Cheung - World Trade Center (Mon)

[Anonymous]

In reading the first portion of this article on foreign investment I was very surprised to see how many foreign businesses there are in the United States and more specifically in Southern California. I am shocked that 10% of jobs in Southern California are a result of foreign business. In recent political conversation about jobs being sent overseas, it sounds like there are an awful lot of jobs that are being supplied as well and probably vice versa.
Question: With Japan being #1 for Foreign Owned Establishments, why is China so far down on the same list?

These articles and charts were worth the glance.

[Anonymous]

The question posed about the educational system and being connected to helping our students falls into a long list of problems. Common Core has a lot of push back from teachers and parents, however it is needed because it truly helps students to think critically. Our educational structure is so in a box that we have trained our kids to think only one way to get an answer. Many teachers find it hard because its easier to simply teach that "one way" to solve a problem. It's up to teachers in the classroom and parents at home to allow our students to think outside of the box. We can set a bar such as a rubric, but still allow students to navigate their way to the top instead of telling them the one or maybe two ways to get there when in fact there can be multiple ways. Using career success as an analogy, and seeing Stephen and the way he navigated to the position he is at today is not the traditional way our mind is structured for a person to be hired or have the necessary experience for that position. So we have to start at the Pre- K level to have this type of open ended type of thinking and creativity and allow it to continue throughout for students. If we continue this as teachers in our educational system, I believe over time we can change the idealist type of thinking we have in mind for a person to reach multiple levels of success.
edited by jmallard on 7/25/2016

[Anonymous]

First of all, I'd like to thank Steven(or is it Stephen?) for taking the time to speak to us today. I was most impressed not by his knowledge of the subject, but by his genuine conviction in making a positive difference in the community. I can only imagine the frustrations he had to endure and the bureaucracy he had to weave through in order to get anything done.
Having said that, I'm concern about the housing affordability issue. While it is great that we can get more and more foreign companies to invest in our city, the side effect of that would be the rising cost of housing and living standards. There have been a growing trend of college graduates moving back to live with their parent, not because they want to but because they cannot afford to live on their own. It's becoming harder and harder for young couples to pursue the American dream of owning a home locally, especially when they have to compete against investors who can pay everything in cash.

[Anonymous]

Great presentation by Robert Cheung of the World Trade Center. Good to see that Los Angeles is being proactive in courting electric car investment in the area in light of Toyota pulling out of Torrance. My class while studying elements of art was looking at electric car designs for China for their innovative use of shape and form.

[Anonymous]

Stephen Cheung, presentation about Los Angeles, blew my mind away. I lived in at least 6 different cities in the LA county, but never thought about how many cities are part of it, 88 to 100 with the incorporated cities. Also, the that LA's economy is larger that some European countries

[Anonymous]

It was a surprise to find out that Japan ranks the #1 for foreign owned establishments in the United States. Many people might think it is China. China sell a lot of products to the United States, but these products are not produced in the United States, so it won't create many jobs in the states. Also, Japan owns more prestigious manufacturing companies than China, such as Toyota, Honda, Sony, Nissan, etc. But it is hard to name even one prestigious Chinese manufacturing company. I only know TCL, Haier, and Lenovo. Not that famous as Toyota or sony. I hope you heard of them before.

[Anonymous]

First of all, I want to say thank you to Mr. Cheung for the fantastic presentation.

Although I am here in LA as a recent immigrant and I see people from different places of the world every day, I often forget that I am in the most globalized city in the world. Mr. Cheung's presentation reminded me of what kind of place I have lived, and I think history teachers must teach about this in the beginning of school year especially in California. I believe students can find history classes more interesting, if they know they will learn about the roots of their neighbors who are from different parts of the world.

By the way, I found a link to Mr. Cheung's presentation: https://prezi.com/dznkm4n2ailp/uli-presentation/ .

[Anonymous]

I feel lucky to have this opportunity learn so many information related to L.A from Stephen Cheung. Many times we hear people talk about the economic issues about U.S, or Los Angeles but never have chance to learn exactly the basic information of this city.
From the number of the incorporate cities, the percentage of different industries in L. A, the impact from the foreign owned companies, to how the education system for the new job market. Stephen is really opened our view to the new trend of trading in Los Angles.

