Such is the esteem that Claus Sudhoff elicits from many Filipino leaders and industrialists, that his recent birthday drew the country’s leaders, led by former President Fidel V. Ramos, Cesar Virata, Lilia Bautista, members of the diplomatic corps and many expatriates. Held at the Metropolitan Museum, Claus’ celebration was marked by relaxed, quite animated exchanges that reflected the man’s affable personality.
Talking to Claus is a delightful experience in mining his folk sensibilities; the ones that helped propel men like him to the top. His drive uplifting, his belief in the Filipinos, inspiring.
"This is as much my country, as it is anyone’s, because by heart, I am a Filipino inside," he adds. "I came to the Philippines and have since loved it here because I firmly stand by the capability and talents of the people."
He shares his optimism by adding, "I like to think, we can always overcome overwhelming odds by dusting ourselves and getting down to work, instead of whining. Little by little, we can finally get over these temporary setbacks."
Dressed in a sharp suit and tasteful tie, the pleasant-mannered Claus was toasted to for his role in validating the skills of the Filipinos according to the strict international standards that his firm adheres to. This exceptional training program follows the German GTZ and our very own TESDA, putting the CS workforce at par with the more competitive Asian markets.
He has tracked an exceptional career, rising from being an innovative-thinking employee and emerging a successful entrepreneur. He is president of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP); vice president of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP); and president emeritus of the Cavite Economic Zone Investors Association (CEZIA).
His presence and faith in the industry continues to be proof of the viability of the Philippines’ capacity to compete, despite global setbacks. For his many admirable qualities, Claus’ recent birthday is a well-deserved fete for an exceptional believer in the Filipinos.