Alumni Feature Ⅲ-Dr. Ai Zhouping, President of Heraeus Greater China: Gratitude to TU Clausthal for Laying the Foundation of My Career

Studying in Germany: A Turning Point in Life

In 1990, in Xi’an, China, Ai Zhouping had been teaching at Northwestern Polytechnical University for years, having completed his undergraduate and master’s degrees there. If he had followed a conventional path, he might have become a university professor today, focusing on academic research and teaching. However, a turning point came that year when he was selected by the Ministry of Education as a candidate for a government-sponsored doctoral program abroad. After studying German, Ai Zhouping boarded a flight to Frankfurt, Germany, in 1991, embarking on his journey of studying overseas.

At the Goethe Institute in Bremen, Ai Zhouping completed intensive German language training, preparing himself for the academic journey ahead. With the support of a scholarship from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), he enrolled at TU Clausthal in Germany to pursue his doctoral degree. Founded in 1775, the university is one of Germany’s oldest technical universities, renowned for its profound academic atmosphere and rigorous scholarly spirit. “The university boasts a group of distinguished scholars and professors and enjoys a good reputation in the industrial sector,” Dr. Ai noted.

Under the guidance of electrochemistry expert Professor Heusler, Ai Zhouping focused on materials science research. After years of dedication, he earned his doctoral degree in 1996, henceforth known as “Dr. Ai.” This experience not only broadened his knowledge but also laid a solid foundation for his future career. Through intercultural exchanges at the university, he forged deep friendships with other Chinese students, served as the president of the student council, organized academic events, and gained profound insights into German society and culture.

On a personal note, he and his wife welcomed the birth of their two children during this time—a daughter and a son—forming the Chinese character “好” (meaning “good”), which brought immense joy to their family.

As Dr. Ai recalls, “This was an unforgettable and wonderful experience that not only broadened my horizons but also laid a strong foundation for my future career.” 

Career Development: Growth at Renowned German Companies

After graduation, Dr. Ai faced multiple career options and ultimately chose to enter the industrial sector. He said, “Germany is globally recognized as an industrial powerhouse. Its mature manufacturing system and rigorous industrial philosophy have always fascinated me. I looked forward to working in a company to apply my knowledge in practice while exploring the valuable experience behind Germany’s enduring industrial success.”

In 1997, Dr. Ai joined the automotive division of the German company Krupp, where he was responsible for supporting projects in China and absorbed the essence of German manufacturing and management philosophies. In 1998, he joined Heraeus, a German family-owned technology group with over 300 years of history, focusing on areas of metals & recycling, healthcare, semiconductor & electronics, and industrials. Later, he got the opportunity to return to China for work.

Unlike many “overseas returnees” who opted for first-tier cities, Dr. Ai moved with his family to Zhaoyuan, a small coastal city on the Shandong Peninsula known as the “Gold Capital,” where he lived for over six years. At Heraeus (Zhaoyuan) Precious Metal Materials Co., Ltd., Dr. Ai served as the German representative and Deputy General Manager, overseeing production, technology, quality, and sales. He drove rapid business growth, positioning the company as a market leader in China’s semiconductor bonding wire sector.

In 2005, Dr. Ai was promoted to General Manager of Heraeus Industrial Materials (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. This company, established in 1994, was Heraeus’ first entity in mainland China and a flagship operation integrating several key businesses. Over the following years, he optimized production processes, raised technical standards, introduced innovative products, and significantly enhanced the company’s efficiency and market competitiveness, achieving outstanding results.。

In 2016, Dr. Ai was promoted to President of Heraeus Greater China, and in 2022, he also took on the role of Co-General Manager of Heraeus Electronics China. Under his leadership, Heraeus established six innovation centers in China to drive technological breakthroughs, particularly in semiconductors and precious metal materials. The company actively embraced opportunities in artificial intelligence, new materials, and hydrogen energy, achieving greater growth momentum. He also championed internal digital transformation, introducing advanced automation technologies to improve product quality and production efficiency. Additionally, he initiated localized employee training programs to develop outstanding managers and technical experts, strengthening technical capabilities and innovation. In summary, he emphasized a deep understanding of and rapid response to the local market to ensure Heraeus’ products and services maintained a leading edge.

