Friday, October 30, 2015

Detroit Electric build first car.

I read today that Detroit Electric built their first car this week.
The business model is (I believe) to obtain a body from an OEM and electrify the power train.
This first model is an Elise based project. Why? Lotus/Proton could do it themselves.
If this is successful, maybe they will.
Detroit Electric have changed the back to look like an old Triumph GT6. (Below)
Here is the Detroit Electric car. (Below)
I met Albert Lam some years ago. He kindly gave me two hours of his time. He could not see a revenue stream in my proposal.
He has obviously seen a revenue stream here. Good luck to him. I'm sure he won't be offended if I say in my opinion he made the wrong decision.
Once again, Albert was kind enough to listen to me (and pay for coffee!). I appreciate that.

Monday, October 26, 2015

I actually shared this on facebook. Mark Zuckerberg speaking Mandarin.

I am not much of a facebook user. This blog is a functional tool to promote my pet project, one I hope will become a reality in the not too distant future.
The project is global. In my view internet enabled learning is here already, and will grow and become more inclusive and accessible.
People in our global community practice different religions, and speak different languages. This can be embraced and enjoyed, or rejected/ignored.
Having worked abroad for a portion of my adult life, I have on occasion decided to learn foreign languages.
People who speak English as a first language often expect others to speak English, and make little or no attempt to learn the language of the country they work in. I myself am guilty of this.

From a Corporate perspective this can be a mistake. Whilst working in Germany for General Motors (contract) I would see a dozen Germans speaking German in a meeting, and a British rep from a British Design house would walk in. The Germans would revert to their second language, namely English to accommodate the person.

Privately, this would cause a little resentment. It is a barrier to doing business in that country.

I was impressed to see Mr Zuckerberg representing himself and his company so proficiently in China.

Not only is Mark culturally aware, he is also an excellent business man (obvious, I know).

Will I be learning Mandarin any time soon. If I'm honest, probably not. Would I like my project to have a Chinese presence? Absolutely.

Here is Marks speech. Delivered in Mandarin. I'm sure its not perfect (just a guess... sadly).

Sunday, October 25, 2015

China has signed an educational framework with the UK

I just read an article on official Chinese site:
 2015-10-25 21:42:26    CRIENGLISH.com      Web Editor: Chu Yiming

Xi's UK Visit Roundup: Red Flags, Red Carpets and Red Envelopes for People's Benefits 

1) Britain will start to issue a two-year multiple-entry visa for Chinese tourists beginning in 2016 according to the British embassy in Beijing.
It is prompted by an increasing number of high net worth tourists from China.
2) The Chinese and British governments have already signed an ambitious framework to expand collaboration in higher education, vocational training and secondary education, on top of closer collaboration in sports education.
As part of his time in the UK, Chinese President Xi Jinping took time out to tour the Imperial College in London.
Observers are suggesting the tour could be a sign the Chinese government may be preparing to make education a higher priority in China-UK ties in the future.
3) The Bank of China (BOC) has announced the establishment of the London Trading Centre for the Chinese yuan and launched the BOC-yuan Bond Trading Index.
4) A branch of the Legoland amusement park is to open in Shanghai. It is a joint venture between Britain's Merlin Entertainments Plc. and China Media Capital. Merlin is the world's second-biggest theme park operator behind Walt Disney Co.

I found item number 2, most interesting:
2) The Chinese and British governments have already signed an ambitious framework to expand collaboration in higher education, vocational training and secondary education, on top of closer collaboration in sports education.

I have added my television interview with Bernama. In it I mention China. I certainly see China as a market for my proposal:
The political landscape is changing, and as far as my proposal is concerned, changing favourably.