This talk aims to address the two predominant perspectives in the West towards the East (specifically China) -- ambivalence and ignorance. Given my first-hand experiences working with top global brands in Shanghai this summer, and having worked with Chinese corporations going public in HK, I would like to share my stories as a mean to showcase the opportunities embedded in China, and the crucial importance for our generation in the West to abandon all preconceptions, and become truly accepting of the fact that West is not better than the East.

I will share some anecdotes of my experiences in dealing with the common criticism against China -- censorship, communism, state ownership, corruption, lacking international property, social apathy, superstition, culture of emulation and copy-cats, corruption, etc. Thereafter I will illustrate how the Chinese people are actually very content with how their society has grown over the last five decades, and explain why ignorance to this contentment has led to many major foreign corporations failing in this exciting market. I will end the presentation in challenging the audience to see China through a new and objective lens, and to find ways to apply their western education to support the exciting growth that will occur in China in the next few decades. China will certainly change the overall socioeconomic landscape of the 21st century world, and our generation has a lead role in shaping that.

(http://terry.ubc.ca/tedxterrytalks)

About TEDx, x = independently organized event

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations). www.ted.com/tedx