Dear R&D Forum Member,
The next R&D Forum meeting is on 25th April 2012 from 3-5pm at the European Chamber in Shanghai (address above). At this meeting we will 1) hold elections for one Forum Chair and two Vice Chairs, and 2) discuss perspectives on managing R&D in a Chinese company with the Head of R&D at a Chinese company; (and as necessary also discuss AOB for 5 minutes).
Presentation from Dr. Fu LeFeng, Head of the R&D Centre at Sunrise Chemical Co. Ltd, and open Q&A on best practices on managing R&D in a Chinese company (3:30pm-5:00pm)
After the Chair and Vice Chair Elections (mentioned below), Dr. Fu LeFeng, Head of R&D at Sunrise Chemicals Co. Ltd – a Chinese company specialising in amino acids, nutrition supplements, among other products – will present on key perspectives in managing R&D in a Chinese company. The floor will then be open to Q&A on practices and challenges in managing the R&D workforce in a Chinese company like Sunrise Chemicals Co. Ltd.
Chair Elections (3-3:25pm), followed by 5 minute break
The R&D Forum Chair and Vice Chairs play a crucial role in driving the Forum. The responsibilities of the Chair and Vice Chairs are guiding Forum meetings and other activities. The required characteristics of a Chair and Vice Chair are a senior industry representative with relevant industry expertise and contacts who have the time, ability and willingness to support the group. Previous participation in the Forum is important.
The R&D Forum needs to elect one Chair and two Vice Chairs. The current Chair (Piet Derks, Philips) and a Steering Committee member (Pascal Metivier, Rhodia) will be running for election, and if you are also interested in running for a slot (note an uncontested Vice Chair slot), you are strongly encouraged to run. Please firstly read the attached document which outlines the roles and responsibilities of a Working Group/Forum Chair and Vice Chair. (Candidates running for the role of Chair, if not successfully elected, can opt to be voted as a Vice Chair [but not vice versa]. Each candidate will be given up to 3 minutes on the 25th to give a speech on why they would like to be elected, and Forum members will be given up to 5 minutes to ask questions of the candidates.)
To apply for a position, each prospective candidate should indicate what position you are applying for, and within one document submit a (1) short bio and (2) motivation letter (a short [e.g. ½ page] explanation of relevant experiences and reasons why you would be good for the position you are applying) to Dan Prud’homme at dprudhomme@europeanchamber.com.cn by 6pm on 16th April. A listing of all candidates will be sent to all R&D Forum members shortly thereafter.
To attend this meeting, please register with Celine Russell at carussell@europeanchamber.com.cn, who is temporarily assisting with the R&D Forum, and also copy Dan Prud’homme at dprudhomme@europeanchamber.com.cn, by 6pm on 20th April. Note: Voting at the election must be conducted in-person at the meeting, and there is only one vote allowed per company.
Note: The duration of the term for both Chairs and Vice Chairs is one year. All elected Chairs and Vice Chairs must sign a Code of Conduct following election.
For further information about the Shanghai R&D Forum or the European Chamber in general please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Dan Prud'homme at dprudhomme@europeanchamber.com.cn