Preetham Venkky’s Post

🔥China is living in the future!    And why we can't have NICE things in the UK...👇    When I first came to the UK in the 90s, China was so behind - the UK felt like the future to me!    💡Today, it’s the complete opposite:    A hotel I stayed at in China even had these little robot waiters, that called my room in advance so I could open the door.      The tech at this place: 10/10.      BUT - what truly stands out to me is not that this tech is available.      Rather - the trust & collective spirit that allows for this technology to THRIVE in China.      🧐 Even if this was deployed in the UK, chances are these little guys wouldn’t make it!     --> get kicked around, vandalised, stolen – generally abused.        So why is China able to “live in the future” but the UK not?    【🇬🇧 UK: Individualist Culture】  This certainly has its pros & cons – but in this case, it’s a CON.    The same mentality that allows people to be incredibly independent, free-thinking artists, entrepreneurs & explorers...    🚨Has a dangerous flip side:    Lack of a pride for societal disposition from an outside perspective.    I remember my mum’s story from when she first arrived in the UK – seeing kids here vandalising their *own* brand-new playground! She was so confused... (It still hits me today).    We’ve also seen this play out with:    a) Mobike – destroyed to the extent they had to pull out of Manchester,  b) Covid – how long it took for people to agree to wear a mask.    【🇨🇳 China: Collectivist Culture】    In China, when you’re in public, you *represent* yourself, your family, and even your country.      As this type of “delegate”, acting appropriately to “save face” (maintain dignity) is a MUST.     Hence why this type of behaviour is much less likely.     Blame Communism / Collectivism / Confucianism – either way, valuing shared resources and the group is essential 🙏    The reason China is “living in the future” is NOT because it has all the tech.      It’s the disposition, culture, mentality and people that enable China to do that!     That’s something we don’t really talk about!      Do you feel the same way? Arnold Ma #China #technology #culture

We humans see what we want to see and hear what we want to hear! The same applies for global leaders to visit and study the utopian, meritocratic and pragmatic developmental model of Singapore. "The tiny nation’s undoubted success is analysed endlessly. But the lessons drawn from it tend to reveal more about the viewer than they do about the city-state." Everyone wants to dissect and take a lesson or two that best suits their nation's socio-economic or geo-political narrative. "Like a business-school case study, foreigners get the impression that they can take a pick-and-mix approach to Singapore’s practices and innovations, a view they would not extend to nations with older histories and institutions. Yet the individual preoccupations of the country’s international fans clash with Singapore’s more complex realities." The miraculous nation-state has always managed to straddle the continuum of a market-driven, capitalist democracy and yet has inclusive, socialist policies woven in for the welfare of its people. As Singapore celebrates it's 59th National Day in a couple of weeks, hope it continues to reinvent itself, stay relevant and give world leaders inspiring, nation building ideas to reflect upon and take back home! https://lnkd.in/gY_GhJNJ

In the last decade I have spent at least 5 years in China. Here are 5 things I have learnt about the country. 1. Hard work- Chinese people are some of the most hardworking people on earth. Even in their old age, they still contribute to their GDP. It’s now normal when I see people my grandparents’ age doing small jobs. I, however, think this is strongly emphasised in their cultural values which they strongly embrace. 2. ⁠Technology- China’s problem solving technique is mostly driven by technology. They always attempt to effect efficiency by creating tools that drive productivity in the shortest time period. (Economies of scale) 3. Infrastructure: In the words of a man I met last year in Hangzhou at the airport , “ Hangzhou is far more developed than London”. While comparison is the thief of joy, it actually allows us to appreciate reality. Even Elon Musk is on record testifying how far ahead Chinese infrastructure is compared to the USA. Chinese infrastructure is the epitome of what happens when tax payers’ money, vision and innovation have an encounter. I first came to China in 2015, but there is always something new to amaze me. From high speed railways 🚆 and metros 🚈,connecting even the smallest cities, to communication, housing, and e-commerce, the convenience of living here is evident. 4. ⁠Education: China has invested substantially in education. If you visited Xiasha, Hangzhou, you would be shocked at how many universities are in one street. China has over 3000 universities conducting high level research to drive the country forward. 5. ⁠Area of growth: One area where China could improve is in its attitudes towards black people. Many Chinese people express amazement or surprise when they see a black person, which can stem from a lack of exposure and understanding. Enhancing cultural awareness and promoting diversity could help foster a more inclusive and accepting society.

