(Ningbo, China) On June 4th, invited by the University of Nottingham, Mr. Peter Handstein, founder and CEO of Hape Group together with Mr. Jason Zhou, Vice Executive General Manager of Hape China delivered an inspiring public lecture to a vast audience of Nottingham staff and students, introducing the story of Hape and the differences between Chinese and German corporate management. 

With a look at the past, present, and future, Mr. Handstein shared with over one hundred Nottingham staff and students the early difficulties when Hape expanded into China, the cultural clashes in multiple aspects of corporate management, Hape’s global distribution of talents and its strategic planning for future development. Meanwhile Mr. Zhou presented his views through the lens of a Chinese manager. Peter vividly described the growth of Hape in China and summarised valuable experience on corporate management and cultural integration based on his personal practice, while sharing and exchanging his ideas with the audience. 

“When you enter a different cultural context, first of all you must pay attention to the cultural differences, respect the local culture and strive to integrate into it, take its essence and discard the dregs. In this way you can engage with it and achieve something.” Peter summed up. 

The public lecture with rich content and fun received a warm welcome and positive response from the listeners. After the speech, there was a Q & A session when many students raised questions to Peter, showing a great interest in both Hape and Peter himself. Though the class was over, Peter was surrounded by lots of students who, reluctant to leave, continued to talk to him. Mr Zhou cordially invited Nottingham students and staff to visit Hape where they could have further discussions with and learn from each other. 

This public lecture belongs to part of a training program co-held by Nottingham University and CRRC Corporation Limited. All of the students in this program are CRRC staff.