Asia Tour 2018

June 2018

As a global network whose overriding purpose is based on building professional, strong and long-lasting relationships, getting together at our membership meetings and events is an essential element towards maintaining a connected network of business professionals.

It is for this reason that Russell Bedford CEO, Stephen Hamlet, has been visiting Asian member firms over the past month, ahead of this year’s Russell Bedford Asia-Pacific Meeting - true to his promise of meeting more members in more locations around the world.

This year’s tour consisted of four key locations in the continent - Hong Kong, Taipei, Beijing and Ho Chi Minh City - and provided a unique opportunity to meet with member firms and catch up on individual firm and network developments.

First stop - Russell Bedford Hong Kong. James Ngai and his team extended a huge welcome, bringing together the entire workforce to greet Russell Bedford’s CEO. Stephen delivered a presentation where he shared network updates including Russell Bedford’s new branding.

Next stop was Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, and a visit to Russell Bedford’s Taiwan member firm. The management team of Jiang Sheng & Co. CPAs received him at their offices and hosted a productive and enjoyable meeting in which Stephen gained an understanding of how their practice operates.

The second week brought Stephen to Russell Bedford Hua-Ander offices in Beijing, China. The partners and management team welcomed him to China’s capital city and Stephen presented his update on the global network and the refreshed branding. Network developments in China were also discussed between Stephen and managing partner, Mr. Guoqi Wang, including challenges such as how to adapt communications for China while still promoting the international network. You can read more about Stephen’s visit to Russell Bedford Hua-Ander here.

Stephen’s last stop was to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where he was struck by the modern and diverse character of the team at Russell Bedford member firm Russell Bedford KTC, who gave him a huge Vietnamese welcome. Stephen had an informative meeting with the team and worked together on preparations for this year’s Asia-Pacific meeting.

After a two week, whirlwind trip, I think it is safe to say that Russell Bedford’s CEO was once again impressed with the calibre of firms, the attitude of the people behind our member firms and it goes without saying, the fantastic welcome he received at each and every stop.

Although it is not possible to visit all offices of the Asian region, he had the chance to meet with colleagues from other member firms at the Asia-Pacific meeting where, as well as discussing practice developments and sharing knowledge, Stephen continues to become more familiar with members, the different cultures, and ways to do business.

Stephen commented, “I would like to say a personal thank you to all the Russell Bedford firms I visited during my two weeks in Asia. The hospitality I received was overwhelming. It is my absolute delight to travel to the offices of our member firms, and to be greeted with such enthusiasm makes my travels so pleasurable and memorable. My second annual trip around our network’s firms in Asia confirmed again what great talent we have amongst our members!”