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Forbes
a day ago
- Business
- Forbes
How Apple Helped Train A Generation Of Chinese Tech Workers
Apple played a role in making China a tech manufacturing powerhouse. During the Mao Zedong era in China, the government took hundreds of thousands of youth from urban areas and sent them to farms and fields as part of Mao's reeducation process. Officials labeled these young people the "sent down" generation and forced them to leave their homes and work in peasant environments. The government denied an entire generation the chance to pursue higher education and earn better wages. (An interesting side note is that the current Chinese president, Xi Jinping, was one of those "sent down" but was able to leave and go to college as he got older.) After Mao died, new leadership saw the folly of the Maoist doctrine and led by new Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping, he and his allies made reforms and gradually led China away from a command economy and Maoist dogma and opened it up to foreign investments and technology. He also introduced its vast labor force to the global market, transforming China into one of the fastest-growing economies. This transformation took place from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s. However, Apple eventually played a major role in helping China develop a tech-trained labor force, which allowed China to become even more capable of building a manufacturing infrastructure of trained workers to operate these factories. When I first began traveling to Taiwan and China in the 1980s, China was still considered a closed country. In fact, I could not fly to China directly from Taiwan and would have to go to a neutral country like Korea or Malaysia to travel from Taipei to sites I was to visit near Shenzen, China. However, many Taiwanese manufacturers were already eager to build factories in China even before it opened up. In 1988, when China was still in the early stages of creating special trade zones, I had dinner with one of the top executives of Acer, a prominent, fast-growing PC vendor. Its Taiwan factories were running 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Acer and a Taipei-based competitor, Foxconn, who made PCs for HP and others, were also running near capacity and lusted after the chance to build new factories in China. By the mid 1990s, China's new trade zones were fully operational, and the country allowed even Taiwanese manufacturers to enter to help it grow its own manufacturing base. Apple accelerated its manufacturing goals in this environment through its partner, Foxconn. Together, they built a world-class operation and trained well over 1 million Chinese youth to make their products over time. Foxconn built actual campuses around the manufacturing facilities, with dorms, cafeterias, and even specialty convenience stores. What is interesting in this scenario is that these factories offered many youths who were still working in the fields a chance to improve. They were recruited and trained to help build Apple products. Apple provided these youth with a dedicated trade school to help them learn to make tech products, especially iPhones. Not long after one of the first campuses opened, a component supplier invited me to the facility. Although security prevented me from entering the campus, I spoke with several trained workers at an offsite location. They gave me a firsthand account of how authorities had forced them to work on farms and how they were now learning trade skills to improve their lives. They explained that, at best, working in the fields, they could make $20-22 USD a month. Now, working in the factory they were making about $100 USD a week. And their room and board were free. By U.S. standards, this may not look like much, but to them, and given the low costs of Chinese goods, these earnings were a godsend. These two workers said they had money to send back to their families and still have money for snacks, clothes and other items that in the past they could only dream about. Although there was much controversy about these working environments and conditions, these kids were glad to have jobs and earn more money than they could ever earn working in the fields. More importantly, they could see a future that did not include working in the fields again. The policies that Deng Xiaoping and his allies implemented after Mao—opening China to foreign investment and technology—played the most crucial role in transforming the country into the world's leading manufacturer of all kinds of goods. But its clear that Apple played a role as well, by creating a trade school-like tech education that helped China build up a workforce capable of managing and working in the thousands of factories in the land of the Red Dragon. Disclosure: Apple and HP subscribe to Creative Strategies research reports along with many other high tech companies around the world.
