Thomas Hoon

I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Business Mentor at GD,HK & Macau International Youth Entrepreneurship Hub !

I am excited with my role to empower the next generation of innovators. As a business mentor at the Innovation Workshop, I'm thrilled to be part of this dynamic environment. I'm passionate about working with young entrepreneurs, helping them refine their ideas, navigate the challenges of launching a business, and unlock their full potential.

When an SUV Becomes a Boat 🚙➡️⛴️

Innovation always surprises me, but this one stood out.

The Chery Jetour G700 recently crossed a 1,480-meter river in 22 minutes on 16 October.

Fully loaded. Three tons. Using military-grade turbo thrusters. Not a ferry. Not a prototype. A production SUV.

Pre-sale in the first 100 hours reached over 10,000 orders. Price? About USD55,000.

And the experience? Million-dollar SUV feel at a fraction of the cost.

Why I’m paying attention:
💡Engineering creativity: Land, water, even rough terrain.

💡Waterproof, AI-stabilized, luxury inside and out.

💡Innovation: They are exploring capabilities that can inspire the global industry.

For me, this isn’t about competition. It’s about seeing bringing new possibilities to consumers.

Have you seen any vehicles recently that made you rethink what’s possible? 👇

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video src: 纵横侶行

Never Serve Only Three Dishes in China 🍲❌

As someone who regularly hosts Chinese companies and partners, I’ve learned that getting these cultural details right builds instant trust and often, lasting friendships.

As a host, you need to know how to order.
Because here, dining isn’t just about food.
It’s about respect, relationships, and reputation.

Three dishes? Big no.
❌ In traditional culture, offerings of three dishes were made during rituals.
❌ Three sounds like “散” (sàn), meaning “to scatter” or part ways.
❌ Even numbers feel complete and auspicious, while odd ones can feel lacking.

What works instead:
✅ 6 = smoothness 🟢
✅ 8 = prosperity 💰
✅ 9 = longevity ㊗️
❌4 sounds like “death” (死, sǐ).

These traditions may sound small, but they show respect for guests.

Meals here aren’t just meals.
They’re the unspoken language of connection in China.

How do you usually host your Chinese guests? 👇
Would love to hear your approach.

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He was trembling and still walked on stage.

And suddenly, the room wasn’t watching perfection. They were watching courage. 👏

A teacher, hands shaking, voice cracking, told said he had been preparing for this day for a month.

Despite it, he still trembles.

The difference? He didn’t run. He didn’t freeze. He embraced the fear and showed up.

💡 Courage isn’t the absence of fear. It’s moving forward even when your hands shake.

P.S: Till today, he still trembles but he embraces it as part of himself and post on his social media channel 叫体育的邓老师

Have you ever done something that terrified you but showed up anyway?

Share your story below 👇

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Sorry, you can’t talk about money unless you’re certified. 💸

That’s basically what China’s new law says to influencers.

As of this week, creators who post about finance, medicine, law, or education must now prove they’re qualified with real degrees, licenses, or certifications.

Platforms like Douyin, Bilibili, and Weibo have to verify every claim. No credentials, no posting.

Sounds strict? Maybe. But here’s the problem this law is trying to fix 👇
❌Health influencers selling “miracle” cures.
❌Finance gurus hyping stock tips that wipe out entire savings.
❌Education creators misguiding students
❌Legal commentators twisting facts to fuel viral outrage.
❌Scammers posing as “legit” investment experts and vanishing with the money.

Let’s be honest. Misinformation has become a global virus.
And it spreads faster than truth.

So… part of me thinks this is a good move.
It raises accountability and filters out reckless advice.

But another part of me wonders:
Will it silence authentic voices who share wisdom without formal papers?
What happens to those with real experience but no degree?

What do you think?

✅ A step toward online responsibility?
❌ Or the start of creative censorship?

Drop your thoughts below 👇
Let’s have an honest discussion.

🔁 Repost if you’ve received bad advice from social media
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What does an art student have to do with pancakes? 🎨🥞

Most of us would probably say nothing. But here’s something I came across earlier this week.

A post-95 art grad, once a kids’ art teacher, is drawing cartoon characters on pancakes in Chengdu.

Instead of teaching in a classroom, she’s putting her artistic skills to work on a frying pan, turning pancakes into a spectacle that captures attention and drives business.

Every evening:
✔️ONLY 30 spots/day
✔️Each pancake sells for 15 - 25 RMB
✔️Crowds erupt every time she flips a pancake

Do the math: that’s 450–750 RMB/day from just 30 pancakes. Not bad for a night market stall.