[Anonymous]

Aside from the interesting data presented by Stephen, what resonated with me, as both a teacher and as a father of two young people, was the idea that we as consumers have a lot of power over the ups and downs of our economy, including the trade deficit. However, we can only wield this "power" if we're informed and educated about all sides of the proverbial coin so we can make educated and calculated decisions with our resources. I think it's important for our young people to understand the ripple effects of our spending has on the local economy and thus quality of life for ourselves and others. Problem solving and critical thinking as skills should be at the forefront of all that we do as educators. Jmallard hit the nail on the head, so to speak, when it was mentioned that open ended thinking in Pre-K should be the standard. If this type of thinking was developed throughout K-12 (or possibly shake up the system entirely and make it a Pre-K - College/Trade curriculum) then our kids would organically find their individual niches because they would be given time to think, communicate and collaborate to solve real problems, together. Seeing any topic/issue "globally" is key, but it has to start "locally" so as to not overwhelm the mind. I felt the Hot Pockets to Dumpling story was just brilliant! Thanks for that! I'm going to use a lot of what was shared today in my World Cultures: Pacific Rim class.

[Anonymous]

As an educator and father of a 5 and 2 year old, I have to wholeheartedly agree with the open ended thinking idea. I have had the good fortune to have taught in Pre-K, K, elementary, middle and now high school, not to mention coached high school football, for over 15 years. The absolute best, most resonant and valuable learning that I've ever observed were "ah ha" moments where the students problem solve for themselves using the structures we (as teachers) create around them to support their collaborations. If we give too many "rules" we train our young people to be rigid and not flexible. We need just enough rules to keep them alive/safe, but allow for risks to be taken without fear of judgement because fear of judgement is what paralyzes all kids, young and old. Thanks for that comment, jmallard.

[Anonymous]

Stephen Cheung’s lecture was very fascinating to hear. Learned how important LA county is when compared to the rest of the earths international trade and how it is considered the number one trade center in the world. His lecture was very much and eye opener for me because I have to admit that I am one of the drivers that hates going to Long Beach because of the pollution I see near the ports. I also hate to see so many trucks driving by me in the mornings because of the pollution they emit. After his lecture it helped me appreciate how much LA county does for the US. I now understand why China and the USA work so close to together because of the trade and commerce they produce which leads to economic growth. Now this would be a great introduction to any lesson that teaches about China. This can get students to become more engaged in the topic and understand the importance LA county does for the USA and not just California. I definitely plan on using the resources provided.

[Anonymous]

While Stephen's report, without question, serves as a invaluable resource for the international business community seeking to do business in the region and for those scholars and academics studying the movement of people, goods and ideas, his personal story and the work that he does through the non-profit is just as compelling if not inspiring. In addition, I learned a few things about the Ports of L.A. and Long Beach today, satisfying my some of my curiosity that is pique every time I drive past those behemoth superstructures. I have a greater appreciation for the role that trade plays in the exchange of ideas, and the complex web of interconnectivity.

[Anonymous]

Great presentation from Robert Cheung of the World Trade Center. Appreciate hearing the story of his personal background. Nice to see such talented sincere local grown leadership. Really a testament to why as an area of immigration we become stronger. These are not just benefits for us but lessons for nations like Japan that are struggling to find their own way. As long as individuals like Stephen remain positive and optimistic we all benefit from their experiences. Do really hope he considers higher office some day individuals like this will get my vote. Would be nice to have electric car investment from China to replace Toyota.
edited by rbrady on 7/26/2016
edited by rbrady on 7/26/2016

[Anonymous]

Amazing man, awesome presentation, unbelievable life... I enjoyed every second of his presentation. The numbers he was talking about were hard to understand. While I felt great learning that LA is #1 in many aspects, it was also scary learning that we are loosing major companies to places with less regulations and cheaper work force. I can't believe that Mr. Cheung was a social worker before becoming the President of World Trade Center in LA. I have learned a lot from his presentation and appreciate all his hard work. It was obvious he enjoys everything he does, and he should be a role model to our future generation.

[clay dube]

Quick reply to Yan. Japanese investment in LA is no. 1, but in the US as a whole the UK is the top cumulative investor.

[Author]

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