Recent headlines have been dominated by news of Hong Kong residents enjoying their weekends and holidays in Shenzhen or the Greater Bay Area. Beyond Hong Kong's borders lie numerous exciting prospects, particularly in the vibrant capital of Beijing. With the anticipation of the implementation of the Beijing Foreign Investment Regulations (draft) 《北京市外商投資條例》(草案) , the capital's business environment is poised to ascend to new heights of internationalisation, modernization, and excellence. In my column, I've outlined proposed measures aimed at enhancing business collaboration between Beijing and Hong Kong. These measures include collaborating with media outlets in both Hong Kong and Beijing to produce bilingual videos explaining new policies, thus ensuring timely access to investment information. Additionally, I suggest implementing specific policies to incentivise participation by Hong Kong enterprises in Beijing's projects, particularly focusing on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Lastly, I propose fostering cooperation between Hong Kong capital and Beijing's universities and laboratories to expedite the commercialisation and internationalisation of key technological advancements. This collaboration is particularly crucial given Hong Kong's significant role in global tech investments. 💼#BeijingRegulations #Investment #BusinessCollaboration #Innovation

Hong Kong’s 🇭🇰pivot towards Southeast Asia aims to strengthen economic ties and secure the city’s role as a global financial hub. Key takeaways: ➡️  The escalating geopolitical tension between the US and China, coupled with Hong Kong’s political crackdown, has strained the city’s traditional role as a bridge between East and West, prompting a shift towards Southeast Asia for economic partnerships. ➡️  Hong Kong is deepening its ties with ASEAN to maintain economic relevance, positioning itself as a gateway for Southeast Asian businesses to access Mainland China. ➡️  While Hong Kong’s growing relationships with Southeast Asia offer new opportunities, it remains uncertain whether this pivot can fully compensate for the decline in Western investment and business as US allies in the region hold sway over key trade decisions like Hong Kong’s RCEP bid. ✍️ Tim Hildebrandt & Chhengpor Aun Read the full piece here: https://lnkd.in/etXzg4Ay

Meet Pascal Coppens, a true China expert, who stands out as a visionary, uniquely blending Eastern and Western insights 💡 Living in China, Pascal has witnessed firsthand the rapid technological advancements and cultural shifts. His experiences offer a rare understanding of China's dynamic role in global innovation. In China's fast-paced tech scene, Pascal analyzes how Chinese companies are not just adapting but leading in areas like AI and mobile technology. His insights shed light on how China's tech evolution is influencing global markets. Beyond technology, Pascal delves into the cultural aspects. He explores how China's historical values are interwoven with its modern ambitions, offering lessons on resilience, adaptability, and the fusion of tradition with modernization. Learn more about Pascal Coppens' keynotes: https://lnkd.in/dmergrma

🔑Key takeaways from the China Development Forum 2024 The China Development Forum (CDF) 2024 themed "The Continuous Development of China” welcomed senior Chinese officials, leaders of multinationals and representatives from international organizations, offering insights into China's development and its global impact. The key takeaways are: 🤖China will boost industrial innovation, upgrade traditional industries, and foster emerging industries. 💡A campaign to boost investment and optimize services will be launched, while ensuring national treatment for foreign-funded enterprises. 👩⚖️China's reaffirmed pledge to further opening up and improvements to the business environment, especially the protection of intellectual property rights, gives them strong confidence to continue investing in the country. Tim Cook inaugurated a new $11.6 million outlet in Shanghai, being biggest in China and the second only to Apple’s flagship store on New York’s Fifth Avenue. Also, Apple will launch its Vision Pro headset in China this year. Further reading: https://lnkd.in/eA_d2uc2 #china #business #development #ChinaDevelopmentForum #IndustrialInnovation #ForeignInvestment

Three Reflections after reading this article. ❇ You need not convince a majority to polarise society. Just a few empty vessels on social media are enough to create hostility. Singapore, being highly dense and multi-racial, cannot afford such polarity. Taking a stroll down any estate, you will encounter someone of another race, be it in the kopitiam, supermarket or the nearest park. Diversity is embroiled in the nation’s social fabric. Understanding each other’s perspectives and experiences in our diverse communities is crucial. ❇ Some people want to watch the world burn. For these individuals, the soft approach cannot be used. Not employing a zero-tolerance approach with stiff penalties could spell systemic acceptance and tolerance of such hostilities. The “scar” threads will remain even when stitching a torn fabric. Can the city-state afford such “scars”? ❇ Freedom of speech is the right to seek, receive, and impart information. However, this right does not absolve individuals of their societal responsibilities and, increasingly, common sense. It does not give anyone the right to hurt or make another feel threatened. To impart is NOT to impose. Using any means must never be at the expense of peace and harmony. The prerequisite to Freedom is responsibility. P.S. I also felt that the article's title should be changed from “Cannot be” to “Cannot Afford” to depict the fragile yet resilient Singapore Social Fabric.

How will Seoul navigate the economic uncertainties following major political shifts? Seoul is bracing itself for potential economic changes as it anticipates significant impacts from Donald Trump's recent return to the U.S. presidency. Authorities are already assessing how policies might shift, focusing on potential disruptions to trade, currency stability, and bilateral relations. As businesses and policymakers gear up for possible challenges, the ripple effects could extend throughout Asia's economy. What are your thoughts on how this could reshape the Korean economic landscape? Share your insights below! 🇰🇷 🇺🇸

Just finished reading "China to go" by Frank Sieren. A captivating dive into the multifaceted and rapidly evolving landscape of China. Key takeaways: 🔹 Understanding differences and embracing diversity hold more value than determining right from wrong. 🔹 The global shift towards a multipolar world highlights the importance of diversity. 🔹 As Europeans, we must collaborate and capitalize on diversity to sustain our lifestyle amidst changing dynamics. A must-read for gaining insights into China and the evolving global dynamics. #BookRecommendation #China #Diversity #GlobalDynamics