Who We Are
GMRT – for companies, investors, and researchers with a focus on ASEAN.
Non-profit
GMRT does not pursue economic profit goals but advocates for the non-profit social, economic, and cultural goals of its participants.
Independent
As an independent platform, GMRT consciously refrains from connections to economic lobbies or interest groups.
Neutral
GMRT does not belong to any chamber of commerce and represents only the interests of its individual participants.
Synergies for exchange between Germany and the ASEAN region.
Organized privately and on a voluntary basis, our Chapter Initiators, speakers, and participants create valuable impulses at the local level. Whether expatriates, entrepreneurs, investors, scientists, or government representatives – our community thrives on the diversity of its perspectives. What unites them is the common aspiration to inspire one another, learn from each other, and set impulses – to actively shape global change.
The Team
Jai Shankar
Trade Commissioner (MATRADE) from 2012 to 2016 in Frankfurt. Together with Mr. Paramsothy Thamotharampillai-Göbel, he created an important platform for Germans and Malaysians to interchange ideas and information, fostering stronger bilateral trade.
Paramsothy Thamotharampillai-Göbel
Born in Malaysia and educated as an engineer in England, he has worked in 27 countries for leading automotive manufacturers. Living in Germany for over 25 years, he is an intercultural expert for India, Sri Lanka, and ASEAN, offering coaching and 'Cultural Due Diligence'.
Prof. Dr. Andreas Stoffers
Over 20 years of management experience at Deutsche Bank, including executive roles in Southeast Asia. As Managing Director of ASEAN Business Partners GmbH and Professor of International Management in Munich, he is a recognized expert on the ASEAN region.
Ludwig Graf Westarp
Founder of SKARO VIETNAM with a focus on internationalization and intercultural management. He led units with up to 2,000 employees and worked for EKONID and the Hanns Seidel Foundation. Special expertise in the ASEAN region.
Roland Mauß
CFO of Oryx Stainless AG since 1997, a leading global stainless steel scrap trader. Previously at Ernst & Young. Active in the Chamber of Public Accountants and VDI. The Oryx Group is a top partner for international stainless steel producers with sites in Europe and Asia.
Christian Wachtmeister
Led the Asian operations of a tech company for over 15 years with deep experience in Malaysia and China. Since 2019, he leads ConLian consultancy, helping European firms enter Southeast Asian markets and facilitating cross-regional partnerships.
Christof Grabner
Investment banker, M&A advisor, and CEO of GRA:FIN. Over 30 years of international experience in FDI and M&A, particularly in Asia and CEE. Previously held senior roles at Raiffeisen Bank International and managed companies in Singapore and Hong Kong.
Hanns-Robert Mayer
Founder and CEO of Kontaktwerk GmbH, connecting SMEs with industrial partners. He has an international network, years of experience in business associations, and executive roles in mechanical engineering, including stays in Japan and Singapore.
Michael Fisahn-Reinhard
International sales and marketing entrepreneur and founder of global-sales-help.com. With 25 years of experience in market development and turnaround management, he has held senior positions in the USA, Europe, and Latin America.