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Sunday, 5 of February of 2012

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Hong Kong Thinking

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I flew to Hong Kong on Friday; I’m running a workshop for a client on Monday and Tuesday. Here are some random observations:

  • Plane departed 15 minutes late because, according to the pilot, “we were a bit heavy” and they had to offload some cargo. What did they do, put a 747-400 on a scale? How did they know?
  • Facinating mix of old and new technology in use in HK. I was walking down the street observing the scaffolding used for the rebuilding of an older 10 to 12 story building. It was all hand-lashed bamboo. Tried and true technology at work. At the same time a bus pulled up and I watched a young man pass his wallet near a fare-reader by the driver. RF technology at work. Interesting mix of pragmatism.
  • Cell phone ubiquity — I walked down a busy shopping street. More than half of the young people I passed had a cell phone to their ear. Less than 10% of old people (like me) had a phone. I wonder what will seem old about the young people when they age? I wonder if they think they will ever get old?
  • Great public transportation. Lots of busses and trolleys and most of the riders were young. How will they feel about public transportation in the years to come?
  • Went for a walk, took a wrong turn and got lost. Fascinating experience when you don’t speak the language. Thank goodness for maps. I wonder if we could make better use “maps” in business to help the people who don’t speak the language of business find their way?

I’ve been traveling for about 40 years now — hate the travel — love the trip. It opens eyes. Comments?

Date: May 16th, 2009 @ 21:42

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Brad ShorrNo Gravatar

in May 17th, 2009 @ 08:20

Hi Bill, Hope your trip goes well. I like the way you put it – hate the travel, love the trip. Too bad we don’t have transporters like Star Trek! You’re in a fascinating part of the world and I can’t wait to hear more observations when you return.

Brad Shorr’s last blog post..Keywords in Anchor Text Produce SEO Power

Dave PancostNo Gravatar

in May 17th, 2009 @ 14:17

Hi, Bill,

I love your questions about what will seem old about the current young people as they age.

Just recently I saw the new Star Trek movie. I remember the first time I saw Star Trek. I actually saw the premier episode on NBC TV. I went to my Grandparents’ house because they lived about 8 blocks away on top of a hill. TV back then relied on antennas and ours wasn’t tall enough to pick up the signal from our local NBC affiliate. Imagine that. :-)

The world around us has indeed changed. Some good, some not so good, but change is, as they say, inevitable. I don’t know what changes will come, we are advancing technologically at such a rapid pace its hard to pinpoint anything specific. I do know, however, it will be fascinating to watch. :-)

Bill WelterNo Gravatar

in May 18th, 2009 @ 14:39

Dave, Thanks for the comment and I especially like the “fascinating to watch” ending. I have a good friend that keeps telling people to rebuild their sense of wonder rather than they fear of the future. Like you said — some good, some not-so-good — but it sure will be fascinating. Bill

Fred H SchlegelNo Gravatar

in May 19th, 2009 @ 16:51

Hong Kong is a place I would like to see. I hear stories about how internet connectivity, cell phones and other technology seems to be leapfrogging the US’s initial lead, I guess in part because the later start lets newer technology take hold.
Used to be the Europeans would drop by and be amazed at how quickly we would be willing to tear down a perfectly good building to put up something new. I think that helped power our economy in many ways and hopefully is not something we’ve lost. Be a shame if we start traveling to Asia looking in wonder at how quickly they’re willing to tear down and start something new while we hang on to the old and outmoded.
Hope your trip goes well!

Fred H Schlegel’s last blog post..Ways To Kill Business Innovation Through Analysis

Bill WelterNo Gravatar

in May 19th, 2009 @ 17:44

Fred,
The future of technolgy usage certainly seems to be Asia — the walk from my hotel to my meeting venue was maybe a third of a mile and I passed 10 -12 stores selling cell phones. Also, the density of this place makes Chicago look like a rural town. Possible bottom line is that new technology goes viral because so many people are exposed to it every day.
Bill

grayspiritNo Gravatar

in May 24th, 2009 @ 18:11

The cell phone has become a major method of communications in Asia, but probably more for texting than calling.

One of these days, I need to train my 10 thumbs to be able to text quickly. I learned to type many years ago, but guess I need a course in texting.

Joanne OlivieriNo Gravatar

in May 24th, 2009 @ 21:11

That is one of the things I love so much about Hong Kong is the contrast between old and new. Have a great trip.

Joanne Olivieri’s last blog post..The Poetry Chapbook

Bill WelterNo Gravatar

in May 25th, 2009 @ 18:16

Joanne,
You hit the nail on the head! Hong Kong is simply fascinating! Old men sweeping the streets with simple brooms and young adults constantly pushing the technology envelope! Like I said, I hate the travel (15 hours from Chicago) but I love the trip.
Bill

Bill WelterNo Gravatar

in May 25th, 2009 @ 18:22

Grayspirit ( I LOVE that name),
I’ll trade your ten thumbs for my ten elbows. It’s fascincating watching technology “change the game.” However, there is no choice but to keep up (as best we can) or to become irrelevant. I don’t mind growing older (I’m 63) BUT I refuse to become irrelevant!
Cheers, Bill

AndrewNo Gravatar

in May 29th, 2009 @ 08:08

Hi Bill,

Thanks for your very thoughtful comments on my blog, Good Honest Dollar.

I would say that a 747 would almost certainly break the scale in my bathroom!

With respect to cargo, provided that all cargo and check luggage is weighed during the baggage check in process, I suppose that the machines could record the weight of each item and sum the total to arrive at an aggregate figure, which could then be compared with a set safety limit for a plane of the size concerned.

I had a very short visit to Hong Kong earlier this year, and I can certainly relate to what you are saying,

I can certainly understand your frustrations with respect to the issue of directions. In Korea, it’s even worse, because not only does only a small portion of the people speak English, but their are no street names or numbers.(Buildings are generally marked by the building name, and apartments sometimes have a building number, but this does not correspond to any form of street number)

How does one survive? Maps, as you say, are essential, and I have found that the very small amount of Korean which I can actually read and speak comes in very handy.

Andrew’s last blog post..Will good intentions wither in tough times?

Bill WelterNo Gravatar

in May 30th, 2009 @ 10:40

Andrew,
Thanks for the comments. As I said in my post, I hate the travel but love the trip. It’s tough getting around strange scities, but the experience always seems to enrich.
Cheers,
Bill

John DeLeonardisNo Gravatar

in June 29th, 2009 @ 14:39

Willie: 1. I missed you by two weeks in Hong Kong!
2. English is one of two official languages… impossible to get lost and not get directions.
3. I will go out on a limb and surmise that for sure they do weigh the 747 before it takes off… not by weighing luggage I don’t think… people weight would not be caught that way… must be scale on tarmac somewhere?

Bill WelterNo Gravatar

in June 29th, 2009 @ 15:22

John,
Next time I’ll wait for you (or you can wait for me.)
I guess you’re right about the weight — I’ll have to ask around and get a firm answer.
Bill