Doing Business with Taiwanese, Hong Konger, PRC, Koreans, Japanese - for SGP Bizman

[Sperminator]

Dear Readers of Sammyboy,

During my years of doing business in China, I've encountered many kinds of people, and the sole purpose of creating this thread is to provide Budding Singaporeans Businessman/woman the heads up advantage while dealing with different kind of people. kojakbt have encouraged this, and I'll just put in as much as I know for everyone's reference and unselfish participation.



Before I begin, there is a common saying in China, 香港人无情 (Hong Kong People Heartless), 台湾人无耻 (Taiwanese Despicable), 新加坡人无知 (Singaporeans IGNORANT)

I'll start with my experience in dealing with TAIWANESE.

I've worked in a SINGAPOREAN company in China before, and the SG company have employed about 20 to 30% staffs Taiwanese.

These people are true politicians, and they will insert a spy to be just next to you, and befriend you, however, don't be mistaken, the SPY is planted to listen to information from you...

Don't EVER play with the Taiwanese, as they will find all ways to find your weakspot, and spread rumours about you.

What is the Taiwanese Objective?

To make sure that the company is being taken over by them...

Another thing about Taiwanese is that when they make business decisions, they will stick to it, no flexibility in pricing negotiations (take it or leave it attitude)

Sadly, I was targetted as the scapegoat, and I've learnt from my fatal mistake.

Summary;

1. DO NOT TRUST TAIWANESE easily

2. TAIWANESE are politicians, and will get you out of the game ASAP

3. TAIWANESE operates in GANGS

4. 台湾人无耻 this statement is real

Let's start off our discussion with Taiwanese shall we?

And let's discuss ways to deal with these people.

 

[Trout]

Re: Doing Business with Taiwanese, Hong Konger, PRC, Koreans, Japanese - for SGP Bizm

I met an elderly chinese man in silicon valley during a VC networking session in may last year who used to be part of TSMC's advisory board...I think I managed to get him drunk enough to say some stuff about TSMC and Samsung senior management & BOD which probably shouldn't be spoken of in public; and the guy was originally from HK.

If you noted, recently Samsung was embroiled in some industrial espionage case.

That much said, I decided not to go further.

Cheers,
Trout

P/S: I actually like to tell others that I'm S'porean - it helps them drop their guard against me, and all their actions after that becomes entirely transparent. I hope the typicial S'porean biz-man continues to be known as ignorant worldwide.

 

[Sperminator]

Re: Doing Business with Taiwanese, Hong Konger, PRC, Koreans, Japanese - for SGP Bizm

I met an elderly chinese man in silicon valley during a VC networking session in may last year who used to be part of TSMC's advisory board...I think I managed to get him drunk enough to say some stuff about TSMC and Samsung senior management & BOD which probably shouldn't be spoken of in public; and the guy was originally from HK.

If you noted, recently Samsung was embroiled in some industrial espionage case.

That much said, I decided not to go further.

Cheers,
Trout

P/S: I actually like to tell others that I'm S'porean - it helps them drop their guard against me, and all their actions after that becomes entirely transparent. I hope the typicial S'porean biz-man continues to be known as ignorant worldwide.

Dear Trout,

Thank you for your unselfish sharing of important information for our fellow Citizens.

From my views, for Korean business people, the key word is Relationships.

Korean people make sure that they develop a high quality, friendly and cordial business relationship with you before they actually do business with you.

I have deep respect for Koreans, and I personally do have a few Korean friends, which I am in contact with for many years.

These people talk about trust, and honour.

They will go all out to help you, when they have regarded you as their friend...

As for Hong Kong people, these people are very realistic people, therefore the term 香港人无情.

These bunch of people are hard working people, if can take two jobs, they go ahead with it.

For the business mindset of HK people, it's business all the way, day in day out...

Some observations of mine (perhaps limited), they are good politicans as well, so be careful of what you say in front of these people, as these people will use what you say against you when you are not in their gang...

Businesswise, not afraid to ask for HIGH PRICE, and demand the HIGH PRICE, and try to bargain with them? difficult.

What I understand is that the HK people do not really like TW people as well.

Likewise, PRC people don't really like TW people that much.

TW people think that they are one class above the PRC, as they are dominating the electronic sector in China...

