areas where Switzerland and China share strong interests and complementary strengths, including climate tech and renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and robotics, as well as life sciences and health. China offers highly relevant opportunities for researchers and Swiss startups, and these fields provide a natural space for meaningful exchange and collaboration. I see Swissnex in China playing a vital role in connecting academics, researchers, and entrepreneurs through targeted initiatives between the two countries, helping them build valuable partnerships and leverage each other’s expertise.

To put this into action, we have already lined up several promising projects such as Swissnex for the Planet and the Planetary Embassy, an Energy Forum, and dedicated robotics initiatives. These projects are designed not only to deliver value to our partners and stakeholders in Switzerland, but also to foster a network around those key areas and promote genuine mutual learning. A core part of our approach will be to actively communicate insights and trends from China back to Switzerland, sparking curiosity, strengthening China competencies, and inspiring further collaboration.

 

How would you describe your leadership philosophy and how will it shape the future of Swissnex in China?

For me, leadership means enabling the team to perform at its best. That requires providing clear direction while fostering an environment where everyone feels encouraged to contribute. The expertise lies within the team; my role is to create the conditions that allow it to flourish. An open-door approach nurtures curiosity, initiative, and collective learning. I aim to empower each team member to build on their strengths, pursue growth, and develop skills for the future.

Leadership is also about offering vision and purpose. It’s not only about how we work together, but also about why. At Swissnex in China, that means aligning our daily activities with the mission of connecting Switzerland and China in education, research, and innovation.

In a cross-cultural, fast-changing environment, resilience and adaptability are crucial. I guide the team while encouraging flexibility and attentiveness to emerging trends, so we can connect the right dots and bridge ideas, people, and ecosystems effectively. I want to invite the team to reflect, take ownership, and generate solutions themselves. This builds confidence, initiative, and a proactive culture.

Finally, leadership is about inclusion. International teams bring diverse perspectives, and my responsibility is to turn these differences into strengths by listening actively, recognizing contributions, and encouraging open dialogue.

 

Looking to the future, what is one “big bet” or ambitious project you hope Swissnex in China can achieve under your leadership?

One ambitious initiative I hope to advance is the development of Swissnex for the Planet here in China. I believe this is a place where we can work particularly well together. The ambition is to further explore the idea of planetary diplomacy and to create a “Planetary Embassy”, a transdisciplinary platform designed to spark reflection on diplomacy in an era of planetary urgency.

The Planetary Embassy would bring together research, technology, indigenous knowledge, and the arts to explore new forms of diplomacy centered on the planet itself. Given the scale and pace of innovation in this field, I see tremendous potential to facilitate deeper collaboration and to generate valuable insights between China and Switzerland.

This project would embed planetary thinking into our work, creating a structured and impactful presence that aligns with Swiss interests while also contributing to global sustainability goals.

 

What would someone from Switzerland need to prepare before exploring China?

Coming to China or pursuing collaboration in China, the most important preparation is to embrace openness and cultural adaptability. China is a place that will consistently surprise you, and not everything is conclusive or straightforward. One needs to be ready to engage, remain persuasive when necessary, and accept that it is not always easy. But it is precisely in those moments that one can truly learn the most.

Something I was told in my first years working between Switzerland and China has stayed with me as a helpful metaphor: if you ask a Swiss team and a Chinese team to solve the same unfamiliar problem, the Swiss team would likely begin by analyzing and planning carefully before acting. The Chinese team, by contrast, might immediately start testing different approaches and adapt quickly through trial and error.

Both methods can succeed, but the paths are very different: precision and preparation versus speed and adaptability. It’s not about which approach is better, but about recognizing and respecting different ways of working. China often embraces speed, pragmatism, and a higher tolerance for uncertainty, while Switzerland values precision and careful preparation. The real opportunity lies in combining these strengths. Being aware of these differences can turn potential clashes into highly fruitful collaborations.