https://www.scmp.com/rss/316441/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com The Netherlands prime minister apologised to Indonesia on Thursday after a study found that the Dutch army used “systematic and extreme violence” during Indonesia’s independence war. Dutch forces burned villages and carried out mass detentions, torture and executions during the 1945-49 conflict, often with tacit government support, said the four-year study by Dutch and Indonesian researchers. The findings shattered the long-held official Dutch line that there were only isolated incidents of... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3167469/dutch-apologise-indonesia-extreme-violence-during-war?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3167469/dutch-apologise-indonesia-extreme-violence-during-war?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 17 Feb 2022 15:47:38 +0000 A coach that has fallen into discredit because it is decorated with images widely viewed as racist will no longer be used by the Dutch royal family, King Willem-Alexander announced on Thursday. “We cannot write the past anew. But we can try together to come to terms with it,” he said in a video message about the vehicle known as the Golden Coach. He said the coach will be off limits so long as the Netherlands’ colonial history remains controversial. “The Golden Coach will only travel again once... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3163311/racist-royal-coach-limits-due-colonial-history-says-king?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3163311/racist-royal-coach-limits-due-colonial-history-says-king?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 Jan 2022 15:57:45 +0000 China has enjoyed excellent trade and economic relations with the Netherlands for decades but, this year, the bond was strengthened with President Xi Jinping's visit to the European country in March. Xi became the first Chinese leader to make an official state visit to the Netherlands, where he met Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as both sides vowed to step up trade and economic co-operation. The two leaders were present for the signing of a number of agreements on bilateral co-operation in... https://www.scmp.com/article/1631207/existing-strong-ties-get-boost?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1631207/existing-strong-ties-get-boost?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Nov 2014 08:53:18 +0000 The Netherlands' spiritual capital is an alluring confection of imposing architecture, fascinating museums and serene canals. Water has played an important part in the city's evolution, being responsible for its original incarnation. In the 12th century, fishermen erected a bridge and dam across the River Amstel, resulting in the village of Amstelredamme. Situated in the western Netherlands in the province of North Holland, Amsterdam is home to about 810,000 residents. To understand the... https://www.scmp.com/article/1631206/crafted-angels-waterways-give-city-reasons-flourish?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1631206/crafted-angels-waterways-give-city-reasons-flourish?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Nov 2014 08:51:56 +0000 The Netherlands may not be as famous for its cuisine as, say, France or Italy, but Dutch menus still offer many excellent selections often featuring seafood, fresh vegetables and hearty meat dishes guaranteed to keep out the cold during the winter months. With productive coastal waters, a fishing fleet trawling the North Sea and a centuries-long tradition for dairy farming and market gardening, there is an understandable national preference for healthy eating and seasonal specialities. And for... https://www.scmp.com/article/1631205/dutch-fare-its-freshest?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1631205/dutch-fare-its-freshest?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Nov 2014 08:49:46 +0000 Top-notch education usually comes at a price, particularly for international students at prestigious universities. A British survey reveals undergraduates from outside Europe pay up to four times the maximum amount charged to British and European students. But premium education need not cost much. This is according to Professor Sibrand Poppema, president of University of Groningen. "Our tuition fees for international students are similar to what we would get from a Dutch student," Poppema says.... https://www.scmp.com/article/1631166/university-groningen-programmes-bridge-science-and-society?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1631166/university-groningen-programmes-bridge-science-and-society?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Nov 2014 08:03:18 +0000 ERS Railways' keen customer focus lends dynamism to a rather traditional industry. With established routes from its headquarters in Rotterdam into the hinterlands of Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Poland and Turkey, the next stop for Europe's leading rail cargo company would be China. By connecting Chengdu to Rotterdam via Poland, ERS Railways would be cutting cargo travel time from China to Europe from about 50 days to less than 20. "I think it's a sensible solution because if you're coming from... https://www.scmp.com/article/1631144/ers-railways-link-china-europe?