From Hamburg to Changshu, German entrepreneur finds another home

For German entrepreneur Andreas Hester, Changshu, a county-level city of Suzhou, is like a home away from home. What started as a journey from Hamburg has become a story of entrepreneurial growth and belonging.

Hester first visited Changshu as a tourist in 2010. A year later, he returned and set up his first office in Changshu Economic and Technological Development Zone with his Chinese business partners. That modest beginning would grow into SIGAS Measurement Engineering Co., Ltd.

Hester made the decision to settle in Changshu with great deliberation. "If I didn't like Changshu, I might have found another job," he said. Compared with larger cities, Changshu has a balanced rhythm and supportive environment that are much more appealing. Backed by favorable policies for emerging technology companies, his firm has expanded rapidly: securing its first round of financing in 2014; becoming Changshu's first company listed on the National Equities Exchange and Quotations in 2015; surpassing 50 million yuan in revenue in 2020 and topping 90 million yuan in 2024...
The educational resources in Changshu have given his business a solid foundation for growth as well. "Higher education institutions like Suzhou University of Technology have provided tech companies like us with much-needed support," Hester recognized local efforts in cultivating talent.

After work, Hester fully embraces the local lifestyle. The bike he bought in his first year here remains his favorite tool to get around. The WeChat account he created, ChangshuGuide, documents his exploration of the city's scenic spots, shops and cuisine with over 100 articles.

Over the years, Hester has gained friendship and forged a strong sense of community in Changshu. His home-cooked dishes are often met with enthusiastic praise from friends. The Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card he received a few years ago has given that sense of belonging a firmer footing. "It's a special gift from China," he said, noting the convenience it brings from booking trains and flights to checking into hotels and smoother border entry procedures.

From obtaining the Changshu citizen card to the Chinese driver's license and finally permanent residency, Hester has successfully integrated with the local community. Today, he no longer feels like a stranger, but a true resident of Changshu.
Source: Changshu Converged Media Center