HUR is currently internationalizing strongly. Its main export countries are Japan, United States, Singapore and China. HUR has six subsidiaries and active resellers in 30 countries. In Malaysia, Karjaluoto had a positive “problem” to deal with – whether to follow the delegation program or to go and negotiate about a major deal. After the Malaysia trip we can understand better how to use funding solutions to support the growing, internationalizing and competitive companies that are at the core of Finnvera’s strategy, says Laura Strandberg in Kuala Lumpur.
Funding for internationalization
In hot and humid countries the big hospital chains could benefit especially from the air purification technology offered by Genano, Medanta’s anti-bacterial clothes and, for example, the training for nurses provided by Metropolia
hospital in Kuala Lumpur the companies in the delegation gained valuable knowledge about the hospital’s purchasing process and about the vast differences between public and private hospitals in the country, according to Meria Heikelä, Director of Finpro’s FinlandCare program, Cooperation between the ministries and personal contacts are impor tant for expor t promotion in South-East Asia. Päivi Sillanaukee, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, has worked tirelessly for the delegation, and her readiness to throw herself into different situations has been admirable. If she hasn’t been wearing a neck muscle strength rehabilitation helmet tested by Formula 1 drivers, then she has been testing Finnish products designed for the rehabilitating senior citizens, writes Maria Arruda. “Finnish health know-how is valued around the world due to our high-level research, comprehensive registers and biobanks, among other things. Finland is ahead of other countries in terms of ageing and we have innovative solutions for different challenges that have so far not been
addressed elsewhere,” said Sillanaukee. “In hot and humid countries the big hospital chains could benefit especially from the air purification technology offered by Genano, Medanta’s anti-bacterial clothes and, for example, the training for nurses provided by Metropolia,” she said.
Rehab of seniors in Southeast Asia In Malaysia there is a readiness to invest in good care for the elderly. The delegation included several companies with services for senior care and rehabilitation. One of these is HUR which offers exercise equipment and training concepts for seniors. “Immediately after the first meeting we agreed on an important follow-up meeting. If we reach a deal with Iskander, this would be a great reference for us concerning the rehabilitation of seniors. We have exactly the right solutions for training seniors so that they can live independently and energetically as long as possible,” said HUR’s CEO Lena Karjaluoto.
FinlandCare and Finnvera work closely together for the internationalization of Finnish companies. Laura Strandberg, Finnvera’s Finance Manager, believes in the business opportunities offered by Southeast Asia. “Growth and investing in internationalization cost money. Few companies have the opportunity or can afford to fund their internationalization from cash funds. A growth leap often requires external funding and this is where Finnvera has a role to play,” said Strandberg in Malaysia. “We fund company investments; working capital needs and expor t deals together with the banks. The bank market is now tighter and they need someone to share the risk. There are signs of a brighter future but investments are still being made very carefully. We constitute a growth partner for companies, similar to FinlandCare.” Strandberg emphasized funding, as part of building the company’s growth plan is important from the beginning. The worst case is when a company is “afraid” of clinching a deal because it does not have the possibility to deliver. Funding should be seen as a resource in the same way as people. “In Team Finland, the cooperation takes place most productively in the practical work. That’s why we are here in Malaysia. There are few markets where it is possible to reach more than 5 per cent growth like here, and Malaysia also features in the plans of many of our client companies. Health services are one of the areas with the most potential. Delegations in one focus sector also serve the international growth of other sectors and companies.” As for Singapore, Finland’s Ambassador commented: “Perseverance and time to invest in personal relationships are required in Singapore,” according to ambassador Paula Parviainen. “Senior care and health technology are Team Finland’s priorities in the area. This will open up opportunities. In Singapore there is a commitment to active ageing and the productivity of care. A record number of hospitals and care homes are being built.” The delegation included the following companies: Commit, Genano, Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences / Metropolia Creative Oppor tunities (MCreO), HUR, MariCare, Medanta, Ruissalo Foundation and Saga Palvelut. Participants also include representatives from Finpro, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Finnvera, Aalto University and Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Sources: Malaysian-Finnish Business council, Maria Arruda, FinlandCare, Finpro April 2016 • ScandAsia.Singapore 17