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1631144/ers-railways-link-china-europe?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Nov 2014 07:00:15 +0000 At the CeMAT fair in Hannover last May, visitors were impressed as intralogistics specialist VanRiet Material Handling Systems unveiled its next-generation sorting solution. Shuffling packages at more than 2.5 metres per second, the IQ-Grid is 25 per cent faster than any other system available worldwide. The innovation can also change the direction of items at the touch of a button, while its modular design ensures almost 100 per cent uptime. This is because each IQ cassette making up the system... https://www.scmp.com/article/1631066/vanriet-unveils-intralogistics-solutions-shanghai-fair?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1631066/vanriet-unveils-intralogistics-solutions-shanghai-fair?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Nov 2014 03:30:30 +0000 Seed companies in Asia have been upgrading their crop technologies to boost agricultural production. With more mouths to feed and more people requiring safer, healthier and better-tasting fruits and vegetables, Incotec helps plant growers improve food production by cultivating innovative seed enhancement solutions. Incotec improves seed quality through highly sophisticated technologies: by selecting seeds based on their quality; and by pre-germinating seeds, making the seeds disease-free and... https://www.scmp.com/article/1631062/incotec-grows-crop-yield-cultivates-food-safety-asia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1631062/incotec-grows-crop-yield-cultivates-food-safety-asia?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Nov 2014 03:26:10 +0000 Manufacturers and contract packagers in Asia are moving towards automation due to increasing labour costs and stringent manual labour regulations. CSi Industries, one of the world's market leaders in intelligent product handling systems, seeks to replicate its success in the region with dedicated palletising solutions. "We provide cost-effective and highly functional, best-in-class solutions to assist clients in streamlining their palletising operations, thus strongly improving efficiency," says... https://www.scmp.com/article/1631055/csi-offers-modular-conveying-and-palletising-solutions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1631055/csi-offers-modular-conveying-and-palletising-solutions?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Nov 2014 03:01:04 +0000 China is transitioning from being one of the world's biggest importers of bulk liquid chemicals to potentially the industry's biggest exporter. The entire shipping sector is bracing for the change that may transform the global competitive landscape - and none is more ready than diversified ship-brokering firm Odin Marine Europe. "Fuelled by domestic manufacturing and increasingly innovative technologies, China is poised to alter the dynamics of the global chemicals market," says managing... https://www.scmp.com/article/1631042/odin-marine-ready-chinas-rising-chemical-exports?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1631042/odin-marine-ready-chinas-rising-chemical-exports?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Nov 2014 02:19:40 +0000 Global commodity flows are subject to ever-changing trading patterns. This is something that commodity warehousing and logistics companies such as Netherlands-based C. Steinweg have always had to watch closely. After setting up its Asian head office in Singapore in 1983, Steinweg continued its regional expansion with the opening of more than 15 offices and warehouses in the Far East. Apart from being active in many ports in China, Steinweg also has operations in South Korea, Vietnam and... https://www.scmp.com/article/1631037/dutch-logistics-firm-feels-right-home-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1631037/dutch-logistics-firm-feels-right-home-china?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Nov 2014 02:10:08 +0000 When visionary Bruce Cheng established Delta Electronics in 1971, he envisioned a world-class company that would be instrumental in pursuing environmental conservation. By delivering innovative technology with the highest possible standards of energy conversion efficiency, Cheng's vision has come to fruition. Delta Electronics is among the leading experts in providing cleaner and energy-efficient solutions. Putting intense focus on research and development (R&D), Delta develops innovative... https://www.scmp.com/article/1631031/delta-electronics-fosters-smarter-and-greener-world?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1631031/delta-electronics-fosters-smarter-and-greener-world?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Nov 2014 02:02:48 +0000 RR Mechatronics' passion for innovation is driving efficiency and quality of medical laboratories worldwide. A specialist in precision blood diagnostic instruments, the company pioneered the automation of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) testing used to differentiate between infection-related diseases and other illnesses. Its StaRRsed series of analysers allows laboratories to handle more than 300 such tests in an hour. Complying with international standards, the instrument is fully... https://www.scmp.com/article/1631030/mechatronics-introduces-automated-diagnostic-instruments-asia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1631030/mechatronics-introduces-automated-diagnostic-instruments-asia?