PRC don't like the Japs, TW, but prefer to work with Koreans, HK, and guess what SINGAPOREANS!

Why?

According to Trout's classic quote "P/S: I actually like to tell others that I'm S'porean - it helps them drop their guard against me, and all their actions after that becomes entirely transparent. I hope the typicial S'porean biz-man continues to be known as ignorant worldwide."

This is true! since Singaporeans are known to be 新加坡人无知, we are the least of the people's concern... The PRC, Korean, Japs, HK people love to do business with Singaporeans, because we are the easiest to do business with... and for the TW, they will squeeze every drop of the non-initiated Singaporeans...

Anyways, it's much better to be positioned as ignorant worldwide, because, the trust level of these people towards what you commit, is higher, but just don't let people down...

In some parts of Central Asia, or Muslim Countries, once you F. them one time, one time is all too many, and you can kiss you business and future business good bye...

Please keep pouring in your views, and experience, let's input some good experience for our Singaporean's reference.

One thing that I realized is that, due to the flawed educational system of Singapore, there is one important topic that is totally ignored (perhaps on purpose...) that is "Human Politics", "World Politics", these important knowledge were not taught in Singapore's schools... and in countries like China, SAR Hong Kong, Province Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and more... have politics in their education system... we've lost the edge against these Asian Business People....

 

[Trout]

Re: Doing Business with Taiwanese, Hong Konger, PRC, Koreans, Japanese - for SGP Bizm

One thing that I realized is that, due to the flawed educational system of Singapore, there is one important topic that is totally ignored (perhaps on purpose...) that is "Human Politics", "World Politics", these important knowledge were not taught in Singapore's schools... and in countries like China, SAR Hong Kong, Province Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and more... have politics in their education system... we've lost the edge against these Asian Business People....

Well, for the boys, the folks whom are lucky enough to be posted to Mindef as clerks have an edge over the combat-unit folks, because there's so much dirty politics you seen during your entire NS (in 2 or 2.5 yrs) that will equip you with enough starting experience to survive the onslaught of the cruel real world outside Singapore. Then clock the rest of the political experience by working for PRC, TW, HK and american mentors for depressed pay for short stints.

Of course, I missed out on the great NS bonding experience almost all of my peers have. I didn't have any true friends during NS. My closest friends are the ones from secondary school, even with them, we're drifting apart. However, Camaraderie and Esprit De Corps only helps if they are playing on your side. Occasionally, folks are out to make your life miserable.

Also, backpacking around the world (Middle-East/Central Asia - Balkans, Caucasus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan etc) after NS alone because you're born with a silver spoon in your mouth also helps. You are way more sensitive to cultural differences and how to use them to your advantage - helps to be multi-lingual, but always pretend you only know english and lousy mandarin (like what a typicial singaporean is supposed to know).

From a JOPD alumni PES A Clerk drawing combat allowance, ;-P. Yes, I'm a bona-fide white horse - not the Cedric Foo version.

Cheers,
Trout

 

[Sperminator]

Re: Doing Business with Taiwanese, Hong Konger, PRC, Koreans, Japanese - for SGP Bizm

Well, for the boys, the folks whom are lucky enough to be posted to Mindef as clerks have an edge over the combat-unit folks, because there's so much dirty politics you seen during your entire NS (in 2 or 2.5 yrs) that will equip you with enough starting experience to survive the onslaught of the cruel real world outside Singapore. Then clock the rest of the political experience by working for PRC, TW, HK and american mentors for depressed pay for short stints.

Of course, I missed out on the great NS bonding experience almost all of my peers have. I didn't have any true friends during NS. My closest friends are the ones from secondary school, even with them, we're drifting apart. However, Camaraderie and Esprit De Corps only helps if they are playing on your side. Occasionally, folks are out to make your life miserable.

Also, backpacking around the world (Middle-East/Central Asia - Balkans, Caucasus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan etc) after NS alone because you're born with a silver spoon in your mouth also helps. You are way more sensitive to cultural differences and how to use them to your advantage - helps to be multi-lingual, but always pretend you only know english and lousy mandarin (like what a typicial singaporean is supposed to know).

From a JOPD alumni PES A Clerk drawing combat allowance, ;-P. Yes, I'm a bona-fide white horse - not the Cedric Foo version.

