Bettina Schoen-Behanzin, chairwoman of the Shanghai German Chamber of Commerce, is one of 12 recipients of this year’s Shanghai Magnolia Gold Award for expat contributions to the city’s development.

Asian regional representative for Germany’s Freudenberg Group, she won the silver award three years ago. She is the first German woman to win gold.

Freudenberg Group is a diversified family-owned group of companies whose products include housewares and cleaning products, automobile parts, textiles, building materials and telecommunications.

The company, which began 170 years ago as a leather-goods producer, has been active in China for some 100 years and now employs about 6,800 people at more than 70 sites in the country.

The company says innovation is the backbone of its success, and Schoen has overseen its innovation strategy in China, including continued investment in high-tech manufacturing infrastructure, local research and development facilities, and new acquisitions. Last year, Freudenberg invested almost 300 million yuan (US$42 million) in China — an increase of almost 30 percent over 2017 — and generated record sales of 8.5 billion yuan.

As chairwoman of Shanghai German Chamber of Commerce, she has participated inroundtable discussions between German businesses and local government officials to promote bilateral cooperation. Last year she helped more than 170 of the chamber’s member companies to participate in the first China International Import Expo.

Schoen has also introduced the German dual-vocational education system toJinshan District to cultivate high-quality technical talent and promote “Industry 4.0” for Shanghai.

“I think of my role as a bridge builder to foster trust and communication among different communities, especially during the current challenging times,” Schoen said.

In addition to honoring her contribution to the city’s economic development, the Magnolia Award pays homage to Freudenberg’s corporate citizenship initiatives. Schoen serves as the group’s ambassador for all corporate charity and volunteer work. For example, Freudenberg supports the Shanghai Golden Sun School, a nonprofit organization for underprivileged children, and provides free lessons in robotics for students.

“Since first coming to Shanghai and studying at Fudan University more than 30 years ago, the city has changed a lot,” said Schoen. “I am so honored to have not only witnessed but also actively contributed to the development of this amazing city.”

She added, “The award recognizes Freudenberg China as a responsible corporate citizen in Shanghai and encourages us to continue our long-term commitment to the sustainable development of Shanghai and China as a whole.”