After fifty years of cultivation in the Chinese market, Heraeus now operates in 12 cities across China, with 20 companies and 2,800 employees. Heraeus’ success stems from its “In China, For China” strategy—not only producing locally but also driving industrial upgrades through local innovation and value chain collaboration. Dr. Ai summarized, “The Chinese market is like a ‘gym’ where foreign companies, including Heraeus, must continuously train and strengthen themselves to grow alongside the market and remain sustainable.”

Giving Back to Society: Promoting Sino-German Friendship and Community Harmony

As a talent cultivated through Sino-German collaboration, Dr. Ai Zhouping places great importance on fostering economic cooperation between China and Germany, striving to build mutual trust and cultural exchange between the two nations. Thanks to the outstanding performance in the Chinese market and Dr. Ai’s active communication, Heraeus headquarters has consistently regarded China as one of the group’s most important markets, continuously investing and accelerating development. In recent years, new production bases and R&D centers have been established in Shenyang, Tangshan, Nanjing, Changshu, Shanghai, and other locations. Since 2018, the company has participated in the China International Import Expo for eight consecutive years, demonstrating its firm commitment to the Chinese market.

Over the years, as an Economic Advisor to the Shandong Provincial Government and International Senior Economic Advisor to the Shaanxi Provincial Government, Dr. Ai has actively provided insights and recommendations, leveraging his international experience to support local economic development and promote Sino-German exchanges and cooperation.

In 2023, Dr. Ai initiated and established the Minhang District Foreign Investment Association in Shanghai, serving as its founding chairman. Leading over 100 member companies, he aims to build the association into an open and equal platform for exchange, providing more opportunities and resources for foreign-invested enterprises. In the same year, Dr. Ai was elected President of the Alumni Association of the German Academic Exchange Center under the Western Returned Scholars Association’s German-Speaking Countries Branch, further acting as a bridge for Sino-German cultural and academic exchanges. He also actively participates in alumni activities at TU Clausthal, contributing to the development of his alma mater.

In terms of corporate responsibility, Dr. Ai advocates for corporate-community collaboration to give back to society. Colleagues frequently visit welfare homes to care for the elderly and sick children, offering warmth and support. Employees across various locations actively participate in beautification and cleanup efforts in surrounding communities, improving the environment and quality of life for residents. The company has also hosted middle school students from impoverished areas in western China, helping them broaden their horizons and learn about technology and industrial development. Dr. Ai and the company provide charitable assistance to support underprivileged students in their future studies.

At Zhaoyuan No. 1 Middle School in Shandong, the joint venture established the “Dr. Heraeus Scholarship” to encourage and support the cultivation of outstanding talents. These initiatives not only foster positive relationships between the company and the community but also enhance employees’ sense of social responsibility and team spirit.

Additionally, Dr. Ai emphasizes the integration of industry, academia, and research, actively promoting collaboration between Heraeus and renowned universities such as Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, East China University of Science and Technology, and Nanjing Tech University. These efforts aim to combine academic research with industrial applications, facilitate the transformation of innovative technologies, provide internship opportunities, and help university students grow and plan their careers.

Conclusion

Over the past three decades, Dr. Ai Zhouping’s career journey and social contributions fully embody the pragmatic and socially dedicated spirit advocated by  TU Clausthal . His outstanding performance in driving corporate development and promoting Sino-German friendship is a source of immense pride for the university’s faculty, students, and alumni. Looking ahead, Dr. Ai will continue to support the activities of TU Clausthal, helping to expand its influence, and to lead the Heraeus team to expand its presence in the Chinese market, contributing more to social progress and sustainable development.

About Heraeus

Heraeus is a globally active, family-owned technology group. Based in Hanau, Germany, the company comprises 15 operating companies whose products and services span the Business Areas of Metals & Recycling, Healthcare, Semiconductor & Electronics, and Industrials. In fiscal year 2024, Heraeus generated revenues of €29.4 billion and employed roughly 15,200 people across 40 countries. This makes Heraeus one of the top ten largest family-owned enterprises in Germany. The group’s roots trace back to a pharmacy founded in 1660 in Hanau. It has built a strong connection with universities including TU Clausthal.

China is one of the most important markets for the Heraeus Group. In 1974, Heraeus established its first company in Hong Kong, and since then, it has continued to invest and expand. To date, Heraeus operates 20 companies in China with approximately 2,800 employees, serving a range of international and local industry leaders.