Cheers,
Trout

Point 1. Human Politics Education

I am glad of your active participation Trout.

Yes, I do believe that people who served NS have the opportunity to learn about human politics, especially those who served as Clerks. I served as a PES B clerk for about a year, before I got posted to Combat Vocation.

During my time serving as a Clerk, I do see that there are PES A clerks (white horses), usually serving as P.A. to the commandant, or C.O. of the camps, and it's these lucky few who get to learn as much as possible about dirty politics...

If you want to swim in the ocean, swim with the sharks, and these are the precious experience that will come in handy... Trout is right, and it's these invalueable hard knocks in life that will give the un-initiated to be baptized in fire, and only when they get burnt, they can swim in the ocean.

To make up for the lost time in not understanding human politics, learn from the HK, TW, Koreans, PRC, Americans... these people really KNOW human politics, and sad to point out, not too many Singaporeans know about this crucial pre-requisite (perhaps I'm over generalizing...) but how many Singaporean International Brands are we looking at in the world?

Its certainly worthwhile to any budding Singaporean Bizman to learn as much as possible about Human Politics, it's advantage, it's application.

Point 2. Cultural Exposure

You've brought up a important point Trout. Diverse Cultural Exposure does help for any budding Singaporean Bizman.

And true, born with a silver spoon in the mouth does help to finance the early years of Back Packing... however, statistically, to be born with a silver spoon in the mouth is only about 5% percentile (quoted from Earl Nightengale)

So, chances are, the budding Singaporean Bizman is from the 95% percentile, the middle, lower, and no class.

That doesn't mean that they CANNOT go for back packing.

I have a Korean Friend, when he was in USA almost 20 years ago, after completing his University Education, he back packed throughout the entire USA, going from state to state, taking train and buses throughout. It's an adventure for him... planning everything himself, taking the most cost effective routes. (for example, while travelling by Train, he sleep onboard, saving on Accomodations Cost, and when he is travelling by Bus, he sleep on the bus, again to save on Accomodations) The entire trip only costed him USD 1,000 (back then was a siezable sum, however, to travel to most parts of USA's states and to get a understanding about USA within 1 month, and to do everything by himself, to buy food, to just take care of himself... now that's a feat!)

From that adventure, my friend have become more independent of his own abilities, and have achieved his own plans... which gives him more confidence of himself... today he is a owner of a multi-million dollar medical company in Korea exporting globally...

I got a feeling that Trout have backed packed Middle East / Central Asia?

Please do share with us your back packing experience, and what have you learnt Culturally?

Point 3. Language Mobility

From my personal experience, having Language Mobility, or becoming a multi-linguist is a sharp advantage over all your competitors.

With reference to Trout's quote "You are way more sensitive to cultural differences and how to use them to your advantage - helps to be multi-lingual, but always pretend you only know english and lousy mandarin (like what a typicial singaporean is supposed to know)."

Equipped with cultural difference sensitivity, and with multi-linguistic abilities is a deadly combination for business anywhere.

I do agree with Trout that your multi-linguistic abilities should be treated as a secret, because, when people assumed that you only have English and lousy PuTongHua (Mandarin) abilities, like a typical singaporean is supposed to know, most people towards you, their guard is down...

When you are in the country of interest for your business, do learn the local languages, as it'll be extremely useful.

In China, PutongHua is the defacto language, but when you are in China, do talk to them in English, even though your Chinese is good, because when they are discussing in Chinese, you can learn about what they are talking

For Latin America // Spanish & Brazilian Portuguese (English is spoken by international businessmen)

For Central Asia // especially CIS, Russian is defacto, however local language exist

For Europe // depending on where, however, most people do speak English, except for the French (Hao Lian Bah), they do speak English, however, they prefer to speak to you in French, Spanish, Italian or Portuguese... the Latin Languages... because French have a vendetta against the British (long history... way before Joan of Arc...)

anyways, I've not travelled to so many places yet, so other places I am not sure... perhaps for some people who have travelled there to comment?

ALL are welcomed to include in this mini-project

 

[krafty]

Re: Doing Business with Taiwanese, Hong Konger, PRC, Koreans, Japanese - for SGP Bizm

I was in the same office building as 马英九 before.

 

[Sperminator]

Re: Doing Business with Taiwanese, Hong Konger, PRC, Koreans, Japanese - for SGP Bizm

I was in the same office building as 马英九 before.