But here’s the bigger picture:This isn’t just pancakes. It’s:
✔️A personal brand in the making
✔️Potential IP licensing for her art
✔️Social media content that drives attention, followers, and sponsorships

Sure, it takes 10 minutes per pancake. But she’s showing that entrepreneurship can start anywhere, even at a frying pan in a night market.

Would I queue 10 minutes for a pancake like this? Maybe.
Would I pay attention to someone who sees opportunity everywhere?Absolutely.

💡 Next time you’re walking a night market, look for the unexpected. What skill of yours could become a business?

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🦸‍♂️ Ever feel like life just throws you into a pool of crocodiles?

I’ve been there. A few years back with one of the companies I have invested, one of my warehouses caught fire and 80% of my stock went up in flames. It was a nightmare. It felt like everything I worked for was gone in an instant.

We reached out to customers to explain the delay. Some understood. Others didn’t. One said, “It’s your problem that your warehouse caught fire. We still want our orders.

Here’s the thing: It was stressful times but we didn’t panic. We rolled up our sleeves and got to work. We sourced temporary stock from Malaysia, started rebuilding inventory, and kept communication open every step of the way.

Was it easy? No. Watching 5 years of hard work go up in smoke was brutal. But when you’re staring down the crocodiles, there’s no choice but to keep moving forward.

What I learned: It’s not the crisis that defines you. It’s how you respond to it.
👉 What’s your crocodile moment? How did you handle it?

4 Hours with One Person Taught Me More About APAC Markets Than 10 Years of Reports

Two weeks ago in Bangkok, I met Harvey Y., Penang-born and the creator of Six Generations. One Workforce.

We’d only connected on LinkedIn earlier this year, but over 4 hours of conversation (and drinks), it felt like we’d known each other for decades.

Despite our different journeys: Harvey in Thailand for 10+ years, me in Thailand for 3 years before moving to China, we are on the same edge.

Both of us have extensive experience managing across Asia Pacific in our corporate careers, giving us a deep understanding of what it takes to navigate complex markets.

Key insights from our conversation:
✔️ Markets are ecosystems, not clones
Every city behaves differently. One-size-fits-all strategies fail.

✔️ Execution speed is everything
Trust-building takes months in some markets, hours in others. Know the pace, adjust, and don’t assume one approach works everywhere.

✔️ Learning happens faster in conversation than reports
I’ve met hundreds of APAC contacts, traveled countless cities, and attended endless meetings. But sitting down with someone equally seasoned, questioning assumptions, and comparing notes in real time teaches more than reports ever will.

Covering APAC is about connecting experiences, asking tough questions, and applying lessons fast.

If you work across APAC, what unexpected insights have shaped your strategy.

I’ll be back in Kuala Lumpur from 23–27th October. I am always happy to meet contacts and customers while I’m in town.

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I almost lost a deal because I didn’t understand this one simple rule.

If you’ve ever joined a Chinese banquet, you might’ve heard this phrase:

👉 “隔人不敬酒” : Don’t toast across someone.

Sounds harmless, right?
But in China, it means much more than table manners.

At my first few banquets in Guangdong, I was eager to show respect. I stood up, glass in hand, ready to toast the key client directly across the table.

Then I noticed the silence.
Everyone froze for half a second.

Later, a partner gently told me:
“You just skipped two people in between. That’s like saying they don’t matter.” 😳

That was a wake-up moment.

In Chinese culture, you move in sequence: one by one, acknowledging everyone along the way.

It’s not about the drink; it’s about recognition.

Skipping someone breaks harmony.
And in business, harmony is everything.

It taught me the deeper meaning of 人情世故: the wisdom of relationships.

Respect, inclusion, and order build trust far faster than any contract.

So next time you raise your glass:pause.
Look around.
Toast with intention.

Because sometimes, how you drink says more than what you say.

💬 Have you ever misunderstood a local custom that changed how you do business?
👇 Share your story below.

I Grew Up Holding My Breath Every Time I Saw a Chinese Vampire... to Avoid Detection 🧛‍♂️

Some kids feared monsters under the bed. Me? I feared Chinese vampires (jiangshi): stiff, hopping corpses that could drain your life force with a single glare.

Fast forward a few years, Halloween rolls around, and I think: Why just fear them… when you can BE one?

Here’s what happened when I fully embraced my childhood terror:
👘 Robe on point straight from that era
🖤 Pale makeup so convincing that friends gasped… and one ran away.
🚗 Hopped into my car...yes, vampires apparently drive too…
🚨 Traffic police noticed...got a verbal warning. That’s when I realized laws apply to the dead too.

