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Nasser Sulaiman Al Haider, Chairman of Al Sulaiman Holdings, Qatar, recently visited Kathmandu for the Annual Board Meeting of Zerone Technologies Pvt Ltd. The group holds diverse business interests across various geographies, including Jordan, India, Malaysia, UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Singapore, and the USA. They have investments spanning a spectrum of sectors, such as Technology, Healthcare, Retail, and Services.

Zerone Technologies serves as a subsidiary of Al Sulaiman Holdings and spearheads the Group’s business endeavors in the SAARC countries, notably Nepal. Below are excerpts from the interview with Al Haider:

What IT and technology services does Zerone offer?

Zerone provides a comprehensive range of customized low-voltage solutions and services, offering an end-to-end suite tailored to individual requirements. Their offerings encompass various domains, including Fire Alarm and Public Announcement Systems, Security systems such as CCTV, Access Control, Gate Automation, and Perimeter Security. Additionally, they specialize in IT Networking solutions, covering IT cabling, Network switches, Wi-Fi, Routers, and Firewall Security. Zerone also addresses Data security needs, offering solutions for Data Centers, server rooms, and Audio Visual Systems like Video Conferencing, Video Walls, Video switching, Boardroom, and Meeting-room setups. Their expertise extends to Smart Automation solutions, IP Telephony communication solutions, Building Management System, Lighting automation systems, and Guest Room Management Solutions. Furthermore, Zerone caters to ICT Hardware requirements, providing Servers, Workstations, Desktops, Laptops, Printers, and other peripherals. This comprehensive suite of services accommodates a diverse spectrum of technological and infrastructure necessities.

In this era of rapid technological advancements, how challenging is it to provide services amid constant changes?

Staying abreast of the ever-evolving technology landscape is crucial, and we are committed to crafting and implementing forward-thinking platforms for our customers. We consistently invest in updating and training our engineers and designers in emerging technologies within our sector. This proactive approach safeguards our customers’ investments against obsolescence, ensuring their continued relevance and efficiency.

What services have you offered in collaboration with companies in Nepal?

As I mentioned earlier, we are offering the full suite of all the low-voltage products and services to our clients in Nepal. 

Name some of your completed and on-going projects in Nepal?

We have successfully concluded projects for renowned establishments such as Marriott Hotel, Aloft Hotel, Hyatt Place, Dusit Princess, and Holiday Inn Express. Currently, we are actively engaged in implementing our solutions at Hilton, Sheraton, Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, Mercure, Holiday Inn Pokhara, and Hyatt Place Butwal.

Additionally, it’s worth noting our extensive involvement in over 30 completed or ongoing Marriott Hotels across the SAARC region. These projects span various esteemed brands including St Regis, Ritz Carlton, JW Marriott, Marriott, Westin, Le Meridien, Four Points, Courtyard, and Fairfield.

With many businesses facing closure due to global economic recession, how do you navigate and operate effectively in such challenging times?

Our company is propelled by a robust vision that emphasizes embracing adversity as a pathway to successful growth and extending our gaze beyond local opportunities to sustain expansion. We prioritize the development and investment in a highly skilled workforce as a foundational pillar for achieving success. Guided by this philosophy, both during and following the covid recession, we have emerged as a significantly stronger company.

Managing an international business network involves navigating diverse rules and laws in each country. What challenges arise from working on a global scale?

As the world converges into a more compact workspace, we depend on top-tier global consultants to provide us with advice on cross-border geographies when necessary. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that understanding each country’s business intricacies requires firsthand on-ground experience.

With collaborations with numerous companies and brands, how do you mobilize your team to meet varied needs and demands?

Within our organization, we’ve cultivated specialists dedicated to each product category constituting our low voltage solutions. Working collaboratively with onsite field engineers, these specialists ensure project delivery aligned with precise customer specifications. It’s crucial to highlight that our solution designs are exclusively tailored to each customer—there’s no possibility of replication due to the unique and specific needs we cater to. Considering this, one can envision the extensive backend design efforts invested in delivering each project.

It appears you’ve received awards for your services. Could you share insights into a particular working style or approach that sets you apart and could inspire others?

We have been humbly awarded by various agencies, Partner OEMs, and Clients solely because of our Customer Centric approach, that sets us apart from our competitors.

What business challenges have you encountered during your work?

Covid-19 was one of the biggest challenges that we have faced in our lifetime and has left its impression on each one of us in some form or the other. Covid-19 also brought with it a numerous disruption such as complete halt of all non-medical business activities; production, supply chains and cross-border movement. 

