More than 600 Business China members and Lianhe Zaobao readers attended the Eminent Speakers Series 2010 held on the afternoon of 30 May 2010. Jointly presented by Business China and Lianhe Zaobao, the forum featured two media veterans, Mr Qian Gang, China Media Project Director of Journalism & Media Studies Centre at The University of Hong Kong, and Mr Jin Wei-Tsun, Founder of Business Weekly (Taiwan). Both speakers shared insightful analyses centered on the theme: “Role of Media in Social Change: A Cross-Strait Perspective”.
In Mr Qian Gang’s presentation, he outlined 3 Cs: Control, Change and Chaos. He explained that despite control, the Chinese media has evolved as China progressed from planned economy to a market economy. Catalysing this change is the emerging New Media, which has allowed greater press freedom through citizen journalism. However, he also observed chaos in the Chinese media as many succumb to either commercial or political powers to remain viable. In conclusion, he hopes the Chinese media can shoulder more social responsibility and be less influenced by political and commercial powers.
The other speaker, Mr Jin Wei-Tsun, approached the subject from a global perspective. He analysed that the western civilisation driven management has proven itself unsustainable. Through the recent Foxconn tragedy, it is apparent that youths today could not fit into this system. New civilisation must be created, lest tragedy repeats. He predicted that today’s youths will lead this change. As such, the media should be the catalyst for successful transformation.
Moderating this forum was Mr Lim Jim Koon, Editor for Lianhe Zaobao. This is the third year Business China jointly organizes Eminent Speaker Series with Lianhe Zaobao. This annual series features prominent personalities who are highly regarded authorities in their respective fields. Guest Speaker for Eminent Speakers 2009 was Professor Justin Lin Yifu, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of The World Bank.