Gulf Today
2 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
Etihad Airways, STARLUX Airlines sign codeshare partnership deal
Staff Reporter, Gulf Today Etihad Airways has signed a strategic codeshare agreement with Taipei-based STARLUX Airlines, expanding customer access to Northeast Asia and strengthening Abu Dhabi's position as a gateway between East and West. The partnership, announced at the International Air Transport Association Annual General Meeting in New Delhi, enables Etihad customers to connect seamlessly to key Japanese cities including Nagoya, Sapporo, and Fukuoka via Taipei, whilst offering STARLUX passengers direct access to Etihad's European network through Abu Dhabi. Etihad will launch daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Taipei on 7 September 2025, operated by Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The new route creates the foundation for the codeshare partnership, positioning Taipei as a gateway for Etihad's expansion into Northeast Asia. Etihad customers booking through and the airline's mobile app will benefit from streamlined travel with single-ticket bookings, coordinated check-in processes, and automatic baggage transfers to final destinations across STARLUX's Asia-Pacific network. The agreement also opens new pathways for STARLUX passengers to reach European destinations including Prague, Madrid, and Barcelona via Abu Dhabi, positioning the emirate as an attractive transit hub for Asian travellers bound for Europe. Both airlines will launch joint marketing initiatives in Taiwan and establish a reciprocal frequent flyer programme by year-end, allowing Etihad Guest members to earn and redeem miles across both networks. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, said: 'This partnership with STARLUX Airlines opens new market opportunities in Northeast Asia, giving our customers access to Japan's key business and leisure destinations through Taipei. STARLUX Airlines' reputation for premium service aligns perfectly with our standards, and together we're offering travellers more choice and convenience when connecting across three continents.' Simon Liu, Chief Strategy Officer of STARLUX Airlines, said: 'Our partnership with Etihad Airways marks a significant milestone in STARLUX Airlines' global expansion, laying the foundation for future European routes. As one of the Middle East's leading carriers, Etihad is globally recognised for its innovation and premium service—values that strongly align with the STARLUX brand. By leveraging Abu Dhabi's role as a major hub, this codeshare allows us to rapidly extend our network into Europe, offering passengers a wider range of travel options. We also look forward to deepening collaboration on mileage accrual and premium services to ensure an exceptional experience for customers.' The codeshare agreement builds on Etihad's strategic network expansion, which has seen the airline grow to serve over 90 destinations worldwide. The partnership with STARLUX further demonstrates Abu Dhabi's appeal as a premium transit destination, offering travellers world-class facilities at Zayed International Airport alongside the option to extend layovers with Etihad's complimentary Abu Dhabi Stopover programme. Codeshare flights will be available for booking through the Etihad app, and travel partners, with services expected to commence following regulatory approvals. The partnership, announced at the International Air Transport Association Annual General Meeting in New Delhi, enables Etihad customers to connect seamlessly to key Japanese cities including Nagoya, Sapporo, and Fukuoka via Taipei, whilst offering STARLUX passengers direct access to Etihad's European network through Abu Dhabi. Etihad Airways: Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, was formed in 2003 and quickly went on to become one of the world's leading airlines. From its home in Abu Dhabi, Etihad flies to passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. Together with Etihad's codeshare partners, Etihad's network offers access to hundreds of international destinations. In recent years, Etihad has received numerous awards for its superior service and products, cargo offering, loyalty programme and more. To learn more, visit STARLUX Airlines: Founded on the philosophy that luxury should be available to everyone, not just the elite, Taiwan-based STARLUX is a boutique international airline serving a total of 32 routes from Taiwan to the US, Japan, Macau, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore. STARLUX passengers traveling between Asia and North America are able to enjoy an easy transfer in Taipei with its four US routes: Taipei-Los Angeles, Taipei-San Francisco, Taipei-Seattle and Taipei-Ontario. In February 2026, STARLUX will launch its fifth U.S. destination—Phoenix, further strengthening its transpacific network. STARLUX prioritizes safety and offers unparalleled service with the goal of making flying a truly luxurious and unforgettable experience.
