Hong Kong
A quick note from Dr. Lytle as he prepares to leave Hong Kong and head back to Texas:
Beijing ended well. Visits with key business professionals from major companies like GE and Vermeer were highly successful. Also, a visit with a major professor at Beijing University (The Premiere University) and businessman seemed quite profitable in terms of opportunity. The China Business Conference was well attended and my session was well received. In fact, I gave out all of my business cards without thinking so I had none for my trips to Singapore and Hong Kong.
Our Singapore visit was most fruitful. I visited with numerous Christian professionals and spent an entire day touring the city visiting the central business/financial district, local landmarks, and Sanatos Island – an international resort complex recently developed.
Additionally, I taught a half day seminar using material out of my book. 27 Christian business persons were with us all day. It was extremely encouraging. Their faith and desire to be who God wants them to be is inspirational. Several key contacts were made with nationals who have done their education in the states at Harvard, George Washington, and Cornell. I guess there are at least 4-5 solid opportunities for day-long corporate visits:
1. Hospitality/Retail – Principal West Paces Hotel Group, Cappella Resort on Sanatos Island (Harvard MBA).
2. Vice Chairman-Asia of Austria New Zealand Bank. Had dinner in his home.
3. CIO Austria New Zealand Bank.
4. Chancellor – Nanyang Technological University
5. Chairman and CEO – major environmental company in Singapore and former CEO of major industrial U.S. company.
In Hong Kong we met with a new contact from Walmart who has recently been placed in Hong Kong with his family. They are from Heber Springs and we discussed a variety of mutual friends from Harding and Walmart. He has offered office, store, and distribution center visits on the mainland.
Spent a 1/2 day touring the city – visiting the container shipyards at one of the world’s busiest ports. Also, spent 1/2 day at Hong Kong Baptist University meeting with International personnel exploring opportunities for our students at their university during short summer programs.
Mike Willoughby and I met with Dr. Victor Fung high atop his high rise office building. He is Harvard educated and runs a multi-billion dollar enterprise including Asian franchises for Toys R Us and 7-11. He committed to hosting our students for a day within his operations and put us in touch with his Director for the Victor and William Fung Foundation. He will be a good contact moving forward.
I leave for the airport in a few hours. Overall, it’s been a very successful trip! I’ve been blessed, encouraged and challenged. There are so many incredible opportunities here for our students. With God’s guidance and provision – I look forward to returning in the future with our business students.