Monique de Raaij on Community, Collaboration and the Dutch Chamber’s Next Chapter

Introducing yourself to the Dutch Chamber community 

Could you briefly introduce yourself, share your professional background and journey to Hong Kong, and tell us about your long-standing involvement with the Dutch Chamber—from your time on the PR & Publication Committee to your more recent work with the Sourcing & Trade Committee? 

I am a Dutch business executive with more than 25 years of international management experience across Europe and Asia, including over a decade in Hong Kong. My journey began in France, where I held leadership roles in the global consumer goods sector, building strong networks and leading cross-cultural teams before moving to Hong Kong. For more than ten years, I have been actively involved with the Dutch Chamber—first through what was then the P&R Committee, contributing to the content and visibility of the Chamber’s magazine, and more recently through the Sourcing & Trade Committee, supporting members as they navigate international trade. 

Stepping into the General Manager role 

What prompted you to take on the General Manager role at this stage, and what do you hope to achieve in your first 6–12 months? What initial priorities or plans do you have for the Dutch Chamber? 

Taking on the General Manager role at this stage of my career is about purpose. I want to give back to the Dutch business community by bringing my international experience to a more community-focused role. During my first 6–12 months, my priorities will be to build on the strong foundations laid by my predecessors, deepen member engagement, and enhance the Dutch Chamber’s visibility. 

Creating member value and strengthening the community 

The Dutch Chamber’s strength has always come from its member-driven community. Where do you see the greatest opportunities to strengthen that community, and how do you plan to support them through programming, communications, and partnerships? 

The Dutch Chamber’s strength lies in its member-driven community. To build on that, I believe we must create continuous value beyond events through initiatives such as mentorship circles, advisory groups, and structured networking formats. Clear, consistent communication and partnerships with other chambers and institutions will also be essential, particularly because our members benefit from connecting with peers in similar fields. The Sourcing & Trade Committee, for example, regularly exchanges ideas with the German and French Chambers, while our Tax and Finance Committees collaborate frequently with the Belgium–Luxembourg Chamber. 

Dutch–Hong Kong business links in a changing landscape 

Drawing on your background in sourcing and trade and your long experience in Hong Kong, where do you see the most promising opportunities for Dutch–Hong Kong and Greater China business ties over the next few years, particularly in trade and international business? 

With my background in sourcing and trade, I see strong opportunities in logistics, sustainability, and innovation. Hong Kong remains an important gateway to Greater China and Southeast Asia, and Dutch companies can make the most of this position in areas such as sustainable supply chains, agri-food innovation, and digital trade. The Dutch Chamber can play a vital role in connecting Dutch expertise with regional opportunities and ensuring our members are well positioned in a changing global landscape. 

Working with the Dutch Chamber’s committees 

The Dutch Chamber relies on its committees—including Marketing, China, SME, Finance, and ESG—to drive networking, member engagement, and events. As General Manager, how do you plan to coordinate and support their work? 

The committees are the lifeblood of the Dutch Chamber. My role will be to coordinate, support, and amplify their work—ensuring alignment with the Dutch Chamber’s overall strategy while giving each committee the autonomy to innovate. I will focus on encouraging collaboration across committees, sharing best practices, and providing the operational support needed to maximise the impact of their initiatives. 

Engaging young professionals and interns As someone who has worked with committees and led teams, what advice and opportunities would you highlight for students and young professionals who want to contribute to the Dutch Chamber—whether through committees, content, or event operations—and turn that experience into long-term career value? 

For students and young professionals, the Dutch Chamber offers a unique platform for gaining hands-on experience. My advice is to get involved early—whether through committees, content creation, or event operations. These opportunities help participants build networks, develop practical skills, and create long-term career value. I would like to establish more structured pathways for young professionals to contribute, learn, and grow within the Dutch Chamber. 

Collaborating with committees and volunteers 

How do you see the General Manager role balancing strategic direction with day-to-day execution, and how can active members best contribute to delivering that strategy? 

The General Manager role requires a balance between strategic direction and day-to-day execution. My approach is to set clear priorities and frameworks in close collaboration with our Board, while drawing on the energy and creativity of active members and volunteers to bring those priorities to life. By contributing through committees and initiatives, members can directly shape the Dutch Chamber’s impact. I see my role as enabling and coordinating that collective effort. 

Your vision for the Dutch Chamber’s future Looking beyond the first year, what do you hope to achieve for the Dutch Chamber over the next few years? Are there specific goals—around membership growth, event quality, business matchmaking, or the Chamber’s profile in Hong Kong and the region—that you would like to be known for by the end of your tenure? 

Looking beyond the first year, my goal is to position the Dutch Chamber as a recognised thought leader in Dutch-HK business relations. I want us to be known for high-quality events, effective business matchmaking, and a vibrant, engaged membership. Membership growth, deeper partnerships, and greater visibility in Hong Kong and across the region will be important measures of success. Ultimately, I hope my tenure will be remembered for strengthening the Dutch Chamber’s credibility, community spirit, and international reach—and ensuring it remains a trusted voice for Dutch business in Hong Kong and beyond.