😅 Lesson learned: childhood fears can be awesome and fun… especially when you survive them with a smile (and a ticket).

💬 Your turn: What’s the famous scary figure in your culture that made childhood unforgettable? What will you be dressing up as tomorrow for Halloween?

🔁 Repost if your childhood fears were this real… or this hilarious.
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🚨 Why I might ditch my iPhone for a phone that can’t even play TikTok

Sounds crazy, right?

But hear me out… I’ve been testing an E Ink smartphone. E Ink smartphones have existed since 2013, but they’re enjoying a quiet revival.

It's basically a Kindle that makes calls. Black-and-white. Paper-like. Quiet. Slow.

Why I’m tempted:
✔️No blue light. No eye strain.
✔️Battery lasts days, not hours.
✔️Perfect in sunlight.
✔️Distractions such as TikTok, Instagram vanish...
✔️No fancy camera. Suddenly, I actually notice life.

Yes, it runs WhatsApp, Facebook, even YouTube but videos look like black-and-white 60s films. And that’s the point.

It’s not about entertainment.

It’s about focus, clarity, and reclaiming my mind.

Would I switch completely? Maybe not.
Would I use it to breathe and think again? Absolutely.

💬 Could you trade your glowing, addictive screen for one that actually lets you breathe?

He took a ferry from Hong Kong to Nansha... just to see what’s really happening here.

On Tuesday, I hosted Justin Chia, CertICM in my capacity as Tourism & Cultural Ambassador of Nansha, Guangzhou.

He travelled 90 minutes by ferry from Hong Kong Harbourcity to meet me.
He wasn’t here for sightseeing.
He wanted to see the future of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) up close.

In just 6 hours in Nansha Guangzhou, we covered:
✅ Cruise Center Operations: Nansha welcomes international cruises like a pro.
✅ Local Village Lunch: Real culture, real flavor, right on the riverbank.
✅ Innovation Base owned by Huo Family Business Group
✅ City Highlights: Passed by Nansha Provincial Government office, CBD, Financial Hub, AI Medical Hub, and AI Agriculture zones.
✅ Lightning MRT: 160 km/h to Panyu and back, connecting the GBA faster than ever.

At the end of the visit, he smiled and said
“I’m definitely coming back.”

This isn’t hype.
It’s momentum and it’s accelerating faster than most realize.

Special thanks to Jin Chong for the connection 🙏

💡 Thinking of exploring the GBA market?
Come on the next round. You’ll see what PowerPoint decks can’t show.

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The Most Awkward Toast I’ve Ever Been

My foreign colleague once stood up at a dinner in China and raised his glass to everyone, which includes C levels from China mobile.

He meant well. But the room went silent.

While its common to toast in Western culture in China, only the host, leader, or guest of honour does that of toasting to everyone.

He didn’t know that.
He just wanted to be polite.
But to everyone else… it looked like he was claiming authority.

That one small moment changed the tone of the whole evening.

💡In China, etiquette isn’t about rules. it’s about reading the room.
A single gesture can build respect… or break rapport.

If you’ve ever seen a cross-cultural moment like this go sideways, share it below 👇

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While the world screams tensions… trade keeps moving. 🌍

President Xi met President Trump in Busan. Headlines screamed conflict. The real story? Trade moved forward. Deals were made. Plans set. Opportunities created.

Key outcomes:
⚖️China & U.S. agreed to economic, trade & energy cooperation.
⚖️Some tariffs reduced, rare earth export restrictions paused.
⚖️China to resume U.S. soybean purchases and curb illicit fentanyl precursor exports.
⚖️Both sides committed to people-to-people exchanges and frequent dialogue.

From my perspective this meeting is part of a long-term superpower rivalry, now shifting to tech, trade, and supply-chain control. The meeting is a tactical truce, not a full strategic reset

While the deals provided business breathing room, structural issues such as tech security, export dependencies, strategic risks remains.

Trade is the bridge. Politics is the distraction. In uncertainty days like this, we should:
💡 See opportunity, act fast.
💡 Connect people, not obstacles.
💡 Deliver value first. Everything else follows.

💬Do you agree? How is tariff currently impacting your business?

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Pic Source:核心观

🚀 AI-Generated Ads Is The Future of Marketing?

AI is revolutionizing content creation. Companies are leveraging it to produce ads faster, more efficiently, and with surprising creativity.

