Business, Culture, People:
The identity of Asia House

WHO WE ARE
Asia House Denmark
Asia House building

Asia House actively promotes stronger ties between Denmark and Asia, providing a unique platform for businesses and professionals in Denmark seeking connections in Asia. We are well connected with a broad range of stakeholders, from major companies and high-level decision makers to SMEs, NGOs and universities. We maintain strong relationships with Asian ambassadors, the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, its embassies in Asia and other relevant Danish ministries. Asia House provides a neutral Danish/Asian meeting ground in a unique historical setting. 

As an independent, neutral, and non-profit organization, we focus on Asian countries and regional cooperation. We create and share relevant information on Asia, investigating business opportunities and publishing our findings. We host a wide range of seminars and events for partners, members and the public. On a general level, we create and translate academic knowledge into a commercial context, providing the basis for new business opportunities.

We provide a solid project model, initiating projects, co-funded by the EAC Foundation, that promote business opportunities in Asia. Benefitting from Asia House facilities, network and a professional understanding of both commercial interests and the Asian context, we carry out projects that combine the interests of many stakeholders. The EAC Foundation can provide funding for the initial feasibility studies, if the project is deemed relevant and scalable to our general vision.

Expand section
Mission & Vision
Asia House Mission & Vision

Our Mission

At Asia House, our mission is to provide direct access to Asia for Danish business and professionals. We are a neutral and financially independent non-governmental organisation with strong historic ties to Asia. We host events, share information, and connect stakeholders across organisational divides, whether it be private companies, public institutions, business organisations, academia, or individuals. We operate on the philosophy that opportunities arise from synergies.

Our Vision

Our vision is stronger ties between Denmark and Asia, for the mutual benefit of all parties involved. We welcome all initiatives and project ideas that contribute to our vision of stronger ties between Denmark and Asia.

OUR History
History of Asia House
Background

Asia House is the last bastion of the East Asiatic Company, which for more than 100 years was one of the most successful and influential international enterprises in Denmark’s history and which paved the way for cooperation, trade and partnerships between Denmark and the Asia Pacific region.

Located at India Quay in Copenhagen, Asia House was built as the first headquarters of the East Asiatic Company (EAC), founded in 1897 by captain H. N. Andersen. At its inception, the EAC’s organisation consisted of offices in Copenhagen, focused on shipping and shipbuilding, and in the Far East, where the main business was teak forest concessions and timber exports – as well as the import and export of various Asian and European commodities.

Asia House served as the EAC’s headquarters until 1907. In the years that followed, the building was used as a hiring office for sailors, a ticket office for passenger ships, a laboratory and administration complex for a pharmaceutical group, an international wool trading centre, a customs office, an exhibition centre and more.

Asia House Today

Asia House is owned by the EAC Foundation which was established in 1988, and which today serves as a focal point for its work to preserve knowledge of the EAC’s history and importance and provide a meeting place for all those who have an interest in Asia.

From the outside, Asia House looks much the same today as it did when it was erected in 1898: the rustic red brick on its strong foundation is well-preserved, in keeping with the style of the then newly constructed harbour of India Quay in Copenhagen at the Southern Freeport. Most of the original interior has been impeccably preserved, in part innovatively renovated to respect the building’s origins. Some of the rooms contain historic pieces from the EAC’s rich history in Denmark and abroad, while others have been furnished with exquisite modern Danish design classics.

Expand section
THE FOUNDATION
The EAC Foundation
What is it?

Asia House is owned by the EAC Foundation, (the Benevolent Foundation of The East Asiatic Company Limited), established 9 June 1988. The EAC Foundation supports initiatives, activities and projects which contribute to maintain, strengthen, and develop commercial and cultural relations between Denmark and Asia, through direct financial support or activities organized by Asia House. 

Asia House was given to the EAC Foundation in 2006 as a gift from The East Asiatic Company. The Foundation is today domiciled in Asia House. Read more about the Foundation here. 

Expand section