Today, new challenges have emerged in the form of conflicts in the parts of the world which have many repercussions in the global economies.

Hence, the reality is that we will have to innovate and adapt our businesses quicker to the global realities that confront us and cushion the impact of such events in the future as well constantly.

Lastly, how was your visit to Nepal and we would like you to share some of our experiences?

I’ve eagerly anticipated visiting Nepal for quite some time now, drawn by the promising business opportunities and the undeniable beauty of your country. Experiencing the rapid pace of development here has been truly heartening.

During my visit, I had the privilege of meeting industry veterans and gaining firsthand insights into the investment landscape of Nepal. It was a pleasure meeting the dynamic Gaurav Agarwal, who introduced Marriott Brands like Fairfield, Marriott, and the upcoming Moxy to Kathmandu. I’m especially grateful to him for choosing Zerone Technologies as the implementation partner for our inaugural project in Nepal, and for guiding Jaspal Sehdave, who leads Zerone’s business in India and the SAARC region.

I also had the pleasure of meeting Maheshwor Shrestha, the MD of Chhaya Devi Complex and The Aloft Hotel. I was delighted to learn about his team’s commendable work in expanding hydro generation capacity in the Energy sector. Furthermore, meeting Vikram Singh, the General Manager of Aloft Hotel, was delightful, especially with the delicious kebabs and delicacies he treated us to.

An equally enriching encounter was with Dorjee Lama, the visionary behind the picturesque Dusit Princess in Kathmandu and several upcoming branded projects across Nepal. Engaging with Desh Bandu Basnet provided valuable insights into similar geographies and growth patterns across developing economies. His passion and vision for business, evidenced by his ongoing hospitality projects including a Mercure Hotel in Kathmandu and a Ramada Hotel in Itahari, were truly inspiring.

I was honored to meet Abhishek Goyal, General Manager Projects at CG Hotels & Resorts, and to learn about the group’s diverse range of branded hospitality projects in Nepal, such as the Crowne Plaza in Lalitpur and the Lemon Tree Hotels in Chitwan and Nagarkot.

Moreover, our discussions on the government’s investment priorities and policies with Rajesh Kazi Shrestha, Chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce Nepal, alongside Durk Man Maharjan, MD, and Punya Bhattarai, CEO of Microtech, provided valuable insights. Their partnership and support have been instrumental to Zerone’s endeavors in Nepal.

Additionally, meeting Rakesh Kaul, CEO of SAN Engineers and Consultants, offered valuable perspectives on overcoming constraints for project deliveries.

Finally, interacting with Senthil Kumar, Sr Regional Director Architecture, Design and Construction at Hilton International, and Manoj Sharma, the Project Head of the upcoming Hilton Project in Kathmandu, was enlightening. Learning about the progress of this prestigious project, which Zerone is also involved in, was truly gratifying.

The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) is the highest academic institution for natural sciences in China. It is also a comprehensive research and development center for natural sciences and high technology. It aims to be a hub for innovative talent, a high-level national science and technology think tank, and an internationally renowned research institution.

Under CAS, there are different wings, including the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, and Xinjiang Tourism Research Academy. Recently, delegates from these different institutes visited Nepal for a two-week long trip.

Dr Zhaoping Yang led the team, who is a professor at the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research under CAS. She is also a Director of Xinjiang Tourism Research Academy and an expert of the World Heritage Expert Committee of National Forestry and Grassland Administration. Shristi Kafle sat with Dr Yang to talk about her tourism impressions. Excerpts:

We learned that this is the first visit of your team to Nepal, what is your impression of this country?

I have been to over 60 countries, but it took me a long time to visit neighboring Nepal. I had heard a lot about Nepal and the Himalayas, and it’s really very beautiful. I am deeply impressed by the heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley and the artistic detailing of the monuments and ancient structures. We visited the famous Durbar Squares and were amazed by the spectacular traditional architecture. The history, art and designs are quite unique. Each piece of art is exclusive, which cannot be found elsewhere. Besides Kathmandu, we visited Chitwan National Park, Pokhara and the Buddha’s birthplace Lumbini. All these places have their own beauty and charm. We loved the food and warm hospitality too.

What is the major purpose of this visit? What are the key findings?

