From the Himalayas to the Nordics – Himal learns from Holtab
Himal Sapkota dreams of developing tourism and entrepreneurship in his home country Nepal. As part of Holtab’s commitment to community engagement, he has been given the opportunity to spend eight weeks in the Nordics.
“What strikes me the most is how structured and efficient the way of working is here,” he says.
For us at Holtab, Himal’s visit is part of our global community engagement. For many years, Holtab has supported projects in Nepal – often in collaboration with Himal’s father Ram, founder of the social organization Tuki Nepal, and Himal’s mother Nirmala, who both come from the village of Jyamrung where Holtab’s initiatives once began.
“The village where my family comes from was very poor, but thanks to Holtab’s efforts things have improved a lot. I’m happy about the cooperation, and now it has also helped me to come here, to visit Holtab in Sweden and Denmark,” he explains.
Nordic business culture
20-year-old Himal studies at university in Nepal’s capital Kathmandu. By learning business administration and international business, he wants to strengthen his skills as an entrepreneur. He is already involved in two of his family’s companies: Mountain Delights Treks and Expedition, and Women Adventures, both active in adventure tourism.
When Holtab last visited Nepal, Himal assisted as an interpreter in the villages. Now in the Nordics, he is living with a Holtab employee in Växjö. He is spending his days in Holtab’s main office in Tingsryd learning about the company – from how a secondary substation is built to the functions in the logistics department and how we use our ERP-system as well as how we work with marketing.
“At the factory in Tingsryd I get a real insight into Nordic business culture. For me it’s especially interesting to understand how management thinks, what makes employees work towards the same goals and how responsibility is shared,” he says.
Tasting Djungelvrål
Sweden has made a strong impression. He describes the country as clean, well-organised and efficient. He has also tried some Nordic classics – such as fika and liquorice.
“I’ve tried both sweet and salty liquorice – I like it,” he laughs. “Though perhaps Djungelvrål is a bit too salty.”
Having already visited Denmark, where Holtab is building new substations, Himal is now eager to see more of Sweden, including Gothenburg and Stockholm. The goal is clear: to return to Nepal with new knowledge and experiences.
“I’m looking forward to helping our companies back home to grow, and to contribute both to tourism and to social work. My time in the Nordics has given me a lot of inspiration,” he concludes.
Learn more about Holtab's engagement in Nepal
