Daryl Urbanski and Roel Bruysters discussed the challenges and opportunities of doing business in Asia, particularly in China. They emphasized the importance of cultural understanding and adaptability in navigating diverse markets. They also discussed the potential for Chinese investment in Pacific islands, highlighting the need for balance between economic growth and local community needs. Finally, they discussed the importance of community-led development in the region, emphasizing the need for local knowledge and respect for the local community.

Resources

• You may Connect Roel on his website
• You may follow Roel on LinkedIn
• For more Informative Interviews Click Here.

Episode Highlights

Doing business in China, with insights on cultural norms and language skills

• Roel Bruysters shares his experience in doing business across Asia, including 25 years in China.
• Roel Bruysters lived in China in the 1980s and 1990s, experiencing significant cultural differences.
• Roel Bruysters recounted the challenges of training staff in a hotel in Xi'an in 1989, with no common sense or service standards.
• Roel Bruysters early impressions of China were not good in 1989-1990, but they have since changed and become positive.
• Roel Bruysters has immersed themselves in China's culture and language, which has opened doors for them in their career.
• Roel Bruysters shares positive experiences of doing business in China, finding it easy to enter and operate with respect for local culture.
• Roel Bruysters advises Western entrepreneurs to be aware of cultural norms, such as bowing and giving name cards with two hands, to show respect.

Cultural differences in communication styles in China

• Daryl Urbanski shares insights on doing business in China, emphasizing the importance of cultural understanding and customs.
• Roel Bruysters highlights the listening skills of Chinese people, noting their tendency to absorb information rather than engage in small talk.
• Roel Bruysters describes a Chinese business meeting culture where directors present pre-prepared statements without debate or discussion, with the chairman making decisions after listening to all opinions.
• Roel Bruysters compares this culture to a "big family at a dinner table" where individuals speak in turn, with a patriarchal structure.

Chinese investment in Pacific islands, with focus on unrealistic expectations and lack of consideration for local communities

• Daryl Urbanski interviews Roel Bruysters about their experience living and investing in China and the Pacific Islands.
• Roel Bruysters describes a failed Chinese investment project in a small Pacific island nation, where the investor's vision grew unrealistic and ignored local needs.
• Roel Bruysters has seen similar patterns in other Chinese investment projects in the Pacific, where the investors' dreams outgrow reality and disregard local comfort levels.

Using non-profit foundation to facilitate responsible investment in Pacific islands

• Reverse approach: consult with Pacific Island communities before matching investors with their needs.
• Roel proposes creating nonprofit foundation to attract Chinese investors for development projects in Micronesian island.
• Roel proposes donating X-ray machine to impoverished hospital in island nation to create goodwill and smoothly greenlight investment project.

Corporate social responsibility, community development, and cross-border investment

• Local knowledge and respect for the community are key to successful cross-border investment.
• Daryl Urbanski shares his perspective on adding value to a community before moving in.
• Roel discusses their personal experience of resetting their priorities and focusing on creating long-lasting projects that benefit island communities.

Private initiative in Pacific Islands, seeking partners for strategic thinking and online presence with Roel Bruyster

• Roel highlights private organization's efforts in Pacific, despite challenges.
• Roel works with 90 like-minded individuals, including retired officials and civic society leaders, pro bono.
• Roel seeks partners for think tank to create fresh ideas and identify funding models.
• Roel needs assistance in social media content creation for their non-profit organization.

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