Metro Special
Q & A
(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-03-26 08:02
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Tim Leung poses for fashion magzines. Provided to china daily |
METRO: People either run to Beijing or run away from somewhere else, which is the case with you?
I did a business degree in Australia and also studied Chinese. I wanted to come here to further my understanding of the Chinese language.
METRO: What do you hope to get out of your stay in the capital? And what do you hope to give back?
The reason I stay here is because I want to make money. I saw opportunity here and wanted to take advantage of it. Hopefully I will give back meaningful events for people in the city to enjoy.
METRO: Where do you usually hang out and what's different about it compared with your hometown?
During the day, I am usually in the office. At night, I am out at least three or four times a week in bars or clubs, building relationships and looking for new business opportunities. I like to go to LAN Club. The design is interesting - it is not your average venue. Compared with Sydney, Beijing is totally different. There is a lot more variety in terms of clubs and music. You can't just go to a club and expect to get in (in Sydney). Everything about it is guest list and VIP. That is rare in Beijing.
METRO: Do you consider yourself as part of the city or do you ever get lonely?
Part of the city. Beijing can be a lonely place if you don't have good friends, but I have always felt comfortable here.
METRO: Do you have many Chinese friends and how do you view them: As friends or as Chinese?
I do have a lot of Chinese friends and I view them as friends.
METRO: What is your favorite and least favorite part of Beijing and why?
For me, my least favorite part is the quality of life. There is too much pollution and traffic and a lack of green, open space. I find it hard to buy goods I can find at home. Otherwise, I really like the atmosphere here. Beijing is not for everyone. A certain type of person will like Beijing. I think Shanghai and Hong Kong are a little pretentious. Beijing still has this traditional element, which makes it feel more like China to me. People are down-to-earth, which means a lot to Australians. That is a trait we value.
METRO: In terms of local slang, what is your favorite one-liner?
Niubi, which means, "You're the man." But it can also not be very polite, so I may have to choose another one!
METRO: Is Beijing going to be part of your past or your future?
Definitely future. Now I have started a company and I am committed at least for the next five to 10 years.
(China Daily 03/26/2010 page38)