I recently tested Hey Gen to create an ad for a product... underwear that collects farts to power smartphones. lol

While it’s a just for fun concept, I was shocked at how polished and professional the AI-generated ad turned out in just two minutes.

It made me think: AI isn’t just a tool for speed but it’s opening up new creative possibilities in advertising.

But here’s the big question: Will AI-generated content redefine the advertising industry? 🤖💡

What do you think? Have you experimented with AI-generated ads? Which tools are you using, and what’s been your experience so far?

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Few students dream big. Fewer actually take action to realize.

During their school holidays, a handful of students did something most only talk about

They came to China on their own. 🌏

Curious about my posts on China, they didn’t just scroll. They took action to reach out to me:.

What they experienced over past two days:

✅Navigated the madness of the Canton Fair
✅Learned about dinner culture of China
✅Explored GBA incubation base and Singapore Knowledge City
✅Met government official and understood policy first-hand
✅Negotiated directly with wholesalers with no middlemen
✅Spoke and learnt from dreamakers in the Greater Bay Area
✅Walked through factories, seeing how products are made

This wasn’t a field trip. It was a masterclass in curiosity, courage, and action.

They didn’t wait for permission. They didn’t wait for the perfect opportunity. They created it by reaching out.

💬 Moments like these remind me why I believe in experiential learning over classroom theory

🔁 Repost to inspire others to act.
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Aaron Ang Rae Tan Brandon Wei Joanna Kai Yang Hanson Lee Helen

I Flew From Guangzhou to KL Just for This And Here’s Why! ✈️

Multi-million deals on the table? Maybe. The other half from here? Nope.

Singaporeans and Malaysians share deep roots (my mum was born in Johor).

That bond makes every meetup more than just a networking event: it becomes personal.

Thursday: red-eye from Guangzhou, delayed, departed 3:30am, landed 9am.
First thing? Meeting LinkedIn connections in real life.

Today on Saturday, I’m happy to support @Eric Siew for his #MKKFest. Why?

I overheard he was worried about turnout. So I committed — no matter how busy, I’d fly in and show up.

Weekends are precious, and investing mine to help someone grow their network and spark real conversations feels incredibly worthwhile.

Some things a click can’t replace: trust, laughter, shared experiences, and genuine connection.

💬 How do you go the extra mile to connect with your network?

I met founders, innovators, and dreamers and they all are chasing the next big thing business idea at the Canton Fair. 🚀

I spent Day 1 exploring Phase 1 of the 138th Canton Fair, focused on consumer electronics, industrial tech, tools, and vehicles.

The scale this year is remarkable:
💡Over 240,000 overseas buyers from 218 countries
💡1.55 million sqm of exhibition space.
💡32,000+ exhibitors, including 3,600 debuting companies and over 10,000 high-quality enterprises.

The vibe?
Less factory floor, more innovation lab.

After 12 years in Guangdong, I’ve seen how the Fair evolved from product showcases to platforms for AI, smart manufacturing, and green tech.

This year, the energy felt different. More young founders, more stories of transformation.

One encounter that stood out. An university startup team demonstrating a smart robotic arm designed for precision assembly.

Their passion reminded me that the future of industry isn’t just efficiency. It’s imagination.

Phase 1 was just the beginning. Thanks to everyone who reached out and met during the Fair.

Always great conversations, and even better coffee. ☕

🔁 Repost to share the momentum from Canton Fair.
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I love buying from them just because I can get my purchases within 24 hours.

That kind of speed doesn’t happen by accident.
The company I am talking about is JD.com and they are powered by one city in the Greater Bay area: Dongguan.

For years, JD.com has quietly built one of China’s most advanced logistics hubs here:
⚡ The Dongguan Asia No.1 Intelligent Park
⚡ Robots that sort, pack, and ship
⚡ AI systems that predict what customers will buy before they click
⚡ And fleets of green delivery vehicles covering the Greater Bay Area

Why Dongguan?
Because it sits perfectly between Shenzhen and Guangzhou, right in the heart of the manufacturing and logistics web.

It’s not just a factory base anymore. It’s the engine room of modern e-commerce.
It’s a glimpse into the future of global logistics.

