The seminar was sponsored by BBC World News and BBC.com.
Taking the concept of 'made in China' to a new level, high-end clothing label Shanghai Tang now positions itself as the nation's global luxury brand.
Asked why he decided to call his business 'Shanghai Tang', Sir David replied: "I decided not to call it 'made by China', because at the time the reputation of China was growing, but it was still generally negative more than positive. From a clothing point of view it represented cheapness rather than luxury. So I played with the words and changed it to 'made by Chinese'. I felt this also had a more personal touch. It was a marketing ploy to steer away from some of the negativity of 'made in China'".
Sir David then pointed out that China's image has changed considerably. He asked Leyl: "Have you been to Shenzhen? The copies of these handbags and watches - they look just as good. The effectiveness of what Chinese can do is incredible. Just by putting in a couple of quality controllers at Shanghai Tang, we raised the standard. This image of China as crap, is crap itself".
Leyl then asked Sir David about building brands in China. Pointing to Google, Sir David said: "Google came [to China] and now it's decided it wants to leave. But I cannot believe the moral high ground it took for its departure . The only reason it withdrew, was that the Chinese, being so clever, would eventually find out all the secrets.”
Sir David Tang is a Hong Kong business man and socialite, best known as the founder of the Shanghai Tang Group. Though he sold his entire interest in the company in 1998. He is also a columnist for Apple Daily, where his colourful upbringing and challenging opinions can be enjoyed.
Known for his love of Cuban cigars, Sir David is also a cigar importer and the Honorary Consul of Cuba in Hong Kong. His other interests include aviation and gold-mining. In 2008 he was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) in recognition of his charity work.
Sir David was born in Hong Kong and attended The Perse School in Cambridge.
Taking the concept of 'made in China' to a new level, high-end clothing label Shanghai Tang now positions itself as the nation's global luxury brand.
Asked why he decided to call his business 'Shanghai Tang', Sir David replied: "I decided not to call it 'made by China', because at the time the reputation of China was growing, but it was still generally negative more than positive. From a clothing point of view it represented cheapness rather than luxury. So I played with the words and changed it to 'made by Chinese'. I felt this also had a more personal touch. It was a marketing ploy to steer away from some of the negativity of 'made in China'".
Sir David then pointed out that China's image has changed considerably. He asked Leyl: "Have you been to Shenzhen? The copies of these handbags and watches - they look just as good. The effectiveness of what Chinese can do is incredible. Just by putting in a couple of quality controllers at Shanghai Tang, we raised the standard. This image of China as crap, is crap itself".
Leyl then asked Sir David about building brands in China. Pointing to Google, Sir David said: "Google came [to China] and now it's decided it wants to leave. But I cannot believe the moral high ground it took for its departure . The only reason it withdrew, was that the Chinese, being so clever, would eventually find out all the secrets.”
Sir David Tang is a Hong Kong business man and socialite, best known as the founder of the Shanghai Tang Group. Though he sold his entire interest in the company in 1998. He is also a columnist for Apple Daily, where his colourful upbringing and challenging opinions can be enjoyed.
Known for his love of Cuban cigars, Sir David is also a cigar importer and the Honorary Consul of Cuba in Hong Kong. His other interests include aviation and gold-mining. In 2008 he was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) in recognition of his charity work.
Sir David was born in Hong Kong and attended The Perse School in Cambridge.
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