Page 68 - MASALA Magazine Vol.15 Issue 8 | December - January 2025

many popular websites like Google and
If I could turn back time, I wouldn’t change
a thing. This city has shaped me in ways YouTube were blocked, which made
I never imagined, and I feel grateful for
the journey.
adapting even more difficult.
After 16 years, would you say your
experience in Guangzhou has been
fruitful?
My overall experience has been incredible. ability to source anything and everything How challenging has it been?
I love this city and everything it offers. instantly is what makes China the ‘global Guangzhou is only a 2.5-hour flight ride
Initially, the language was challenging, but factory’ of the world. away, which makes it a lot easier to keep in
I knew I had to learn it to succeed. The government has also played a significant touch and visit my family and friends back
It took about a year, and I’m still improving role in supporting the industry. By home. As for me, I moved here when I was
daily. Learning the language helped me maintaining vibrant local markets, allowing 21 and got married about four years ago.
build relationships with colleagues and suppliers the flexibility to operate efficiently, My wife and kid live in Guangzhou with
suppliers. and facilitating customer access to China, me, so it’s been great to have them here
Technological advancements came they’ve made doing business here seamless. after being alone all these years. I was also
later, making life easier. The harder the The organisation of global trade fairs, such lucky to be able to meet my parents, my
experience, the stronger you become, and as the Canton Fair in Guangzhou, further sister and all my friends quite often, and it
my time in China has proven that true. It showcases the country’s commitment to didn’t affect the relationships as much. Of
helped me mature and grow beyond my connecting businesses and fostering growth. course, when it comes to friends, that was
comfortable bubble in Bangkok. Making While challenges do exist, such as the age everyone started their own journey
foreign friends early on also helped me navigating cultural differences or staying in life, so keeping in touch on a daily basis
settle in quicker. compliant with regulations, I’ve found
that the opportunities far outweigh them. was tough, but nothing has changed after
Can you give us a brief breakdown of The business-friendly environment and all these years.

how the work culture differs from other infrastructure have made it much easier How do you keep your Thai-Indian
countries? to operate and grow. Overall, China’s heritage alive in unfamiliar territory?
Efficiency. Efficiency. Efficiency. This is efficiency, resources and support have When it comes to my Thai heritage, the only
the one major difference I have noticed been instrumental in helping my business way I could do this is by eating as much Thai
between work culture in China and succeed in this highly competitive industry. food as possible [laughs]. However, when
anywhere else in the world. I have clients it comes to my Indian background, it was
mainly from South America and I have Is it safe to say this is part of the family much easier to keep it alive as I have a lot
noticed their way of working compared to business? of my Indian friends who live here as well.
China are worlds apart. In China, everyone As mentioned earlier, I decided to work We have Diwali balls, parties and countless
is a workaholic, whether it be the janitor in under my uncle for around six years before gatherings that help us keep in touch with
the building or the top-level manager in the starting my own path. So, in a way, it is our heritage.
company. Doing the job right, regardless of something that a lot of the elders in my
the time it takes, is their number one priority. family members do for work, but it also isn’t, Do you plan on staying in China for the
My suppliers and staff would happily reply as I chose my own industry in terms of what foreseeable future, or is there a move back
to any inquiry, be it at 7 am or at 10 pm! I I supply and also to which clients I supply. to Thailand?
have had times when I have come to the What I do is, what you can say, an extension A move back to Thailand is definitely on
office on a Sunday to catch up on some of of my father’s business but completely on the cards. I have been away for so long and
my work, only to find all of my staff here my own to new markets and clients. now that I have a new baby boy in my life, I
as well! When questioned, “What are you want him to experience what I did growing
all doing in the office?” their reply was, Have your relationships with the local up in Bangkok. My wife and I have decided
“Sorry boss, we couldn’t finish everything by Thai-Indian or Indian community in that raising him till the age of 4-5 years-old
Saturday, so we wanted to come and get the China been nurtured well? in China would be the best scenario for
job done.” Their commitment to the job is When I first moved to Guangzhou, only us and only move back to Thailand when
truly unbelievable and is also probably one two of my Thai-Indian cousins lived here. he has to start schooling. Even though I
of the biggest reasons why China is where Our community was small, with about 100- love Guangzhou and have my business
they are today. 200 people, but it grew significantly over
the next five years. We have a close-knit established here, a move back to Bangkok
How well has your industry grown over the community where everyone knows each is long overdue. A lot of my friends have
past years, and what supports the success? other. Many Indians live in Regal Court, done this recently, moving their immediate
I work in the fast fashion clothing industry, which also houses our local mandir and family overseas and travelling back for work
when they need to. This is something that
primarily serving South American markets. Indian supermarket, making it easy to meet I would do as well in the future. Many of
To put it simply, what I do would not be and connect with others. Newcomers are my closest friends have moved and/or are
possible anywhere else in the world. Fast warmly welcomed to help them settle in. planning to move sometime in the future.
fashion requires access to a vast and efficient Age isn’t a barrier to friendship here; I have As for me, if I do move, there will be no
supply chain, including fabrics, accessories, friends ranging from 26 to 56 years old, both other place than Thailand.
designs, and quick lead times. In China, I married and single, with kids or without. It’s
can complete a task in 30 days, which would a refreshing change from my life in Bangkok.
take at least 120 days in Thailand. The
How do you balance business and family?

68 | MASALA MAGAZINE DEC 2024-JAN 2025