Reporting from China
If you have been following this blog from the beginning, you may recall that one of the goals for IU’s delegation to China has been to help Hoosiers to better understand China as a people and culture and also how its economic activities are affecting them. To this aim, two journalists accompanied us: Greg Andrews, […]
An Entrepreneurial Spirit
There is a 12-hour time difference between Shanghai and the Midwest, but the connections between Indiana and this part of the world are getting closer. During our week, we met several successful people developing new businesses in China, and many were Indiana University alumni or those who had been based at Indiana companies for many […]
A Woman in Business
In the United States, the issue of upward mobility of women within corporate ranks continues to be a relevant issue, often called the “glass ceiling.” In China, we met several women who either successfully ran their own companies or had responsible positions at firms. According to research by the World Economic Forum, for the first […]
Historical Perspective from a IU Professor
It didn’t take long for Bruce Jaffee, an Indiana University professor who has now visited China three times to see differences in Chinese society and culture. “During the drive from the airport, we saw high-end apartments … and the place appears to be cleaner than it was 20 years ago,” said Jaffee, IU professor of […]
Shanghai from 863 feet (or 263 meters)
Travel writer Rudy Maxa once described Shanghai as “a city being born.” A view from the Shanghai Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower – the highest television tower in Asia – provided us with ample evidence for his assessment. A city with a population approaching 20 million people, Shanghai is being groomed to overtake Hong […]
A Diplomatic Visit
As a newspaper reporter and as a media relations professional, I have had the opportunity to interview or simply meet U.S. senators, politicians and presidents, as well as authors and the stars of rock, jazz, folk and blues music. I met President Barack Obama when he made his memorable visit to Bloomington and IU’s Little […]
If You’re Hungry, Don’t Read This
Like fresh fish? I do. But in Indiana that usually simply means fish that hasn’t been frozen. The “fresh fish” sold in supermarkets across the country still has to be shipped in from the coasts. Or it comes from nearby lakes and fish farms. It’s been filleted and processed. You don’t typically get a chance […]
What It is Like to Hit the Road
If you’ve been a frequent visitor to this blog, you’ve probably noticed that our delegation has visited two car companies. What you haven’t read is about what it’s like to hit the road. Until now. On Friday afternoon, after lunch, we set out for the last company visit of the week, at the Cummins Fleetguard […]
General Motors: Chinese “People in Motion”
When David S. Chen wanted to catch a taxi to go to an airport in China back in December of 1981, there were so few autos on the road that he had to reserve a taxi one week in advance. In 2009, China became the world’s largest car market, surpassing the United States. On Thursday, […]
The Fastest Train in the World
As you take your seats on the fastest train in the world, a silent movie featuring Charlie Chaplin made nearly 100 years ago appears on flat screen monitors hanging from the ceiling of our car They are showing a scene from “The Little Tramp.” Later, as we get off, a scene from “Modern Times” appears, […]
