Yerlan Meruyert from Kazakhstan is a driven entrepreneur and a seasoned professional graduated from UIBE. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Yerlan Meruyert, chairperson of the Beijing Dai Yi International Logistics Co Ltd and founder and CEO of companies such as Marshall Global Logistics, is a driven entrepreneur and a seasoned professional.
Captivated by Beijing's dynamics and vitality, she chose to study at the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) in the city.
Her diverse work experience spans roles at the Embassy of Kazakhstan in China, KPMG, and an internship at JGC in Japan. She has also significantly contributed to the export of Kazakhstani dairy products to China after transitioning to the agricultural sector.
Now, coming from Kazakhstan and residing in Shanghai with her family, Meruyert remains committed to expanding her business while embracing personal interests like fashion, design, and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).
The following is our interview with her.
Q: After studying abroad, did you choose to work or start your own business? How did you make this decision?
A: As the eldest child in the family, I have always tried to be an example and meet my parents' expectations. My dad is a businessman and my mentor; he taught me a lot, and I have always been involved in his career. During my studies, I had the opportunity to work at the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the People's Republic of China (Consular Department), at the KPMG Huazhen audit company in Beijing, as well as to do an internship in Japan at the JGC Holdings Corporation. After that, I worked in the dairy industry of the agricultural sector, where I contributed to the export growth of Kazakhstani products to China. I started my own business in 2019.
Q: How did you choose your industry?
A: The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) lays an important foundation for creating a modern transport infrastructure in Eurasia to optimize transport between Asia and Europe, while the geographical location of Kazakhstan predetermines its importance in the initiative. Logistics connects the BRI partner countries, which is why I chose this industry.
Q: How do you handle challenges in your career?
A: I like to learn from people, regardless of their position, culture and knowledge. There is always an opportunity to extract something useful from the country, situation and culture. Studying at UIBE left a big mark on my development. Thanks to my teachers and mentors, I have an excellent foundation of knowledge, which I can apply to my career. We were taught many business skills, financial instruments, understanding consumer behavior, and the culture of negotiation. When creating our company with my spouse, we used all the knowledge and experience gained earlier, both in companies and at the university. I have always worked in entrepreneurship, and he in logistics, which built an excellent collaboration and strong team. My husband also graduated with a Master's Degree from UIBE.
Q: Why did you choose to study in China?
A: I originally came to Beijing on a short trip with my family. Once I arrived in Beijing, I could feel the energy in the air and I wanted to explore the idea of studying and living here. I visited a couple of universities and UIBE was the one that I liked the most, so I applied.
Q: How did your overseas study experience influence your life and career path?
A: I think studying abroad has had immense impact on my life and my personal development. There are a multitude of transferable soft skills that I believe can be gained by living and studying abroad. Examples include adaptability, flexibility, cross-cultural intelligence, stronger sense of independence and self-reliance, maturity, and language skills.
Q: How did you deal with cultural differences when studying and working in China?
A: By always keeping an open mind, and most importantly by listening first. I feel that we often listen only with the intent of preparing ourselves for replying. We listen to reply, not to understand.
Q: What are your future plans?
A: I always strive for a better life, and I have plans for the near future to strengthen my position and expand my business. Now I live in the beautiful city of Shanghai, I have two wonderful children. I am fond of fashion, design and TCM, and I plan to learn to play golf. I thank my Dad for once deciding to send me to China. China has become my second home.
Q: What suggestions do you have for those who plan to study abroad?
A: My advice is, if you can afford it, do it and don't look back. By this I mean that if you are interested in studying abroad, that’s great, but first do very thorough research of what to expect in your host country and try to have a desired path for what you'd like to do after graduation.