Under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, we are here mainly to study natural and cultural heritage protection and management and tourism planning and development. We did a preliminary study on trans-boundary natural heritages and tourism and plan to submit a report to the concerned authorities. I realized that the natural heritages of Nepal are of international standard, and they have huge potential of attracting more tourists. The richness of dense forests and variety of wildlife make the natural heritages stunning. We are amazed by the splendor of the Chitwan National Park. Similarly, the cultural heritage sites have unique features, which we realized aren't promoted enough. Nepal usually brands itself as a destination for mountaineering and trekking, but we felt that Nepal is much more than that. It shouldn’t limit itself as a destination for only outdoor adventures, which is seasonal. But it should brand other tourism areas too. For example, there could be heritage focused activities like heritage walks or culture tours and so on. Nepal can promote itself as an all-weather destination, as there are endless possibilities and choices.

Did the Chinese Academy of Sciences explore any areas of cooperation with the Nepali agencies?

We held meetings with different institutions focused on tourism, education and natural heritages in Nepal. The meetings dwelt on possible areas of cooperation through research and exchanges. There are many things that both countries can learn from each other.

For example, the academy inked an agreement with Himalayan White House College in Kathmandu to boost education cooperation between the two countries. We discussed various possible measures to incorporate students of BHM and Biotech faculty in the Chinese universities. We also agreed on conducting student exchange programs in the future. Besides, we can jointly conduct research on various areas covering tourism, archaeology and the education sector.

We also interacted with the national park officials and local government representatives to discuss ways on how to promote tourism. This trip is just a beginning, we plan to explore the ways and measures to work further on this front.

Since your team was more focused on tourism, what major gaps do you think need to be bridged to boost Nepal’s tourism industry?

The most important thing to boost the tourism sector is good planning and adopting the right strategies. It should be planned for the long-term instead of short ones, considering all the components and economic impacts to locals. I was directly engaged in tourism planning for the Xinjiang region of China a long time ago, and today the place has emerged as a popular tourism destination for domestic tourists. Though it snows for months, we have developed winter focused outdoor activities, and that is loved by the travelers. Nepal can also consider promoting itself in a similar way.

Though the destinations here are unique, the infrastructures are not intact. We mostly traveled via road, and the road condition is not that good in many places. The properties are gigantic in the hospitality sector, so Nepal can also promote itself as a destination for high-end tourists. The hospitality is warm but there are language barriers, which can be bridged. Nepal can attract more Chinese tourists through communication and promotion in different platforms in Chinese language. There is a need for aggressive marketing activities to cater to all kinds of tourists.

Despite the richness of Kathmandu valley, we found that there are some issues related to urban planning. For example, the jumbled black wires on the poles in the streets have made the city look ugly. It is not a big issue to deal with as it can be resolved with underground wiring with proper planning. The city would look more beautiful. Next is the haphazard construction of buildings in the heritage sites. These messy buildings have blocked the views in many places. The tall buildings have also blocked the beautiful mountain view. I believe these are minor issues and have solutions with proper planning. Kathmandu can be developed as a heritage city.

For natural heritages, the government authorities should work together with the private sector. The public-private model can be adopted for the smooth management of the national parks. Similarly, there is a huge scope for promotion of Buddhism. The holy land can be promoted among the Buddhist followers of all over the world, including that of China.

What are your suggestions to attract more Chinese tourists in Nepal?

As mentioned above, the first thing is Nepal can be developed as an all-season destination. The Chinese travelers are fond of rich culture and diverse food; thus the priority should be given to promotion of cultural heritage sites. New cultural and heritage tours can be developed. Since there is a language barrier, the Nepali guides should have proficiency in Chinese language which would make the stay in Nepal easy and smoother. Next is improving connectivity. More flights can be added between the Nepali and Chinese cities, and at affordable rates. Internally, the roads should be in good and safer condition to encourage road travels. There should be standard hotels and resorts too. Many Chinese people love luxury travel so the infrastructure should be built in a standard manner. Nepal can explore to attract high-end Chinese tourists, who can spend more and help the local livelihood. Lastly, the most important thing is well tailored marketing strategies and digital promotion in Chinese platforms.

Surya Prasad Lamichhane, a resident of Begnas Lake area in Pokhara-31, has gained global recognition for his remarkable ability to cover his body with live bees for hours. He drew the attention of the Guinness Book of World Records in 2016 when news spread worldwide that he covered his body with 30,000 live bees continuously for two hours.

Surya’s care, nurture, and interest in bees have established him as a renowned beekeeper. He has trained beekeeping to some 15,000 youths and farmers over the past decade. “About 20 percent of those who learnt beekeeping from me are foreigners,” Surya shared with ApEx during the 20th anniversary celebration of his farm recently. During the ceremony, Surya distributed honey produced in his farm to all the participants and other stakeholders. In an interview with ApEx, Surya shared insights into his farm and beekeeping as a profession. Excerpts:

Please tell us about your farm.