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Nov 2014 02:00:24 +0000 A one-stop shop for the textile processing industry, Tanatex Chemicals makes eco-friendly solutions economically sensible throughout the global value chain. The company is behind functionalities as diverse as fluorine-free water repellency, thermo-regulation of skin temperature, cosmetic finishes and flame retardant solutions in apparel and technical textiles. It provides such product-level innovations from preparing the fabric for dyeing, into the colouration stage and on to the final processes... https://www.scmp.com/article/1631028/tanatex-opens-asian-facility-sustainable-textile-processing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1631028/tanatex-opens-asian-facility-sustainable-textile-processing?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Nov 2014 01:56:56 +0000 The need for online security continues to extend from the personal computer to any connected device, putting sensitive information at greater risk. AVG Technologies addresses online threats to individual internet users with forward-thinking, personalised security solutions. "Our target is to be known as the online security company that makes people's connected lives safe," says John Little, chief financial officer. "We think about devices, data and people because we are trying to protect the... https://www.scmp.com/article/1631025/avg-technologies-defends-internet-users-against-personal-online-threats?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1631025/avg-technologies-defends-internet-users-against-personal-online-threats?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Nov 2014 01:51:00 +0000 Poised for dynamic growth, strategically located and equipped with a competitive tax system, the Netherlands offers foreign investors promising opportunities to diversify their portfolio. Success, however, lies in the seamless navigation of the market's legal and tax landscape - and partnering with the right expert is key. "This is particularly true for Asian investors, who greatly value trust and long-term relationships," says Willem Jarigsma, managing partner at Loyens & Loeff in Amsterdam,... https://www.scmp.com/article/1628119/loyens-loeff-paves-legal-tax-gateway-benelux-investments?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1628119/loyens-loeff-paves-legal-tax-gateway-benelux-investments?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Oct 2014 03:37:44 +0000 Globalisation has opened up opportunities for university graduates and encouraged competition among the world's top talents. Responding to the demand for graduates with a global mindset, Saxion University of Applied Sciences is equipping its students with professional competencies oriented towards a global environment. Tracing its roots back to 1875, Saxion was formed in 1998 from a merger between two Dutch universities. The institution has since played a crucial role in bridging academic... https://www.scmp.com/article/1628114/saxion-instils-global-mindset-critical-thinking-students?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1628114/saxion-instils-global-mindset-critical-thinking-students?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Oct 2014 03:35:16 +0000 As worldwide demand increases across high-performance sectors such as information technology, energy and raw materials, the global logistics industry faces mounting pressure to develop forward-thinking systems in storage, transshipment and auxiliary cargo services. In the Netherlands, a container development company has carved a niche in delivering inventive solutions that cater to the rapidly changing needs of intercontinental trade. UNIT45 specialises in customisable, multipurpose 45-foot... https://www.scmp.com/article/1628099/unit45-launches-intermodal-transport-improvements?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1628099/unit45-launches-intermodal-transport-improvements?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Oct 2014 03:05:26 +0000 From landlocked terrain to archipelagos, Maats Pipeline Equipment has been shipping its high-end machines anywhere they are needed. A leading rental company for the global pipeline industry, it manufactures and supplies high-quality side booms, welding tractors and pipe benders to a global clientele mainly in Russia, Canada and markets in Europe and Southeast Asia. The Netherlands-based company became the exclusive distribution partner of German company Liebherr in 1994. Being the first to... https://www.scmp.com/article/1628097/maats-intensifies-role-pipeline-industry?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1628097/maats-intensifies-role-pipeline-industry?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Oct 2014 03:00:45 +0000 A pioneer of control technologies for the Dutch agricultural sector since the 1970s, Hotraco Group celebrates 40 years at the helm of system integration expertise with its eye on Asia's growing agricultural and horticultural industries. "Electronics is our core competence, and we probably have the most robust systems worldwide for varied applications," says Diederik Fetter, CEO. "In terms of root crop storage and livestock, Asia is increasingly becoming an important market for us." With the need... https://www.scmp.com/article/1626796/hotraco-bolsters-food-productivity-agricultural-technologies?