Dear krafty,

Care to share more about the Taiwanese Businessmen Mindset?

And how Singaporeans should best deal with Taiwanese Businessmen?

Please do share your experience of Taiwanese, as the objective of this thread is to serve as a source of good information for budding Singaporean Bizman.

Your contribution would be appreciated...

 

[krafty]

Re: Doing Business with Taiwanese, Hong Konger, PRC, Koreans, Japanese - for SGP Bizm

I never do business in taiwan so no comment but I can only say that japanese are very jealous of singapore.

Dear krafty,

Care to share more about the Taiwanese Businessmen Mindset?

And how Singaporeans should best deal with Taiwanese Businessmen?

Please do share your experience of Taiwanese, as the objective of this thread is to serve as a source of good information for budding Singaporean Bizman.

Your contribution would be appreciated...

 

[Trout]

Re: Doing Business with Taiwanese, Hong Konger, PRC, Koreans, Japanese - for SGP Bizm

Point 1. Human Politics Education


I got a feeling that Trout have backed packed Middle East / Central Asia?

Please do share with us your back packing experience, and what have you learnt Culturally?

I spent a summer in Eastern Europe when I was much younger, when dad was over there doing business and also went into the Balkans with him that summer, a few years before hell broke loose in Kosovo - early 90s, shortly after the Iron Curtain came down.

In 2007 after ORD. I was in Armenia on my dad's behalf to attend a wedding of my dad's business associate of 20+ years - MM Lee followed in 2009, then went around the Caucasus, then went into Iran via Armenia. I had a contact from my undergrad days with family in Iran (She's working in Canada), so I put up with them and her younger brother and friends brought me around Tehran, Isfahan, Persepolis, etc - the usual touristy places - also asked to go to Bam to take a look at the rebuilding efforts after the great Earthquake in 2005.

I did participate in the Ops Flying Eagles during NS (but mainly back-end operation planning), so am always concerned about humanitarian work. I also helped out with Mercy Relief as a volunteer during NS. I think it helps to show you have a heart of gold when it comes to business.

In summer 2008, before I started my job in Canada (which I left in spring 2009), I attended my bro's university graduation in Zurich, then went through Central Asia because I realized Kazakh girls are hot (after looking through wikipedia for more Kazakhstan stuff after seeing Borat).

Been through almost all countries in SEA now and then since young, tried to broker a few cement/D2/jet-fuel/sand/crocodile deals recently with chuckyworld with my contacts and my dad's contacts in SEA these couple of years, but never really materialized anything.

Cheers,
Trout

 

[Sperminator]

Re: Doing Business with Taiwanese, Hong Konger, PRC, Koreans, Japanese - for SGP Bizm

I never do business in taiwan so no comment but I can only say that japanese are very jealous of singapore.

Dear Krafty,

Please do elaborate your experience about why Japanese are very Jealous of Singaporeans?

I am really very surprised? Singapore compared to Japan is just a "peesai" according to some Taiwanese Politicans.

What does Singapore have that cause envy to the Japanese?

Please do share your invalueable experience

This is something new to me, really.

 

[krafty]

Re: Doing Business with Taiwanese, Hong Konger, PRC, Koreans, Japanese - for SGP Bizm

i dun know,just my observation.

Dear Krafty,

Please do elaborate your experience about why Japanese are very Jealous of Singaporeans?

I am really very surprised? Singapore compared to Japan is just a "peesai" according to some Taiwanese Politicans.

What does Singapore have that cause envy to the Japanese?

Please do share your invalueable experience

This is something new to me, really.

 

[Sperminator]

Re: Doing Business with Taiwanese, Hong Konger, PRC, Koreans, Japanese - for SGP Bizm

I spent a summer in Eastern Europe when I was much younger, when dad was over there doing business and also went into the Balkans with him that summer, a few years before hell broke loose in Kosovo - early 90s, shortly after the Iron Curtain came down.

In 2007 after ORD. I was in Armenia on my dad's behalf to attend a wedding of my dad's business associate of 20+ years - MM Lee followed in 2009, then went around the Caucasus, then went into Iran via Armenia. I had a contact from my undergrad days with family in Iran (She's working in Canada), so I put up with them and her younger brother and friends brought me around Tehran, Isfahan, Persepolis, etc - the usual touristy places - also asked to go to Bam to take a look at the rebuilding efforts after the great Earthquake in 2005.

