Saturday, April 30, 2005
Watching DVD in a grass hut with cows
Recently, I asked Drake to dispence some advise. Instead, he gave me a posting and a whole lot of wisdom.
Like Jesse, I feel a moral dilemma. But I have a heavier stance, and it takes me a while to get going (in Jesse's analogy, the water is probably up to my shoulders before I jump out and start running).
Of course, the ultimate question of pursuing a lucrative corporate position versus working out in the middle-of-nowhere African community is difficult. But hey, what isn't? Either way, there are impact and consequences to taking each option.
A couple months ago, I consulted Paris about this same issue, but at a different angle. What I took from our conversation was the need to take decisive steps and responsibility to my decision. Opportunities are ever fleeting. If you ambiguously chase different rabbits, you end up with none in the pot.
After graduation and before I set out for Hong Kong, my train of thought was: "I'm going to do anything it takes to contribute positively to developing societies." This included the practical question of private sector vs. public sector. At the time, naiive little me said "I want to do both and find a path that impacts the MOST!"
I still say it.
I have always knew, in my head, the impact that multinationals and first world consumerism brought to developing countries. Jobs in factories. Low cost labor. International working standards. Know-how. Global brands - that push mom and pop shops out of business, or a drive to become creative/competitive. Global brands - that everyone wants to elevate their social status.
I saw it first-hand when I worked in a multinational manufacturing company in Hong Kong. A chance to compare and contrast China, Taiwan, Japan, Philippines, Malaysia, India, Thailand. Learning competitive advantage of each region. Learning a new industry.
What do I do with such knowledge? The skills I gained working at a prominent and progressive global company? Is it enough so that I can truly impact a developing world? You see, my bias towards the developing world is that "they need a whole lot more resources than the developed world" - simply put, I want to push for a concept of reverse-brain drain. But it is not a mere one-way push of first world ideas and products to the developing world. What's necessary is a practical way to link resources for the benefit of both worlds.
I have always been fascinated with advanced technology, and I am starting to grow a dream of building a company/organization that explores the application of first world technology in third world countries. Along the way, I will need to build a network of people who have the similar drive and have the skills to make it a reality. People who are in the devleoping world and people who are able to procure the technology in the first world. I also need to gain the skills.
I am still dreaming.
I still haven't decided what I will do next, but it will be in line with my dream. It will always connect.
Like Jesse, I feel a moral dilemma. But I have a heavier stance, and it takes me a while to get going (in Jesse's analogy, the water is probably up to my shoulders before I jump out and start running).
Of course, the ultimate question of pursuing a lucrative corporate position versus working out in the middle-of-nowhere African community is difficult. But hey, what isn't? Either way, there are impact and consequences to taking each option.
A couple months ago, I consulted Paris about this same issue, but at a different angle. What I took from our conversation was the need to take decisive steps and responsibility to my decision. Opportunities are ever fleeting. If you ambiguously chase different rabbits, you end up with none in the pot.
After graduation and before I set out for Hong Kong, my train of thought was: "I'm going to do anything it takes to contribute positively to developing societies." This included the practical question of private sector vs. public sector. At the time, naiive little me said "I want to do both and find a path that impacts the MOST!"
I still say it.
I have always knew, in my head, the impact that multinationals and first world consumerism brought to developing countries. Jobs in factories. Low cost labor. International working standards. Know-how. Global brands - that push mom and pop shops out of business, or a drive to become creative/competitive. Global brands - that everyone wants to elevate their social status.
I saw it first-hand when I worked in a multinational manufacturing company in Hong Kong. A chance to compare and contrast China, Taiwan, Japan, Philippines, Malaysia, India, Thailand. Learning competitive advantage of each region. Learning a new industry.
What do I do with such knowledge? The skills I gained working at a prominent and progressive global company? Is it enough so that I can truly impact a developing world? You see, my bias towards the developing world is that "they need a whole lot more resources than the developed world" - simply put, I want to push for a concept of reverse-brain drain. But it is not a mere one-way push of first world ideas and products to the developing world. What's necessary is a practical way to link resources for the benefit of both worlds.