Al Etihad
3 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Etihad Airways and STARLUX Airlines sign strategic codeshare partnership
4 June 2025 11:53 NEW DELHI (ALETIHAD)Etihad Airways has signed a strategic codeshare agreement with Taipei-based STARLUX Airlines, expanding customer access to Northeast Asia and strengthening Abu Dhabi's position as a gateway between East and partnership, announced at the International Air Transport Association Annual General Meeting in New Delhi, enables Etihad customers to connect seamlessly to key Japanese cities including Nagoya, Sapporo, and Fukuoka via Taipei, whilst offering STARLUX passengers direct access to Etihad's European network through Abu will launch daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Taipei on September 7, 2025, operated by Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The new route creates the foundation for the codeshare partnership, positioning Taipei as a gateway for Etihad's expansion into Northeast customers booking through and the airline's mobile app will benefit from streamlined travel with single-ticket bookings, coordinated check-in processes, and automatic baggage transfers to final destinations across STARLUX's Asia-Pacific agreement also opens new pathways for STARLUX passengers to reach European destinations, including Prague, Madrid, and Barcelona via Abu Dhabi, positioning the emirate as an attractive transit hub for Asian travellers bound for airlines will launch joint marketing initiatives in Taiwan and establish a reciprocal frequent flyer programme by year-end, allowing Etihad Guest members to earn and redeem miles across both Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, Arik De, said, "This partnership with STARLUX Airlines opens new market opportunities in Northeast Asia, giving our customers access to Japan's key business and leisure destinations through Taipei. STARLUX Airlines' reputation for premium service aligns perfectly with our standards, and together we're offering travellers more choice and convenience when connecting across three continents."Chief Strategy Officer of STARLUX Airlines, Simon Liu, said, "Our partnership with Etihad Airways marks a significant milestone in STARLUX Airlines' global expansion, laying the foundation for future European routes. As one of the Middle East's leading carriers, Etihad is globally recognised for its innovation and premium service, values that strongly align with the STARLUX brand. By leveraging Abu Dhabi's role as a major hub, this codeshare allows us to rapidly extend our network into Europe, offering passengers a wider range of travel options. We also look forward to deepening collaboration on mileage accrual and premium services to ensure an exceptional experience for customers."The codeshare agreement builds on Etihad's strategic network expansion, which has seen the airline grow to serve over 90 destinations worldwide. The partnership with STARLUX further demonstrates Abu Dhabi's appeal as a premium transit destination, offering travellers world-class facilities at Zayed International Airport alongside the option to extend layovers with Etihad's complimentary Abu Dhabi Stopover programme. Codeshare flights will be available for booking through the Etihad app, and travel partners, with services expected to commence following regulatory approvals.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Starlux Sees Trump's Tariffs Undermining Travel Demand to US
(Bloomberg) -- Travelers are delaying trips to the US to the end of the year as a direct consequence of the economic uncertainty caused by President Donald Trump's tariffs, according to Starlux Airlines Co. Where the Wild Children's Museums Are Billionaire Steve Cohen Wants NY to Expand Taxpayer-Backed Ferry The Economic Benefits of Paying Workers to Move At London's New Design Museum, Visitors Get Hands-On Access LA City Council Passes Budget That Trims Police, Fire Spending 'This summer, we see the impact already,' said the airline's chief executive officer Glenn Chai in an interview with Bloomberg News on Tuesday. 'People are feeling uncertain about future economic growth. They are still booking but they postpone to the fourth quarter,' he added, referring to leisure bookings. The high-end start-up carrier says the disruption to business is a headwind but one that is likely to only be felt short-term as it bets the global dispute over duties will be resolved ahead of next year's US mid-term elections. The evolving trade situation only adds to the challenges for the aviation industry emanating from Trump's White House. Additional difficulties include the administration's attacks on Harvard University, which have since broadened out to imposing restrictions on international students. Nevertheless, the Taipei-based airline, which launched amid the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, has grown rapidly. All