| |
| |
![]() |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
SHENZHEN, China: China's southern city of Shenzhen has been at the forefront of the country's vast economic transformation over the last 30 years.
But as other Chinese cities also begin their own economic transformation, Shenzhen is finding new ways to stay ahead of the competition.
Shenzhen is afraid that it may be overtaken by developments in the Shanghai region, which started out later, but is said to be more planned and orderly.
The city wants to move up the value-added chain by focusing on hi-tech industries and product innovation.
At an industrial park in Shenzhen, reform and innovation are the buzzwords for its telecommunications, software, electronic and medical firms.
Zhang Hengchun, director-general, Shenzhen High-Tech Industrial Park, said: "We encourage innovative products as these fetch a higher premium in the export market. We hope to move away from manufacturing as the returns are low and its products often subjected to global economic fluctuations."
Shenzhen wants more companies like Huaqiang. Calling itself a cultural entertainment and technology firm, Huaqiang produces 3D imaging technology and is the pioneer of cylindrical 4D theatres.
4D theatres combine the existing 3D technology with sensory and special effects such as feeling the wind blowing against your face, or water spraying at your feet.
Its software and animation products have been sold in the US, Canada and Italy.
Xiao Hongwei, Huaqiang employee, said: "I learnt 3D animation design and production in Guangxi. More people are now learning it. Upon graduation, most of us can start work immediately."
Given the massive industrial restructuring in Shenzhen, workers in the metropolis must soon be equipped with better skills and higher training. And this is especially timely, given that over half of the migrant population in the city only has the equivalent of junior high school education.
Chen Peng, a migrant worker, said: "I have only completed lower middle school. Most of us come to Shenzhen as our villages are poor."
Even though the economic downturn has rendered many unemployed, the resilient spirit that has defined Shenzhen means that many are planning to upgrade their skills.
Zhining, a medical equipment employee, said: "We go for on-the-job training to become more familiarised with our jobs and other areas of the company's operations."
Shenzhen was recently awarded the UNESCO City of Design, the only non-Japanese city in Asia to receive the award.
Clearly, design and innovation has paid off in a city which has popularised former leader Deng Xiaoping's saying that "to get rich is glorious". - CNA/ms
|