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1626796/hotraco-bolsters-food-productivity-agricultural-technologies?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Oct 2014 09:51:03 +0000 Acknowledged as the pioneer surface-mount technology (SMT) equipment manufacturer, Assembleon has maintained a solid footing in more than 30 years of operations amid challenging market conditions. Key to this resilience is a strategy of mapping the supply chain and finding niches that see value to its cutting-edge surface-mount pick and place solutions. "We cater to pockets in the electronics market where we can really add value," says CEO Jeroen de Groot. "We are now focused on high-end SMT and... https://www.scmp.com/article/1625895/assembleon-advances-work-surface-mount-technology?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1625895/assembleon-advances-work-surface-mount-technology?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Oct 2014 09:38:25 +0000 International market research agency SKIM celebrated 35 years of continued growth this year, a major milestone in an industry going through many challenges and developments. Yet another milestone is on the horizon for the Rotterdam-based company, with the planned opening of its flagship Asian office in Singapore in January next year. "Going to Asia is the next big step for us," says Robin de Rooij, new venture director for Singapore. "The timing is perfect to establish a direct presence in the... https://www.scmp.com/article/1625881/skim-expand-global-footprint-flagship-asian-office?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1625881/skim-expand-global-footprint-flagship-asian-office?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Oct 2014 09:24:36 +0000 Corrosion may cause billions of dollars in damages every year. Guaranteeing 60 years of service life for external corrosion-free pipelines and field joints, Stopaq developed and patented a range of self-healing visco-elastic product solutions for use in corrosion prevention, sealing and insulation applications. "We guarantee for life," says J.F. Doddema, managing director. "We provide excellent service to ensure our products will work for the duration of the design life of the pipeline." Saudi... https://www.scmp.com/article/1625880/stopaq-blocks-corrosion-seals-business-success?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1625880/stopaq-blocks-corrosion-seals-business-success?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Oct 2014 09:18:56 +0000 Imagine the 121-storey Shanghai Tower without elevators. This analogy applies to rudders in ships. Brilliant design efforts resulting in new hull designs are leading to the fast economical retirement of existing fleets of ocean-going vessels. Only those equipped with the smartest manoeuvring and propulsion systems can defy a similar fate. Rudders, in particular, are a vital yet often overlooked factor in operating vessels profitably. "Remarkably, most rudders are selected based on resistance... https://www.scmp.com/article/1625835/state-art-rudders-take-operational-cost-desired-course?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1625835/state-art-rudders-take-operational-cost-desired-course?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Oct 2014 08:41:29 +0000 Asian businesses entering Europe can rely on one of the world's largest postal network conglomerates. Spring Global Mail specialises in moving lightweight goods such as electronic devices, clothing and other products purchased online across borders into Europe through the Netherlands' PostNL and Britain's Royal Mail. The company is dedicated to finding innovative solutions in different global markets, particularly for electronic commerce in Asia. "To think global and act local is very... https://www.scmp.com/article/1625831/leading-postal-conglomerate-helps-asian-businesses-enter-european-market?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1625831/leading-postal-conglomerate-helps-asian-businesses-enter-european-market?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Oct 2014 08:35:11 +0000 Dutch institute Inholland University of Applied Sciences keeps one step ahead of the curve as a provider of competitive, world-class education. With the number of international students pursuing higher education forecast to reach more than 212 million by 2035, Inholland has opened an international college in Amsterdam, featuring a cutting-edge business innovation programme that was launched last month. "The world of business has changed dramatically," says Willem Viets, international... https://www.scmp.com/article/1625830/inholland-university-cultivates-business-sense-and-creative-flair?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1625830/inholland-university-cultivates-business-sense-and-creative-flair?