I have always been fascinated with advanced technology, and I am starting to grow a dream of building a company/organization that explores the application of first world technology in third world countries. Along the way, I will need to build a network of people who have the similar drive and have the skills to make it a reality. People who are in the devleoping world and people who are able to procure the technology in the first world. I also need to gain the skills.
I am still dreaming.
I still haven't decided what I will do next, but it will be in line with my dream. It will always connect.
// posted by sakit @ 11:04 AM 
Comments:
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Are you talking primarily about reversing brain drain in terms of human capital or are you talking about closing the digital gap? Maybe both?
Which are you more passionate about?
If you are more passionate about the digital divide, it makes sense to get more exposure to the technology industry even if only to give you a solid foundation (even if you're not the expert). Look for opportunities with companies that are likely to pursue international growth in the next 5 years or already send expats to the countries you are most passionate about developing.
It's usually easier to go from the corporate world to the non-profit world later than vice versa. Despite transferable skills, you need to be a good salesperson to sell why you are interchangeable between sectors and industries.
Other options are working for a municipality or metro area in their economic development dept. Become an expert on how cities like the Bay Area, Chicago, etc. have maintained and grow their tech investment and industries. Then you will be able to serve a similar function with firsthand knowledge in another country.
I'll keep the comment "short" for now.
Which are you more passionate about?
If you are more passionate about the digital divide, it makes sense to get more exposure to the technology industry even if only to give you a solid foundation (even if you're not the expert). Look for opportunities with companies that are likely to pursue international growth in the next 5 years or already send expats to the countries you are most passionate about developing.
It's usually easier to go from the corporate world to the non-profit world later than vice versa. Despite transferable skills, you need to be a good salesperson to sell why you are interchangeable between sectors and industries.
Other options are working for a municipality or metro area in their economic development dept. Become an expert on how cities like the Bay Area, Chicago, etc. have maintained and grow their tech investment and industries. Then you will be able to serve a similar function with firsthand knowledge in another country.
I'll keep the comment "short" for now.
Dear Sir.
My name is Philip Buskey from nigeria.I am a business man. I deal with Electronics like.PHONES,LAPTOPS,DIGITAL CAMERA AND DVD PLAYER. Have been in this business for the past 4 years now.I could not find a consumer reviews section. I was looking at numerous websites for a good deal on a PHONES,LAPTOPS,SATELITE, DIGITAL CAMERA and DVD player. e.t.c . That is one aspect of online buying that I greatly rely on as a consumer. I decided to go with etronics because of the professional interface and consistency of your presentation. I would love to give a positive review.And have make a Deal with a man called smith charles, the manager of dell company in london.
And it has been a pleasure to do business with your company.I'm finding that every product you folks sell is significantly cheaper than what I'm finding elsewhere. I don't know how you manage that, but you've won yourself a loyal customer for as long as you stay in business. My new strategy is to get a hands on feel/listen for electronics at local stores, and then literally save a bundle by ordering it from your company.And my payment method is by cheuqe or transfer money into your bank account.So please i will look forward to your reply ..
Regards .
Philip buskey.
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My name is Philip Buskey from nigeria.I am a business man. I deal with Electronics like.PHONES,LAPTOPS,DIGITAL CAMERA AND DVD PLAYER. Have been in this business for the past 4 years now.I could not find a consumer reviews section. I was looking at numerous websites for a good deal on a PHONES,LAPTOPS,SATELITE, DIGITAL CAMERA and DVD player. e.t.c . That is one aspect of online buying that I greatly rely on as a consumer. I decided to go with etronics because of the professional interface and consistency of your presentation. I would love to give a positive review.And have make a Deal with a man called smith charles, the manager of dell company in london.
And it has been a pleasure to do business with your company.I'm finding that every product you folks sell is significantly cheaper than what I'm finding elsewhere. I don't know how you manage that, but you've won yourself a loyal customer for as long as you stay in business. My new strategy is to get a hands on feel/listen for electronics at local stores, and then literally save a bundle by ordering it from your company.And my payment method is by cheuqe or transfer money into your bank account.So please i will look forward to your reply ..
Regards .
Philip buskey.
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