I produce almost 1,500 kg of honey every year. I have set up 300 bee hives in fields that I have taken on lease from other farmers. You can see my hives in the mustard fields. Honey is not only beneficial for health but also has the potential to attract foreign investments. It serves as a medicine for numerous diseases as it has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and antibacterial agents. In cold weather, it is highly beneficial when consumed with hot water.

Why are you distributing your honey for free today?

I have observed a lesser interest in locals compared to people of other countries when it comes to consumption of honey. I want to increase the value of honey for locals and express gratitude to my neighbors, stakeholders, and acquaintances for their support extended to me. That is why I distributed honey free of cost to celebrate 20th anniversary of my farm

 You are known world over despite coming from a small village. What do you think are the reasons behind your success?

One needs to have a willpower to succeed. I did not conduct any feasibility study before starting my business. I dedicated myself fully to my farm, making decisions based on my own assessment of whether to continue the work. The area where I keep my hives is recognized for its wetland and abundant biodiversity with medicinal plants. Honey produced here is of high quality. My dedication led me to gain global recognition, and I did not give up despite facing challenges initially. I have provided training to youth volunteers from various countries, and the global demand for organic honey has increased. This has prompted people to learn the indigenous beekeeping techniques.

How do you see beekeeping contributing to national development?

Every sector can contribute to the national economy if managed well. Beekeeping can attract significant capital, but unfortunately, the government's response to this sector has been disappointing. No research has been undertaken to measure the potential of beekeeping among diverse natural plant species. Local farmers are not getting due recognition. People from different parts of the country have invited me to learn beekeeping. But not a single local unit is taking initiative to expand beekeeping. The government's indifference to this sector has led to a scarcity of technicians to guide and innovate in beekeeping.

Suryansh Vaidya is a business leader serving as the director at Vaidya’s Organization of Industries and Trading Houses (VOITH), the CEO at Vaidya Energy, and the founder of Pitstop Incorporated. A graduate of Bentley University, he holds a degree in Business Management with a concentration in entrepreneurship. Vaidya Energy is a sole distributor of Ather Energy, an electric scooter manufacturer. ApEx interviewed Vaidya regarding Ather, business and Nepali market.

How is the automobile market now in Nepal? Has it come to the point before covid?

The automotive market in Nepal has been in an exciting and unpredictable state from the time of covid. That is when I started working in the business and it has been a great learning experience, giving me an opportunity to build myself up stronger. 

The automotive market actually performed well immediately after the pandemic restrictions were lifted. The pent up demand actually boosted sales to pre-covid levels right within a matter of months. We look at the performance now, it’s a different game altogether, this is a market where survival has been a question and can be traced back to some questionable decisions our country made. 

The rapid adoption of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), constituting over 60 percent of new vehicle sales in the past two years, is a pivotal trend with profound implications. This surge necessitates a keen examination of its impact on the market, environment, societal dynamics, and individual behaviors.

This adoption rate signifies a transformative shift in the automotive industry, demanding a strategic response from stakeholders. Beyond market changes, the shift to BEVs aligns with global sustainability goals, emphasizing the urgent need for environmentally responsible transportation choices.

Examining mobility preparedness is crucial; it extends beyond charging infrastructure to include servicing, spare parts availability, and workforce readiness. Gaps in second and third channel service centers underscore the need for strategic training programs to ensure a seamless transition.

The significant workforce employed in the automotive sector, exceeding 100,000 people, underscores the imperative for their smooth transition. Adequate training and opportunities are crucial to adapt to the evolving landscape, ensuring business sustainability.

While acknowledging global investments in charging infrastructure during electric mobility transitions, our government faces fiscal challenges. The current deficit emphasizes the urgency of aggressive government investment, recognizing the private sector's limitations in meeting national needs alone.

In essence, this condensed evaluation underscores the paramount importance of addressing these facets for a sustainable and thriving future of mobility in Nepal.

How did the idea come to tie up with Ather?

Inherited from my grandfather and nurtured by my family, our legacy has granted me the opportunity to explore and expand upon my interests. I find myself incredibly fortunate to be drawn to the dynamic world of mobility, recognizing it as a catalyst for economic development and societal progress. My journey with Toyota, a renowned company, exposed the challenge of reaching a broader audience due to our country’s current policies.

Seeking ways to bridge this gap, Ather, a beacon in the mobility industry, emerged as a potential partner. The initiation was a cold email, a leap of faith that yielded a surprising response from the Ather team. Notably, they remarked on my unique approach—a solitary call in a cafe, contrasting with the typical boardroom settings. Responding to their inquiries, I grounded my answers in comprehensive research, firmly believing in its role as the cornerstone of effective decision-making.

