A FEW WORDS ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS IN MYANMAR AND THE SECTOR YOU ARE WORKING IN
Jardine Schindler, a joint venture between the leading global provider of mobility solutions Schindler of Switzerland, and Jardine Matheson, a diversified business group focused principally on Asia. As a pioneer in the elevator and escalator industry in Myanmar and the only market player to operate directly without the use of agents and distributors, Myanmar Jardine Schindler already provides services to a number of key customers with more than a decade of experience. As a leading mobility industry expert, Myanmar Jardine Schindler has been involved in the design, supply, installation, modernization and maintenance of elevators and escalators found in many iconic buildings in Myanmar including the Novotel Hotel, Chatrium Hotel, Park Royal, Mingalar Mandalay.
WHAT IS YOUR COMPANY’S STRATEGY IN MYANMAR
Company’s Strategy in Myanmar is to remain the number one through customer service and ensure our growth. To do that, we are always investing on a long term based. Myanmar Jardine Schindler is following the 5 core values from our Group in Switzerland : Safety, Quality, Integrity, Added values for customers and people development. We have invested heavily in our people by local and overseas training and have started a long term relationship with the Centre for Vocational Training (CVT), a Swiss based apprenticeship model. On top of this partnership, we will open next year our own dedicated training centre with test shafts to support our growth. We train 25 new students every year and next year will increase this to 50 apprentices and extend the program from 1 year to 2 years program to add in more quality.
HOW HAS YOUR COMPANY GROWN SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN MYANMAR ?
Myanmar Jardine Schindler have been established in 1999 and we never left. Our headquater is in Yangoon, we employ over 250 employees. In 2016, we opened one new office in mandalay and one new office in Taungyi. We are also in Naypitaw and we plan to continue our geo-expansion by opening one more office in Mawlamyine next year. The new offices will act as a hub for the company’s expansion and continued dedication to excellence. Myanmar Jardine Schindler’s geographical expansion will help the company meet the demands of the recent national construction boom and enable Schindler to further enhance service levels by offering a range of state-of-the-art mobility solutions that are relevant to the building industry. It is of the group’s strategy to consolidate its presence in fast growing markets. We see this major step as exemplifying our long-term commitment to Myanmar and our customers as we continue to invest in our people and services.
WHAT IMPROVEMENTS HAVE YOU SEEN IN YOUR INDUSTRY THERE LAST FEW MONTHS / YEARS ?
The biggest change in our sector during the last few months have been certainly when the current government took power in April, it suspended construction of all high-rise projects, pending an inspection to ensure all developers were following the rules. The idea was to assess the impact of each building on the city’s character, on traffic and on the environment. It is a good way to thing but it still need to get clear rules which was not the case. Like in many sectors in Myanmar, new rules still need to be drafted which give us a great opportunity to have new challenges ahead. I am used to say that each difficulty is an opportunity to learn and grow.
WHAT ARE THE KEY MESSAGES YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR MEMBERS REGARDING THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT IN MYANMAR?
Myanmar is really different than others countries. Potential is enormous and the growth is here, however it will not grow so quickly than we could expect. It will take time and it is certainly a great opportunity to grow with a sustainable growth on the next years. I always remind here people are working with heart. They are working mainly based on the relationships and as everyone know good relationship don’t just happen, it takes time, patience and people who truly want to work together.
YOUR LIFE IN MYANMAR AND YOUR RELATIONS WITH FRANCE
I am just arrived in Myanmar with my wife and my children early last year. We have been well welcome by people here and after few months to settle down our new house, we are really enjoying our life here.
Regarding my relations with France, I would like to extend my relations especially with Entrepreneurs network between France & Myanmar. I am sure there are great opportunities to bring business growth for French companies which are looking for international opportunities. I plan to connect the “Myanmar Young Entrepreneurs Association” and the “Centre des Jeunes Dirigeants d’Entreprise” en France. If anybody have more idea, please feel free.
YOUR ADVICE FOR A NEWLY ARRIVED EXPAT IN MYANMAR
Be patient, Be adaptable, Be ready to be surprised
YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN MYANMAR
I do not have yet any favourite place however I went to Hpa An with my family few months ago and we really enjoyed this trip. I remember during our visit of Saddar cave, we did not prepare anything and we went through under the mountain and after a very long walk with kids in a very dark cave, we discovered a really very nice landscape and nice people who proposed to bring us back using their pirogues. Welcome in Myanmar!