I did participate in the Ops Flying Eagles during NS (but mainly back-end operation planning), so am always concerned about humanitarian work. I also helped out with Mercy Relief as a volunteer during NS. I think it helps to show you have a heart of gold when it comes to business.

In summer 2008, before I started my job in Canada (which I left in spring 2009), I attended my bro's university graduation in Zurich, then went through Central Asia because I realized Kazakh girls are hot (after looking through wikipedia for more Kazakhstan stuff after seeing Borat).

Been through almost all countries in SEA now and then since young, tried to broker a few cement/D2/jet-fuel/sand/crocodile deals recently with chuckyworld with my contacts and my dad's contacts in SEA these couple of years, but never really materialized anything.

Cheers,
Trout

Trout, I am happy of your early exposure, and you are truly born to the top 5% percentile of a family.

This is a gift that you have, which not too many people have.

You have a head start in life, as compared to many people in SGP.

Setting you apart, with i. Cultural Understanding, ii. Political Understanding, iii. Language Mobility, iv. Close Family Contacts, v. Heart of Gold.

You're all set for big business.

You've proven something;

1. You are in total control of your life.

2. You set a goal, commit to it, plan for it, and execute it. (the case of the Kazakhstan girls

3. You have strong family friends with people overseas, these are vital contacts that could help you build your business up. (In business, it's all about trust. no trust, no business)

4. You have also demonstrated that you are not afraid to try, and do your own business in SEA...

Amazing!

May I ask, how do you start your business in SEA?

Please do share with us your invalueable experience, so that budding Singaporean Bizman can learn from you.

From my point of view, age doesn't matter in business... it's the experience that matters... it's the wisdom that matters.

I've got the good fortune to know someone in Uzbekistan, and he have started to become a trader when he was only 16. He started selling LEMONADE, while he was still schooling... without the knowledge of his parents.

And through the years, he learnt how to trade, buy and sell when he is only 16! and from 16 onwards, he learnt English (He already know Russian and Uzbek well), and he is trading with CARS, SECURITY SYSTEMS, Power Systems and Food Products...

Today, he is a multi-millionaire (USD), multi-cultured, multi-linguist, and is building his business empire.

I've got a good fortune to understand his core principles in business; Have an edge in your thinking abilities, and all else is easy... be absolutely honest to your business partners, and they will reciprocate...

Please do share we us in this humble thread about your personal experience... because my experience is just limited...

thanks in advance, and hope that our little contributions could provide some information to budding Singaporean Bizman a heads up on what lies ahead to become a world class businessman.

 

[Trout]

Re: Doing Business with Taiwanese, Hong Konger, PRC, Koreans, Japanese - for SGP Bizm

May I ask, how do you start your business in SEA?

No leh, working for an MNC now - I did try to start up in Silicon Valley last year based on my research dissertation results - some friends in NS were then in the NUS-Silicon valley exchange program and they partnered with a materials engineer who graduated from MIT and doing his PhD in Stanford to enter into a couple of start-up competitions there using some of my results. They managed to get into the finals of a number of competitions - HYSTA's pitch to the VCs finals, Stanford e-BASES, California Clean Tech Open semi-finals, and I actually left my job in spring 2009 to join them because everything seemed to be getting really serious down there, and I convinced my supervisors in Canada to apply for a US provisional patent application on my results before the 1 year time limit ran out (I couldn't convince them during my defense to agree to apply for a patent.).

The folks in the forum who know me would know what the technology is about - environment-responsive water treatment membranes.

We won a bit of $$ in the competition (didn't come in 1st in any, but we won $$ and got alot of attention from VCs - last year Stanford e-BASES first won Time's invention of the year), but then my friends from NUS chickened out. Also dunno why the American dude also chickened out subsequently - I was left hanging in the cold with no team, plus my parents were pestering me to come back to Singapore for a visit since I was bumming in the States essentially, so dropped back here in June last year 2009 for SIWW and stayed on. I did also approach a couple of local private equity folks to see if they are willing to work with me; but no luck, got snubbed a few times, also from a former MP.

