Swedish Values Shine in Hong Kong: Guru Bala’s Journey at SwedCham

In the heart of Hong Kong’s bustling business community, Guru Bala stands out not just for his role as Country President at Securitas, but for the energy and vision he brings to connecting Swedish values with local operations. As a Sri Lankan-born Dutch national who has made Hong Kong home for over a decade, Guru has become a key figure in fostering innovative and open professional exchanges as board member of SwedCham and chair of CIMA Hong Kong.

Securitas Hong Kong, under Guru’s leadership, draws from the Swedish principles of openness, honesty, and innovation—standards he credits for reinforcing the company’s culture and competitiveness. He has made it his mission to ensure that these ideals aren’t just symbolic, but truly woven into daily business practices. Guru says;

“We joined the chambers here to make sure my company in Hong Kong keeps in touch with Swedish values and ensures the openness, honest and innovative culture Sweden is known for.” 

Guru finds great value in the collaborative spirit among SwedCham’s members, noting the hardworking and smart approach of both the chamber team and Swedish professionals operating in Hong Kong. These connections, he explains, have led to honest conversations about the challenges and opportunities unique to the region, and also inspired more avenues for mutual growth.

Beyond boardrooms and committee meetings, Guru embodies the balance between professional achievement and personal fulfillment—spending mornings at the beaches with his family, enjoying the city’s easy access to nature, and making the most of Hong Kong’s outdoors especially during the pleasant Mid-Autumn season. 

He believes that maintaining strong connections within the Swedish professional network in Hong Kong is vital to success, not only for his company but also for the greater business community. In his own words, Guru’s approach is about helping “each other grow and be successful in our respective fields,” a sentiment that resonates across the chamber and beyond. 

By blending Swedish values with local expertise and a global perspective, Guru Bala continues to contribute significantly to SwedCham’s mission—ensuring that openness, honesty, and innovation remain at the forefront of business in Hong Kong.