Would you buy more often if everything you wanted could reach you within 24 hours? 👇

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Source: JD.com

Guangzhou just opened a new gateway and this is not just any airport. ✈️

On October 30th, the Baiyun T3 Terminal + 5th runway officially opened, setting a new standard for China’s airports. But here’s the real kicker:
💡 Built at the cost of $77B USD
💡 China’s first airport with 5 commercial runways
💡 Capacity: 120M passengers & 600K tons of cargo annually

The airport is a super charger for business, innovation, and travel.
🌸An awe-inspiring blend of Chinese elegance, Lingnan heritage, and international flair.
💡Digital twin construction, an airside botanical park, and public art installations.
🏆Top 3 aviation hub in China and the largest terminal gardens in China with warm interiors and fully digitized operations

Why does this matter to you?
✔️ Business: Open doors to faster, smarter access to key GBA hubs (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Macau)
✔️ Jobs: The rise in airlines, logistics, and tourism means new career paths
✔️ Entrepreneurs: It’s a launchpad for connecting with clients, partners, and talent across the region. The opportunities are endless.

This isn’t just an airport. It’s a platform for growth, opportunity, and connection in one of the world’s most dynamic regions.

💭 Having worked in the GBA for 12 years, I’ve witnessed how infrastructure like this transforms cities, businesses, and careers.

Guangzhou is opening their doors to a world for business opportunity.

The question is: Are you ready to walk through them?

If you are interested to find out more about GBA, let’s meet, share insights, and unlock new opportunities together. 🚀

🔁 Repost & follow Thomas H. for more

Video src:姚控器

Honored to be recognized among illustrious leaders in Greater China by New In Asia! 🙏

It’s inspiring to be included alongside voices that are reshaping industries while grounded in local insight and thinking globally.

For me, this recognition confirms that the China-focused insights I share are useful: helping people who want to learn about China and those looking for opportunities here see what’s happening on the ground.

I’ll keep sharing content that’s practical, actionable, and grounded, showing why this region matters on the global stage.

Steady lah, you are 15th already.
It's been a while since I used that phrase.
I held that plaque today during the photo-taking.
I laughed.

The Chinese attendees asked what it meant.
I said, “Steady lah means well done.”
Simple. Confident. Very Singapore.

And honestly… that is the Greater Bay Area right now.
Momentum rising. Talent congregating. Intent becoming action.

I joined a closed-door event to celebrate China Singapore Guangzhou Knowledge City.
Fifteen years of work. Fifteen years of belief. Fifteen years of results.

Then it hit me.
Singapore plays the long game.
Invest in people. Invest in systems. Invest in trust.

The panel proved it.
Minister of State for Trade & Industry and National Development Alvin Tan led the discussion.
The founders on the panel have either studied or worked in Singapore.
Then brought back knowledge and expertise to scale companies.

This is how ecosystems grow.
This is how the GBA scales.

Lesson for companies entering China:
Talent is the engine. Partnership is the bridge.
Invest in both. Growth will follow.

Imagine the opportunities if your company could plug into this growth?

I mentor at two incubation bases and serve as Cultural & Tourism Ambassador for Nansha.

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Your EV battery is outdated. 🔋

Right now, it uses flammable liquid to store power. Risky, right? And it’s not even efficient.

Now, imagine a solid-state battery.
It’s safer. It stores 2–3 times more energy in the same size. And it’s lighter.
No more leaks. No more explosions.

A Chinese research team just cracked the big problem: a self-healing interface. This means the battery can fix itself and stay strong longer.

What does this mean for you?
Phones that last longer. Electric cars that drive further without charging. Even electric planes could take off with solid-state batteries.

This isn’t just a “cool new thing.” It’s a major upgrade.
If companies (especially EVs) don’t adapt to this, they’ll be left behind.

What device would you upgrade with 3x battery life? Drop a comment or tag someone who needs to see this.

The solid-state era is coming. Share before everyone catches up.

(Meanwhile, somewhere in China, a NIO car continues to celebrate...)

The worst sales mistake starts with four words: your price is high.

I learned this the hard way.
When I was younger,
I was eager.
I was scared to lose the deal.

A client pushed back on price.
I panicked.
I explained every feature.
Every benefit.
Every shiny thing.

They went cold.
I lost them.

Then I watched my mentor handle the same line from another client.
Same objection.
Different energy.

The client said the price was too high.
He didn’t defend.
He didn’t rush.
He didn’t explain.

He asked.
What’s your ideal plan?
What’s your budget?
What do you really need?

The client started opening up.
Scope changed.
Expectations shifted.
A new deal appeared.

That day I learned something.
Clarity beats defense.
Listening beats talking.
Questions beat features.

Your clients don’t reject your price.
They reject misalignment.
Help them align.
Help them see fit.
Help them shape the plan.

Price is a number.
Value is a feeling.
And feelings decide deals.

How do you handle the price objection?
Drop in a comment below.

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