Roel W. J. Bruysters
FOUNDER & CHAIR
Netherlands
Residence: Philippines & Pacific Ocean
As the key initiator of the PIHF, Mr. Bruysters holds a deep affection for the Pacific peoples and their distinctive ways of life. His global access to considerate investors combined with his intimate local understanding, ensure that the organization places the protection of Pacific heritage above all else.
Professional Experience
With 35 years in South East Asia and the Pacific Ocean, Mr. Bruysters has filled multiple Board and Senior Management roles in recognized luxury development projects, including hotels, golf and country clubs, integrated resorts in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Saipan, Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau.
He is committed to upholding the PIHF’s creed of working “Towards a Collective Pacific Memory” and brings a vast network of investment intent to the region. He strongly believes in striking the right balance between upholding long-held cultural beliefs and introducing vibrant, yet feasible economic opportunities.
Mr. Bruysters oversees a strong, impactful Advisory Committee and 19 Pacific Chapters of the PIHF. In close cooperation with four fellow Vice Chairs, PIHF prides itself to be a start-up organization for the common good, where transparency and realistic expectations are of paramount importance.
External Appointments
As Chairman of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China for the Pearl River Delta Chapter, he became increasingly engaged with nonprofit institutions. The EU Chamber, China’s largest trade organization represents bilateral relations on the highest level of investment and commerce.
In addition, Mr. Bruysters founded the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce in China and actively ran it for years, achieving a membership base of over 1000 European SMEs, keen to explore investment opportunities in China and seeking advice from professional peers on the ground. He also brought the annual “Terry Fox Run” to China, a globally recognized Canadian charity event, intended to raise funds for local cancer research. His fluency in Chinese makes him a frequent keynote speaker at cross-border investment forums throughout Greater China and Europe.
Mr Bruysters strongly believes in striking the right balance between upholding long-held cultural beliefs and introducing vibrant, yet feasible economic opportunities.
Education
He holds degrees in Chinese language studies from National Taiwan Normal University and International Hospitality Management at Hotel Management School The Hague in the Netherlands.
He completed an Australia National University (ANU) driven program in Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions & Adaptations for the Pacific Ocean Region and spoke on the need for a centralized Pacific-wide digital cultural repository to safeguard the region’s frail heritage wealth for posterity. Mr. Bruysters converses in seven languages and is known for his deep understanding of the Asian and Oceanian mindset.