Page 65 - MASALA Magazine Vol.15 Issue 8 | December - January 2025

DHEERAJ MIRPURI
successfully runs
Shantinav Holdings Limited, dealing in
international trade (exports).

I moved to China in 2002 and returned to
Bangkok in 2012, but I still run my China
operations remotely. Born and raised
in Bangkok, I graduated from Ekkamai
International School in 1998 and studied
International Trade & Business in Sydney,
Australia. After nine months in Australia,
I returned to Bangkok for my cousin’s
wedding and decided not to go back to
university. I wanted to work full-time and be
financially independent, which my parents
supported.
Initially, I wanted a job in computers due
to my passion for graphics and websites,
but my father suggested joining the family
export business to achieve financial freedom
faster. I agreed and started working in the and communication with customers. The with colleagues and suppliers often takes
family business. By 1999, my father and language barrier was a major challenge, as precedence over formal contracts. In China,
uncles were semi-retired, and my elder basic English terms were not understood. this is especially evident in practices like
cousin ran the business. My role involved This motivated me to learn basic Mandarin, sharing meals, drinks, and social moments,
designing artwork and inspecting goods, which made life easier. Over time, more which are integral to forming strong
but I lacked drive and didn’t focus on self- foreigners moved to China, and more partnerships. While this isn’t as common
growth until 2002. Chinese people learned English, improving in Thailand, it’s a valuable aspect of doing
In August 2002, my younger cousin communication. business that I’ve come to appreciate.
proposed opening an office in China as The local food was never an issue for me,
equal partners. Despite my initial hesitation, as I had traveled internationally as a child Regarding your industry, how have you
I agreed and informed my parents. My father and was used to various cuisines. Living found dealing with access to a larger
supported my decision, and I began working in Bangkok, I was accustomed to trying manufacturing pool, the quality of products,
in the Hong Kong office, eventually setting new restaurants. Although Chinese food the pace of product turnarounds and the
up an office in Guangzhou by October 2002. in Thailand and China differs, I enjoyed challenges of local government policies and
the taste as a foodie. the entrepreneurial environment?
When did you experience your first culture Building relationships with suppliers I have truly enjoyed dealing with access
shock, the “welcome to China” moment? was crucial in China. It wasn’t just to a large manufacturing pool; it has
My first culture shock in China was during about business; it required a personal made my job exciting and has presented
my initial trip to register a company. I touch. Sharing meals, drinking together, many opportunities to increase profits.
was surprised that no one spoke English, and developing a friendly rapport were What amazes me the most is how quickly
and I didn’t see any foreigners. Finding a essential for building trust and long- factories in China can customise solutions,
restaurant with English signs or menus was lasting partnerships, leading to smoother even with tight deadlines, which sets them
impossible, and we couldn’t identify the collaborations and mutual understanding. apart from manufacturers in other countries.
meats in the pictures. Ordering basic drinks What are the major differences in the work The efficiency of China has been a major
like Coke or Sprite was met with confusion culture? How does it compare between advantage for my business, and I believe
and laughter, as even these had different your home country and China? this has been the case for anyone who has
names in Pinyin. We quickly realized we operated there, whether currently or in the
needed to learn basic Chinese words. In my experience, working in Thailand has past.
Once, at a dinner, a fish bone got stuck in been at a much calmer and more relaxed That said, navigating government policies
my throat. At 2 am, my cousin and I went to pace. Of course, this may not be true and regulations has been frustrating at
the hospital, but neither the admin nor the for everyone, but when I started off here, times. Policies can change overnight, often
doctor understood us. We drew a fish and its there was rarely any sense of urgency or impacting shipments, which created high-
bones on paper, indicating the missing bone aggression. In contrast, working in China stress situations. As a result, we always had
was in my throat. This incident highlighted was completely different—suppliers were to stay alert and be ready to adapt quickly to
how uncommon English was in China incredibly quick to provide quotes, often keep operations running smoothly.
in 2002. following up the same day to get a response In terms of product quality, I faced many
or secure an order. There was always a strong frustrations initially, as many of the factories
What has the overall experience been for sense of urgency and efficiency, which is I worked with seemed more focused on
you in both working and living in China? not something I’ve observed as much here maximising profits than maintaining quality.
Living and working in China has been a in Thailand. However, over time, these factories have
great experience for me. Initially, there were One similarity between the two, however, is developed a more international mindset,
no restrictions on Western apps, but when the importance of relationships in business. leading to significant improvements in both
they got blocked, it disrupted our workflow In both cultures, building trust and rapport product quality and range.

WWW.MASALATHAI.COM | 65