Chairperson Scholarship Fund

In June 2026, Gérald Gassert succeeded Jacqueline Tschumi as Chairman of the Scholarship Fund, following his appointment by the Board of the Swiss Japanese Chamber of Commerce (SJCC). 

Gérald worked in Tokyo as an accountant and advisor at EY (Shinnihon) from 2013 to 2017, supporting two Japan-based companies in their US stock exchange listings. During his studies at the University of St. Gallen, he participated in an exchange project with Hitotsubashi University, building connections with students and young professionals and deepening his interest in Japan. 

A Chartered Certified Accountant, Gérald has also worked as an auditor at PwC in Zurich, Controller at Glencore in Zug and Group Treasurer at ABB E-mobility in Delft, the Netherlands. In 2026, he joined a Swiss software company as CFO and Board member. 

From 2018 to 2022, Gérald served as Vice President of the Swiss Japanese Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals.

Former Chairpersons of the SJCC Scholarship Fund

Jacqueline Tschumi
Chairman 2023 – 2026

In May 2023, Jacqueline Tschumi succeeded Philipp Saurer as Chairperson of the SJCC Scholarship Fund and joined the Board of the Swiss Japanese Chamber of Commerce.

She studied Japanese and Chinese Studies at the University of Zurich, including an exchange year in Tokyo. An SJCC scholarship recipient, she completed internships at the Swiss Embassy and Swiss Business Hub Japan.

Her career spans the Swiss Business Hub Japan, Nespresso Japan and Switzerland Global Enterprise, where she oversaw the APAC offices. In 2026, she returned to Japan as Head of Swiss Business Hub Japan.

From 2018 to 2022, Mrs. Tschumi served as President of the SJCC Young Professionals and as a member of the SJCC Board and Executive Committee.

Philipp Saurer
Chairman 2019 – 2023

In May 2019, Philipp Saurer succeeded Martin Stricker as the Chairman of the Scholarship Fund, having been a member of the board of the SJCC since November 2018.

After living and working in Japan for 12 years, Mr. Saurer is now heading the Group Digitalization & Group Marcom at LNS Group.

During his time in Japan, Philipp Saurer served as an advisor to the board of the SCCIJ in Tokyo.

Martin Stricker
Chairman 2016 – 2019

In January 2016, Martin Stricker succeeded Paul Dudler as the Chairman of the Scholarship fund after having been a member of the board of the Swiss Japanese Chamber of Commerce (SJCC) since June 2014.

On an honorary basis Martin Stricker served as the President of the Swiss  Chamber of Commerce & Industry in Japan (SCCIJ) from February 2010 to February 2013.

In 2004, he established Gaipro, Inc., a company dedicated to Executive Search and Management Consulting in Tokyo. In 2014, when G&S Japan acquired Gaipro, he became a Board Member and shareholder of G&S Japan.
He now lives in Basel, Switzerland with his family and works for the cantonal government of Basel-Stadt in the Economic Development Unit.

Martin Stricker is a Swiss born entrepreneur, who has spent over 20 years in Japan. After graduating with an MBA from the University of St. Gallen (HSG), Switzerland, he attended Sophia University in Tokyo.

Paul Dudler
Chairman 2001 – 2015

On the occasion of the SJCC Bonenkai on 7 December 2015, Mr. Paul Dudler gave his Farewell Speech looking back at 15 years as Chairman of the SJCC Scholarship Fund from 2001 – 2015. After his speech, Paul Dudler was awarded an honorary membership in the SJCC Alumni Organisation by Dominique Ursprung, president of the SJCC Alumni Organisation.

Paul Dudler has passed away on 7 February 2021.