On Thursday 2 October 2025, we celebrated our 150th anniversary in style with a festive knowledge event. Together with some 300 clients, contacts and colleagues, we reflected on our rich history. More than anything, however, the occasion was an invitation to look ahead together to the challenges of the future and to discuss them in various knowledge sessions.
Integral solutions of tomorrow
During the event, we turned our gaze to what lies ahead, because a 150th anniversary isn’t just a matter of looking back, it’s actually a milestone that prompts us to look ahead and think about the role we can play today in dealing with tomorrow’s challenges.
Since 1875, Nysingh has evolved into a firm that tackles complex issues. The world is changing fast: geopolitical and macroeconomic developments, technological innovations, the energy transition and social issues require both immediate action and a properly considered long-term vision.
Our theme, ‘Shaping the future’, reflects this ambition. We believe that societal challenges cannot be solved separately, but rather require integrated solutions. That is why we bring together our knowledge and expertise across various sectors, from government to business and industry as well as healthcare organisations.
Our strength lies in connecting this knowledge, experience and cooperation. Only by partnering and taking an integrated approach to solutions can we create results that are broad-based, sustainable and future-proof. What distinguishes Nysingh is that we not only advise, but we also build valuable solutions together with our clients for now and for generations to come.
Shared ground for a better future
The keynote speaker at the event was Chief Government Architect Francesco Veenstra, who discussed the major societal challenges facing the Netherlands. He highlighted how as a society we can take a different approach to scarcity and abundance in the areas of housing, energy, water and spatial planning.
He called for a broader view: making smarter use of what is already there, re-evaluating what we have and daring to let go of what we no longer need. Qualities such as resilience and reciprocity are central to these tasks.
Citing examples in housing, energy, nature and infrastructure, he explained how we can strengthen our living environment through cooperation and by pursuing a long-term vision. His message dovetailed perfectly with the central theme of the day, i.e. shaping the future together.
Knowledge sessions: topical themes and new insights
The knowledge event was an opportunity for attendees to delve into four major social issues: healthcare innovation, housing, AI and technology, and the labour market. The diversity of perspectives provided a rich mix of knowledge and discussion.
Eveline Wouters (lecturer at Fontys University of Applied Sciences and emeritus professor at Tilburg University) and Sebastiaan ten Hove (strategic innovation advisor at ASVZ, an organisation that provides help to people with intellectual disabilities) outlined how technological applications in healthcare, such as e-health apps, AI diagnostics and surgical robots, are only effective if they are compatible with the social and organisational context in which they are used. The housing challenge was discussed from a different perspective. Attendees looked at how municipalities can use the right legal instruments to maintain control and thus have real influence in the construction of suitable housing. In another session, Allard Bekius and Elvira Besselink (Sr. Director Legal Human Resources at dsm-firmenich) had a lively conversation about the labour market. They discussed the changes facing employers over the next three to five years and how companies and organisations can anticipate them.
One spirited speaker was Ben van der Burg, a tech expert who brings together technology, innovation and ethics in an inspiring way. During the event, he guided attendees through the world of AI. He not only interactively explored the opportunities that AI presents to businesses and organisations, but also highlighted the responsibilities and ethical dilemmas that come with it. By providing intriguing examples and asking stimulating questions, he challenged participants to think critically about the application of AI in their own areas of activity. His session stimulated reflection, discussion and new insights on the role of technology in today’s society.
Moving forward together
The anniversary event was the occasion of not only four substantive knowledge sessions on current social issues, but above all it was an excellent opportunity to meet, share experiences and make new connections. The conversations and encounters between attendees were at least as valuable as the actual content of the sessions.
We look back on a worthwhile day and thank all speakers, partners and attendees for their contributions. We look forward to the coming years with pride and confidence and a continued commitment to sustainable partnerships.