Our exchanges led to an invitation to Bangalore, where I had the opportunity to tour the Ather office, absorb the essence of their company culture, and, to my elation, learn that they had chosen us. The moment was a whirlwind of excitement and ecstasy, tempered by the realization of the substantial challenges that lay ahead.

Every day as I step into the Ather experience center, the memories of that transformative journey resurface. It serves as a constant reminder of the evolution from a speculative cold email to a collaborative partnership with a pioneering mobility company, fueling my determination to navigate the peaks and valleys of this ambitious endeavor.

How is Ather doing in the Nepali market?

Ather has exceeded our expectations, and our dynamic team in Nepal, brimming with energy, persistence, and motivation, has propelled us to success in the two-wheeler segment despite lacking prior experience. Witnessing these vibrant individuals do justice to the brand is truly gratifying. Despite Ather being a young company with just five years of experience in selling scooters, it has evolved into a powerhouse in India. Our gratitude goes to the Indian team for their invaluable support, guidance, and mentorship, ensuring nothing but success for us. We also commend Ather for its adaptability, learning, and success in both our country and the export market—marking their first venture outside of India. With over 100 units sold and a surge in bookings, we are currently out of stock. Our plans include delivering 40+ units for the launch of our second experience center in Lalitpur in January.

We are looking to expand our reach over the country and have been looking for dealers throughout the country. We are planning to expand to Pokhara, Chitwan, Butwal and the East within the next four months and six more markets around the nation by Nov 2024.

We are dedicated to fostering trust within our customer community through our relentless efforts. Expanding our service network is a top priority, aiming to establish numerous touch points for enhanced accessibility. Our focus is on creating a comprehensive charging infrastructure across the country, with a particular emphasis on urban areas while not overlooking highway routes. By the end of March we should have a total 18 chargers across the country with 10 being installed inside the valley by the end of February. Ather has recently achieved approval as the Indian standard, ensuring that all future two-wheeler EVs will feature Ather's plug point. This positions us to effectively serve the growing community of electric vehicle enthusiasts across the nation.

As the director of VOITH, what are the key areas you look into the company?

As a director, I perceive the role merely as a position, drawing from my early involvement in a business-centric family. Embarking on my official career in Toyota’s marketing department, I spearheaded an in-house team that clinched a prestigious marketing award across the entire subcontinent of South West Asia. This success fueled our expansion efforts, leading to the creation of Pitstop—a boutique workshop aimed at providing a personalized mobility experience for the people of Nepal, in collaboration with the skilled team at United Traders Syndicate.

Our journey extended with the establishment of Vaidya Energy, stemming from our association with Ather. Beyond business endeavors, our commitment lies in improving the lives of the people of Nepal by addressing critical needs. This includes delving into renewable energy projects, cultivating corporate agriculture to mitigate food imports and enhance food security, and contributing to education to unlock the full potential of our population. It’s a holistic approach aimed at fostering sustainable development and progress for the nation. Our projects span across developing and researching wind energy projects across Nepal to reduce our reliance on only one source that we have in Nepal. Initiating a citrus farm that would potentially offset imports from India, and establishing high level educational institutions that offer programs to place students in the best tech businesses on the planet. 

What are your suggestions for aspiring young entrepreneurs?

Given my youth, I may not possess the qualifications to dispense advice, but I can certainly share my perspectives and experiences with those who will shape our nation in the coming decades. The current scenario appears disheartening as evidenced by the increasing number of Nepali citizens leaving the country on a daily basis. I hold profound respect for these individuals, recognizing their crucial role in sustaining our economy. My personal journey differs from that of many fellow citizens, and I am acutely aware of the privilege that comes with my circumstances. Grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given, I am committed to utilizing my resources to contribute meaningfully to the betterment of our nation. 

I encourage the youth to look beyond the current state of our nation, maintaining a steadfast hope for our collective future. As the youth, we hold the power to effect positive change and make a lasting impact.

While some may perceive our country as lacking hope and opportunities, I choose to view it as a blank canvas where we can create a meaningful imprint. Opting to work in a developed foreign land might position us as mere components in a larger system, but here, we have the chance to conceptualize and construct that system according to our vision. Recognizing the exceptional potential within our people is inspiring. Traveling globally and hearing outsiders praise Nepali migrants for their unparalleled work ethic, discipline, and creativity brings me joy. We are acknowledged as some of the hardest working, most disciplined, and creative individuals on the planet.