I was initially planning on settling in Canada permanently, had just gotten a PR in 2008 - I had no faith in SG's long term future, but I had to eat my words literally then when I came back. Planning another contingency way out now, its a compromise for my parents - they disagreed with the choice of Canada as a final settling spot.

Bummed around SIWW 2009 for a while, then someone from the venture wing of a European MNC contacted me after reading about the start-up in the news in silicon valley a while later asking if I was interested in working for them to develop the technology within the company with a fairly generous stock plan (vesting period is long though) and decent monthly salary. Since I got no support for that, I said yes and that's where I have been since.

After I got hired, they haven't showed interest in developing the tech (I report directly to their global VP for R&D), but I guess it was a good thing they also never formally made an offer to buy the patent application from my supervisors and myself, I could always go out later and develop this on my own, with a better track record, and possibly with funding from their venture wing. Another good lesson - Never risk with your own $$ if you can do so, make someone sink $$ into you instead.

Currently, my main work scope is helping the MNC more on keeping a close lookout for up and coming water treatment technologies and firms, and approaching the start-ups to work with them. It seems to be their modus operandi.

Now trying to weasel out from a non-compete clause one of the senior management in EU is trying to make me sign when they realised they overlooked a very important section in my employment contract.

So really...not as daring a businessman as you think.

Cheers,
Trout

 

[Sperminator]

Re: Doing Business with Taiwanese, Hong Konger, PRC, Koreans, Japanese - for SGP Bizm

Trout have touched on some interesting fundamentals about business.

In the world of business, I understand that the entire products & services produced, and and consumed could be condensed into 4 basic category.

Basic Category of Business

1. Finance

2. Production

3. Sales

4. R&D

For budding Singapore Bizman, I always like them to consider the 4 basic fundamentals before actually stepping in to do business. Because each and every component of the 4 functions can be a business by itself.

For example,

Likes look at mega corporate like GE, General Electric, one of the most respected corporates in the world today, founded by Thomas Edison.

They have all 4 components, they posses 1. Finance Division, 2. Production Division, 3. Sales Division (Marketing is part of the function of Sales), 4. R&D Division

Everyone knows GE Finance, everyone knows that GE have Factories All Over the World, everyone knows that GE have excellent Sales, Distribution & Service Networks all over the world, and of course, everyone knows that GE have R&D Divisions all over the world for different product segments, technology.

I can't help but think that, to have a successful business entity, one must have all 4 components in place... however, I guess that's not necessary.

From surface observation,

There are many Finance companies in the world, which sole purpose is only to provide Finance, and make their returns by helping companies IPO, and owning a percentage of the company's share and when going IPO making it's return...

These people are like what Trout mentioned, VC - Venture Capitalists, their sole purpose is to FINANCE & invest in worthy business plans, helping companies IPO, and make their own ROI.

Then there are people who only focus on Production only.

For example, mega Contract Manufacturer like FOXCONN - owned by a Taiwanese, (could be said as the largest Contract Manufacturer in the world, as they do many global brand's production).

These Group of People Provide Manufacturing Capacity, and their sole purpose is to help companies who DO NOT WANT to produce their products (due to obvious reasons of having expensive equipments, huge labours force maintenance, depreciating factory assets, and uncertain global demand... and more.)

And then there are another group of people who only focuses on Sales.

These people are like traders, however, for a more evolved versions of traders are Marketers, where these people travel to the country of interest, and discover the business opportunities with the local business people, and help them develop the sales, marketing, distribution, service networks.

Finally, one of the most important components of business.

R&D--> these techies' sole purpose is to Research & Develop relevant useful products for the market.

The burn rate for R&D is exceptionally high (of course, depending on what technology you are researching on), and there are risk of researching without direction, where you get a very GOOD, non-marketable product, which equates to nothing, waste of time and resources...

There are many companies who focuses only on R&D, and they get funding from VCs, and once they get the technology up, they could turn this technology edge into a profitable business, and next stage to get the Production & Sales involved.

So, for all the budding Singaporean Bizman out there, decide where you are, and what you want to achieve, whatever you imagine, it shall be so. - modified from Gladiator.

Keep your information coming in, you see, everyone is already doing business, it's just that they are not even aware of. When you work for people, you are your own boss as well, because you are selling your expertise, your time, your energy, in exchange for a salary from the entity.