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Oct 2014 08:30:09 +0000 VOSTA LMG, a world-renowned engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) company serving the dredging industry, looks confidently ahead more than a year after being acquired by Singapore-based ASL Marine Holdings. The merger, which came after many successful years of co-operation between the two companies, brings in synergies on several operational aspects. ASL is an integrated marine services group whose core strengths are shipbuilding, repair and conversion, and ship chartering. "With our... https://www.scmp.com/article/1625788/vosta-lmg-fuses-european-quality-asian-client-building-approach?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1625788/vosta-lmg-fuses-european-quality-asian-client-building-approach?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Oct 2014 07:11:29 +0000 Of the 350 million tonnes of potatoes consumed globally every year, the Netherlands is responsible for the largest potato yield per acre in the world. Dutch ventilation and air conditioning specialist APH Omnivent reveals that the simple root crop has inspired the company to develop technologies capable of automated control over environmental variables influencing food yield and loss. "Our success lies in our knowledge of potatoes, and that has given us a special market niche," says Luuk... https://www.scmp.com/article/1625786/aph-omnivent-aids-food-security-through-potato-inspired-inventions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1625786/aph-omnivent-aids-food-security-through-potato-inspired-inventions?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Oct 2014 07:07:14 +0000 Timing is right for residential investments in the Netherlands, with an increasing housing shortage and labour mobility fuelling demand for rental homes. Liberalisation in the Dutch rental market also boosts long-term prospects for institutional investors' European mandates. "The advantage of the Netherlands is that it's an investable area with growth opportunities," says Dick van Hal, CEO of Bouwinvest. "The best opportunity for foreign investors is the residential market, which is clearly... https://www.scmp.com/article/1623865/bouwinvest-signals-opportune-time-residential-investments?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1623865/bouwinvest-signals-opportune-time-residential-investments?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 24 Oct 2014 09:59:05 +0000 As the gateway to Europe, the Netherlands offers distinct advantages for investors willing to partake in the region's economic recovery. Strategically located at the centre of Europe's largest economies, the Netherlands covers about 250 million consumers within 965km. Among the country's strongest attractions for foreign interest, however, is its favourable tax system - an area HLB Van Daal & Partners knows extensively. Drawing on its global network and vast Asian experience, the accounting and... https://www.scmp.com/article/1623864/hlb-guides-asian-family-businesses-europe?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1623864/hlb-guides-asian-family-businesses-europe?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 24 Oct 2014 09:57:34 +0000 Putting a premium on long-term personal relationships with clients and partners has catapulted Broekman Logistics to the esteemed circle of leading shipping and logistics providers in Europe. Through time-tested partnerships, Broekman has access to a global network that enables it to handle goods and cargo from anywhere worldwide. "One translation of Broekman in Chinese means 'man with a long-term vision, valuing partnerships'. This is what the company stands for and it is embedded in our... https://www.scmp.com/article/1623852/long-term-partnerships-bring-growth-broekman-logistics?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1623852/long-term-partnerships-bring-growth-broekman-logistics?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 24 Oct 2014 09:55:11 +0000 Safeguarding the well-being of the world's population is the responsibility of every individual. Any effort to conserve natural resources for future generations is a worthy cause. A proponent of sustainable fishing, Parlevliet & Van der Plas (PP) fulfils its duty in helping preserve the environment with fishing methods that respect the ecosystem. "We play a role in feeding the world. We want to preserve the capital and only catch the interest," says CEO Diederik Parlevliet. "We care for the... https://www.scmp.com/article/1623851/pp-sustains-great-catch-sustainable-fishing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1623851/pp-sustains-great-catch-sustainable-fishing?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 24 Oct 2014 09:51:51 +0000 A keen eye for innovation combined with a strong supply chain has positioned NEDIS, a member of the publicly quoted Swiss Datwyler Group, among Europe's market leaders in consumer electronics and accessories. As a sourcing hub for a wide range of products, China has played an integral role in NEDIS's success. It will continue to do so as NEDIS aims to double its business in the world's manufacturing capital. NEDIS provides a variety of products within 12 product categories, including... https://www.scmp.com/article/1623844/strong-supplier-relations-drive-asian-expansion-nedis?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1623844/strong-supplier-relations-drive-asian-expansion-nedis?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 24 Oct 2014 09:41:50 +0000