AkzoNobel: ‘Exciting Times’ for Students of Netherlands-Asia Honours Summer School

Students taking part in the 2016 Netherlands-Asia Honours Summer School (NAHSS) will leave for Greater China this week. During the trip, ten of the participants will conduct a circular economy research program for AkzoNobel in Chengdu.

As part of the academic program, the International Summer School will take place in Beijing, Hong Kong, Taipei and Chengdu. The business program includes visits to leading companies in the Netherlands and China, while candidates will also follow language and culture classes.

The research element is designed by multidisciplinary project groups, whereby students analyze issues initiated by NAHSS partners that are common to both the Netherlands and China.

“I see the NAHSS as a unique opportunity to travel to Asia with an extremely motivated group,” said Mythe van den Reek, an Econometrics student from Erasmus University in Rotterdam. “It’s good to be part of a project that has a real impact on the world and the environment.”

Added AkzoNobel Executive Committee Conrad Keijzer, who is also a member of the Supervisory Board of the NAHSS: “In recent years, AkzoNobel has welcomed more than 500 students to its China HQ, as well as our research center in Songjiang. This year, we’re particularly looking forward to them visiting our our newly opened Chengdu site.

“The ten students working on our behalf will be conducting a research project on waste reduction, which is an important theme for us and reflects our Planet Possible approach to doing more with less. We are also delighted to have the opportunity to give the students an insight into our Chinese operations and how we create essential products that make people’s lives more liveable and inspiring.”

The program focuses on reinforcing the relationship between Asia and the Netherlands, with an emphasis on increasing knowledge and understanding of Asian culture. One of the principle aims is to draw attention to Asia’s increasing global importance, as well as strengthening mutual cultural understanding.

The NAHSS was established in 2012 by Utrecht University, Delft University of Technology, McKinsey & Company and AkzoNobel. It has since grown from an initial 30 students to 100 students in this year’s edition. The long list of partners includes more than 25 Dutch and Chinese multinationals, 13 Dutch research universities, four Chinese universities and four Dutch ministries. This unique combination of universities, industry and government helps to create an innovative and dynamic learning environment.