DKSH, the leading Market Expansion Services provider with focus on Asia, celebrates the 50th anniversary of ASEAN, the Association of South East Asian Nations. DKSH has been calling South East Asia home for almost 150 years and employs over 26,000 specialists in the whole region.
Media release
Zurich, Switzerland, August 8, 2017 – When the ASEAN Declaration was signed 50 years ago, on August 8, 1967, DKSH's predecessors – Diethelm & Co. and Ed. A. Keller & Co. – were already established as some of the largest foreign companies operating in the region since the 1870s.
Even today, DKSH is one of the largest companies in the region, employing more than 26,000 specialized staff over all ten ASEAN states. DKSH's distribution centers cover a total surface area of equivalent to more than 60 soccer fields and its region-wide capillary distribution network enhances the quality of life for millions of people, distributing consumer goods and healthcare products that meet their daily needs. DKSH's regional offices are located in Thailand, its worldwide finance center in Singapore and the company's global IT platform is centrally managed out of Malaysia.
With a strong presence in the ASEAN countries, DKSH has a definite long-term focus in the region, offering employment security and providing stability to local communities. The company's local talent in South East Asia receive learning and development opportunities in an international environment.
Aside from representing many international clients and brands in the ASEAN region, DKSH has also helped grooming local players into true ASEAN stars. DKSH has been instrumental in expanding the presence of Malaysia's Old Town White Coffee across ASEAN. Likewise, Haw Par, the Singapore-based producer of Tiger Balm, markets its healthcare products in several ASEAN markets through DKSH. Indonesia's Garuda Food, a snack and confectionary producer, also relies on DKSH's marketing and sales expertise in expanding to other South East Asian countries.
Stefan P. Butz, CEO, DKSH Holding Ltd., commented: “DKSH is a true ASEAN company that is deeply rooted in the region. It all started with two Swiss pioneers, Wilhelm Heinrich Diethelm and Eduard Anton Keller, who opened trading houses in the 1870s in Singapore and Manila respectively. Over the decades, DKSH subsequently strengthened its presence in the ten South East Asian countries and contributed to the development of the region. A region where we still see tremendous growth potential. DKSH is proud of having contributed to the success of ASEAN and wishes the organization all the best for its 50th anniversary.”
For further information please contact:
About DKSH
DKSH is the leading Market Expansion Services provider with a focus on Asia. As the term "Market Expansion Services" suggests, DKSH helps other companies and brands to grow their business in new or existing markets. Publicly listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange since 2012, DKSH is a global company headquartered in Zurich. With 780 business locations in 36 countries – 750 of them in Asia – and 30,320 specialized staff, DKSH generated net sales of CHF 10.5 billion in 2016. The company offers a tailor-made, integrated portfolio of sourcing, marketing, sales, distribution and after-sales services. It provides business partners with expertise as well as on-the-ground logistics based on a comprehensive network of unique size and depth. Business activities are organized into four specialized Business Units that mirror DKSH fields of expertise: Consumer Goods, Healthcare, Performance Materials and Technology. DKSH was founded in 1865. With strong Swiss heritage, the company has a long tradition of doing business in and with Asia and is deeply rooted in communities and businesses across Asia Pacific.