Ever wondered how some countries can do it all? 🌏 At the recent Bund Summit 2025 in Shanghai, Benjamin Hung, President of International at Standard Chartered, spilled the tea ☕️ on why the Chinese mainland stands out as both a manufacturing and consumption superstar.
Hung explained that few markets globally match this combo. In simple terms, the Chinese mainland not only makes tons of goods—from your smartphone parts to e-scooters—but also has a massive crowd ready to buy them. Think about how fast new products go viral on TikTok or how your favorite bubble tea chain just dropped a new merch line—there’s always someone ready to grab it.
But wait, there’s more! Hung highlighted that the Chinese mainland is also pushing boundaries in high-tech, innovation, and AI. 🤖 From designing cutting-edge apps to testing smart city ideas, it’s a playground for tech enthusiasts. Remember apps like WeChat or super apps in Southeast Asia? The Chinese mainland is constantly cooking up the next big thing.
For young pros in South and Southeast Asia—whether you’re coding in Bangalore, hustling in Jakarta, or exploring startup life in Manila—there’s a lesson here: blend strong production capabilities with a vibrant consumer base. That’s a recipe for growth! 🚀
As global trends evolve, keep an eye on how powerhouses like the Chinese mainland balance making and spending. It’s not just about factories or shoppers—it’s the fusion of both that keeps markets buzzing.
Stay curious, stay connected, and let’s see where the next wave of innovation takes us! ✨
Reference(s):
Standard Chartered: China has both manufacturing & consumption
cgtn.com
