AS companies evolve into mature entities, they rarely retain the characteristics of the founders, unless they possess unique strengths.
So, when one of those rare breed of dynamic personality-driven companies is seen to be coveting the challenge of China, more than a few heads turn.
Everyone wants to know about the experience and strategy of these ''pioneers''.
The world's largest developer of business application software and CASE (computer-aided software engineering) tools for the popular IBM AS/400 mid-range market, involves one such company.
Its founder - who also happens to be the primary architect of the company's China strategy - is fluent in spoken and written Mandarin.
Furthermore, he is currently taking time out to undertake a formal study of Chinese art.
To talk about a dedicated ''hands on'' approach would be an understatement.