 

[Trout]

Re: Doing Business with Taiwanese, Hong Konger, PRC, Koreans, Japanese - for SGP Bizm

The burn rate for R&D is exceptionally high (of course, depending on what technology you are researching on), and there are risk of researching without direction, where you get a very GOOD, non-marketable product, which equates to nothing, waste of time and resources...

Don't see anyone here supporting the thread but you and myself, I say we fold this and talk in private. But yes, burn rate for R&D is very high. Most companies prefer to take a product developed successfully by someone else and just more or less apply it straight away with minor modifications, rather than do R&D. Often, you require govts to provide huge grants before most companies would even consider doing R&D within the country.

One of the reasons why they stationed me in Singapore and not elsewhere and classed me as R&D personnel (even though what I am doing now is more legal, market intelligence analysis and deal brokering) is because the SG govt provides very generous subsidies for MNCs to locate their R&D facilities in SG - 50% of my monthly salary in cash comes from a govt grant. The stock aspect, its basically just paper from their perspective, given they have such a massive float in the markets.

So really, in truth, I'm just a drain on the local tax payers' $$, because whatever I do, even if I succeed greatly at my work, the benefits goes mostly towards the MNC's operations worldwide and does not really trickle down to the local economy.

Regards,
Trout

 

[Asychee]

Re: Doing Business with Taiwanese, Hong Konger, PRC, Koreans, Japanese - for SGP Bizm

Trout have touched on some interesting fundamentals about business.

In the world of business, I understand that the entire products & services produced, and and consumed could be condensed into 4 basic category.

Basic Category of Business

1. Finance

2. Production

3. Sales

4. R&D

For budding Singapore Bizman, I always like them to consider the 4 basic fundamentals before actually stepping in to do business. Because each and every component of the 4 functions can be a business by itself.

For example,

Likes look at mega corporate like GE, General Electric, one of the most respected corporates in the world today, founded by Thomas Edison.

They have all 4 components, they posses 1. Finance Division, 2. Production Division, 3. Sales Division (Marketing is part of the function of Sales), 4. R&D Division

Everyone knows GE Finance, everyone knows that GE have Factories All Over the World, everyone knows that GE have excellent Sales, Distribution & Service Networks all over the world, and of course, everyone knows that GE have R&D Divisions all over the world for different product segments, technology.

I can't help but think that, to have a successful business entity, one must have all 4 components in place... however, I guess that's not necessary.

From surface observation,

There are many Finance companies in the world, which sole purpose is only to provide Finance, and make their returns by helping companies IPO, and owning a percentage of the company's share and when going IPO making it's return...

These people are like what Trout mentioned, VC - Venture Capitalists, their sole purpose is to FINANCE & invest in worthy business plans, helping companies IPO, and make their own ROI.

Then there are people who only focus on Production only.

For example, mega Contract Manufacturer like FOXCONN - owned by a Taiwanese, (could be said as the largest Contract Manufacturer in the world, as they do many global brand's production).

These Group of People Provide Manufacturing Capacity, and their sole purpose is to help companies who DO NOT WANT to produce their products (due to obvious reasons of having expensive equipments, huge labours force maintenance, depreciating factory assets, and uncertain global demand... and more.)

And then there are another group of people who only focuses on Sales.

These people are like traders, however, for a more evolved versions of traders are Marketers, where these people travel to the country of interest, and discover the business opportunities with the local business people, and help them develop the sales, marketing, distribution, service networks.

Finally, one of the most important components of business.

R&D--> these techies' sole purpose is to Research & Develop relevant useful products for the market.

The burn rate for R&D is exceptionally high (of course, depending on what technology you are researching on), and there are risk of researching without direction, where you get a very GOOD, non-marketable product, which equates to nothing, waste of time and resources...

There are many companies who focuses only on R&D, and they get funding from VCs, and once they get the technology up, they could turn this technology edge into a profitable business, and next stage to get the Production & Sales involved.

So, for all the budding Singaporean Bizman out there, decide where you are, and what you want to achieve, whatever you imagine, it shall be so. - modified from Gladiator.

Keep your information coming in, you see, everyone is already doing business, it's just that they are not even aware of. When you work for people, you are your own boss as well, because you are selling your expertise, your time, your energy, in exchange for a salary from the entity.

