WITH SAM YUAN LEADING THE WAY SINCE 2004
When Sam Yuan stepped onto European soil for the first time on November 27, 1994, it was a moment he would never forget. “It was a cultural shock,” Sam recalls, reflecting on his journey from bustling Shanghai to Sarreguemines, a quiet French town surrounded by fields and forests. “I had expected skyscrapers and big streets!”
Sam’s visit marked the beginning of a partnership that would become a cornerstone of InterGest’s global expansion. He was hosted by late Dr. Heinz Anterist, who had planned a three-week training program for Sam as part of his vision to establish an InterGest branch in China.
Dr. Anterist had reached out to the German Consulate in Shanghai to find a local partner for his venture. This led him to Shanghai International Trade & Service Group (SITS), a state-owned company. The partnership culminated in the founding of InterGest China, and the hiring of its first employee: Sam Yuan.
“My aunt, who worked with a related governing authority of SITS, told me about the new company and encouraged me to apply,” Sam shares. “That’s how I became part of InterGest China, and why I found myself in France in 1994. I was excited to embark on this journey.”
A Pivotal Decision
Over the next decade, Sam rose through the ranks at SITS, ultimately becoming Vice President, while also serving as InterGest China’s manager. In 2004, however, he faced a life-changing decision: Should he leave his prestigious role at SITS or to lead InterGest China as an independent entrepreneur?
“For one month, I weighed the pros and cons, conducting a thorough SWOT analysis,” Sam explains. “In the end, I realized that my personality, abilities, and interests could be better utilized on InterGest's global platform rather than within the bureaucratic structure of state-owned system. Moreover, I saw that InterGest's professional service network was precisely what China's soaring economic globalization required. So, I chose InterGest China.”
This leap of faith marked the beginning of a new era for both, Sam and the company.
Pioneering Change
Sam had already observed a significant difference between European and Chinese business practices during his 1994 visit. In Europe, outsourcing accounting to third-party service providers was common but a revolutionary concept in 1990s China, where accounting and finances were considered too sensitive to entrust to outsiders.
But as China modernized, these perceptions began to shift. The country reworked its tax system, consulting German authorities to establish a robust framework. “Today, many of our German clients are surprised to find similarities between Chinese and German regulations,” Sam notes.
Building a Legacy
Since its founding, InterGest China has helped 200-300 German companies successfully enter the Chinese market, many of which remain long-term clients. Recently, the company has seen an influx of clients from other countries, reflecting its growing global reputation.
With six offices across China, including the latest in Wuhan, InterGest China is well-equipped to support businesses navigating the complexities of the Chinese market.
Secrets to Success
Reflecting on 30 years of consistent growth, Sam attributes InterGest China’s success to three key factors:
Perfect Timing: “Dr. Anterist expanded to China at just the right moment, as the country began to open up. There’s a Chinese saying: Even a pig can fly when it’s standing at the wind’s mouth**. While we wouldn’t call ourselves pigs, we were certainly in the right place at the right time!”
Strong Foundations: “The first decade as a branch of SITS was instrumental in building a solid base, excellent networks, and a skilled team.”
Entrepreneurial Spirit: “I’m self-motivated and love making things happen for my clients. For me, being an entrepreneur is not just a career, it’s a passion.”
A Grateful Reflection
“I still remember sitting on the guest bed at Dr. Anterist’s home, wondering how everything would turn out,” Sam recalls. “But I also felt the momentum of InterGest’s mission to connect people and countries. Today, InterGest has become more than just work for me - it’s a meaningful part of my life.”
Looking ahead, Sam is optimistic about the future: “Here’s to another decade of growth and meaningful connections!”
Prof. Peter Anterist, CEO of the InterGest group, reflects on Sam’s contributions: “Sam, you are not only a successful entrepreneur but also a valued partner and close friend. Congratulations on three decades of excellence with InterGest China!”
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** 风口上的猪也会飞 fēng kǒu shàng de zhū yě huì fēi
This saying gained popularity in the business and tech world in China, especially due to Lei Jun, the founder of Xiaomi, who used it to describe how favourable conditions (the "wind") can lift even the most unexpected or unprepared entities (the "pig") to success.
