The Benelux Chamber of Commerce organized the BenCham’s “Young” Professional Series 2014 on 20 March in the Belgian embassy.
The idea was to interact, exchange and co-create an unprecedented experience with people passionate about their careers and interested in becoming the “next generation” that will make a difference. As active member I attended the event and met interesting young people. Also, opportunity to try some Belgian chocolate and beer…

Two speakers:
Cao Kai:
Having graduated from Linkoping University of Sweden, and Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales of France. He is currently working for the Science and Technology Talent Center of the Ministry of Science and Technology. At the same time, Vice President of Erasmus Mundus Alumni Chinese Chapter. He shared information about entrepreneurship and innovation in China with particular focus on Beijing, and introduced policy as well as opportunities to start a business in China.
Thierry De Dobbeleer:
After graduating from University of Louvain as a Software Engineer in 2001, Thierry left Belgium for Beijing to work for GEMALTO, the World Leader in Digital Security. Soon, he started to invest more and more time in side projects such as NEW SENSE Design & Communication Agency and BEER MANIA Belgian Bar & Restaurant. His first affinity towards China came after studying Chinese language with Professor Francoise Paron in Louvain-la-Neuve. He is particularly interested in the way businesses operate in a country like China and how to improve their processes to manage successful SME.
Beer Mania is now a well-known bar in Beijing and offers a wide range of Belgian beers. The customer base is more and more Chinese, a trend we see in the other Belgian places like Morel’s Restaurant and the three “The Tree” bars.