of its long-haul flights are to America, which remains a key market, helping the carrier develop a broader appeal to customers including transit travelers. On average, 70% of Starlux's flights in business class are via cash bookings, fueled by the strong flow of corporate travel largely underpinned by the semiconductor and broader technology industry, said Chai, speaking at the International Air Transport Association's annual meeting in New Delhi. With long-haul flights from Taipei to Los Angeles, Seattle and San Francisco already, the carrier launched its fourth US route to Ontario, California this week. It is planning to start flights to Phoenix early next year to meet the increased travel demand created by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.'s more than $165 billion investment in Arizona. The next phase of expansion will include an inaugural flight to Europe next year, and at least two more US destinations, with New York and other East Coast routes under consideration. However, getting the necessary new aircraft on-time remains a challenge for the entire aviation industry. Delivery Delays The Taiwanese carrier is being forced to dial back its growth expectations this year with Airbus advising it will deliver fewer aircraft to them than promised, and delays on the remaining jets it will produce. Starlux, which has a fleet of 28 all-Airbus aircraft with new-generation fuel-efficient engines, had planned to grow its capacity by as much as 50% by year end compared to 2024, but that is more likely to be closer to 20% to 30%, said Chai. Chai said it has three more aircraft to be delivered this year, an A350-1000 and two A330neos joining two A350-900s already delivered, four widebodies short of what it had initially planned to receive. Starlux expects delivery of a dozen Airbus jets in 2026. YouTube Is Swallowing TV Whole, and It's Coming for the Sitcom Millions of Americans Are Obsessed With This Japanese Barbecue Sauce Mark Zuckerberg Loves MAGA Now. Will MAGA Ever Love Him Back? Trump Considers Deporting Migrants to Rwanda After the UK Decides Not To Will Small Business Owners Knock Down Trump's Mighty Tariffs? ©2025 Bloomberg L.P. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
AI+ Taipei Startup Pitch Contest: Open Call for Applications From Now Until June 30th
TAIPEI CITY, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Calling all Global Innovators! The Taipei Entrepreneurs Hub (TEH), under the Taipei City Department of Economic Development (DOED), is thrilled to announce the "AI+ Taipei Startup Pitch Contest," welcoming AI startups from across the globe to collaborate and redefine the future. AI+ Taipei Startup Pitch Contest applications are open for submission and accepted until June 30, 2025, Taipei Time (UTC+8). Don't miss this chance to showcase your innovative ideas and be part of the forefront of AI innovation in Taipei. To foster international talent exchange and industry collaboration, TEH is committed to advancing AI innovation, a key driver of economic growth and complex problem-solving. Through the "AI+ Taipei Startup Pitch Contest," we aim to attract top AI talent and startups, encouraging collaboration and unlocking new opportunities in Taipei. This year, TEH has invited prestigious industry leaders and venture capital firms, including ASUS and SYSTEX, to serve as judges. International startups are encouraged to participate and develop market expansion plans targeting Taiwan. The 6 selected teams will be invited to Taipei for a Demo Day and business trip in late October, with travel and accommodation expenses fully covered by TEH, offering a unique opportunity to connect with potential partners and investors in Taiwan. During their stay, customized matchmaking sessions and business itineraries will be arranged, facilitating networking and collaboration with Taipei-based companies, venture capital firms, and other key stakeholders. The AI+ Taipei Startup Pitch Contest offers 6 global entrepreneurs a platform to exchange ideas, learn from leading AI experts, and forge partnerships with future collaborators and investors in Taiwan. Stay tuned for updates on the upcoming Demo Day, where top teams will showcase their innovative solutions in Taipei. Together, we look forward to building a brighter, AI-driven future. About Taipei Entrepreneurs Hub (TEH):TEH, which was established in 2021, is a government-backed international community for innovative talents in Taipei. The goals include supporting foreign startups to soft-land in Taipei through online/offline programs like networking events, boot camps, pitch contests, match-makings, and Demo Day. For more information on our activities, please visit our official Facebook page at [Link] or our LinkedIn page at [Link]. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Taipei Entrepreneurs Hub Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