My take on it is a little different (pardon for my angmo) i am "O" level nia. Yes, i was PES A combat clerk with one of the intelligence unit. There i learn what the school system did not teaches me not that i attended a lot of school.

a. SWOT analysis
b. Life is dynamic never static.
c. Always plan and review.
d. Things are not always what is seems to be (ie official line)
e. Running a operation = 4 M & 1 E (get a template and prepared to change to suit).

Manpower

Machine

Methods of production

Money

Envirnoment

Since i do not have the bandwidth of R & D - I leave it to the experts.

Prior to NS was traveling as around Malaysia & Indonesia - made some lifelong friends. Y - i cannot tahan the boredom of Sg found out that the people are not what Sg govt is making them out to be. During NS, travel with the officers to different destinations.

After NS, travel around working in SEA countries and eventually worked for the Sultan of Brunei. Travelled with the entourage to a few quite places in the 3.5 years.

I have worked with the Thai, Pinoy & Indo and Ang Mo as i can speak their lang. I think that not all Ang Mo are smart and not all Thai, Pinoy & Indo are stupid as perception. What matters most is that you have to develop a situation awareness but learning to what they say and how they say it.

So far my fav group of people to work with are the Pinoy (Wifey). They look at me as an outsider when they saw me. But once, they know i can speak their lang and under their culture, beliefs and way of life (caste system). I am one of them, have done business with PRC, Taiwanese, HK & korean. Have the most sucess with Pinoy.

 

[chuckyworld]

Re: Doing Business with Taiwanese, Hong Konger, PRC, Koreans, Japanese - for SGP Bizm

Wow like that also can...eh?

So how is life back there, drop me a line and we can shoot the breeze.

From Franco and his Partner all talk only same goes with that Pinoy and Hongkie, piss off my contacts and clients.

Anyway hope we can meet up for coffee later in the year.

 

[Trout]

Re: Doing Business with Taiwanese, Hong Konger, PRC, Koreans, Japanese - for SGP Bizm

Wow like that also can...eh?

So how is life back there, drop me a line and we can shoot the breeze.

From Franco and his Partner all talk only same goes with that Pinoy and Hongkie, piss off my contacts and clients.

Anyway hope we can meet up for coffee later in the year.

Might be back during July once my current project winds down. Yeah, sorry about those botched deals - but that's how life goes right - many misses some hits.

I passed the info to the bunker ship guys down here already, see if there's any response.

Cheers,
Trout

 

[chuckyworld]

Re: Doing Business with Taiwanese, Hong Konger, PRC, Koreans, Japanese - for SGP Bizm

Botched deal that is understandable, but when you don't even has the products and keep insisting you have...that is what make me piss.

I ask them not once too many time, and yes we have it we gurantte it.

The Hongkie travel to China trying to connect with my bro, my bro took one look at him and said forget it, no interest in dealing with him

After getting all my clients info confirm by banks clients has the money, they can't even come out with a contract even giving them 1 month, i had to settle with my clients using another source to cover my loss.

Anyway it is in the past lesson learnt, you i have no problem.

 

[Trout]

Re: Doing Business with Taiwanese, Hong Konger, PRC, Koreans, Japanese - for SGP Bizm

Botched deal that is understandable, but when you don't even has the products and keep insisting you have...that is what make me piss.

I ask them not once too many time, and yes we have it we guarantee it.

The Hongkie travel to China trying to connect with my bro, my bro took one look at him and said forget it, no interest in dealing with him.

After getting all my clients info confirm by banks clients has the money, they can't even come out with a contract even giving them 1 month, i had to settle with my clients using another source to cover my loss.

Anyway it is in the past lesson learnt, you i have no problem.

I wasn't really involved with Joel & Dodi after the initial introductions to you - I was told subsequently by my friend whom you met then with Franco, who was Joel's former subordinate in the pharmaceutical firm he was previously director at that he thought I was just all connections and nothing much else, so the love was all lost there then.

Anyway, I knew they bypassed me and went straight to you subsequently for essentially everything, so I guess was a good indication of their level of integrity. And I am really sorry about introducing them to you, as I had expected more integrity from people who had such a long career in the pharmaceutical business.

I am disappointed with Franco though, and personally disappointed in my own character judgment; I had expected more integrity from him.