Ever wondered about all those expats you see around Shanghai?
Who are they and what are they doing here?
Well, now there is a way to discover who the movers and shakers
of the city are, with a new guide distinguishing who's who in
Shanghai.
Titled "Who is Who," the guide is already popular in other major
cities around the globe, offering insider knowledge of the top dogs
of their particular turf.
The most famous, of course, is Marquis "Who's Who" published
worldwide. Shanghai's guide is not affiliated with the widely
known, well-established and differently spelled "Who's Who."
The Shanghai guide, the first in China, is to be launched in
June. A pre-edition with over 1,000 entries is available now. The
number of entries is rising by the day. From top managers and CEOs
to artists and entrepreneurs, it unites successful people in the
city.
"It creates a community to be able to locate people to work with
and meet through organized events and the publication," says French
expat Frederic Renou, the former editor who recruited many of the
candidates in the guide.
Who is Who-type publications have been circulating around the
world since the mid 1800s, highlighting successful people.
"With the influx of foreigners to Shanghai launching, building,
and growing new and existing international businesses, the idea of
highlighting the very people who contribute to this incredible city
of Shanghai and are introducing international flavor was
intriguing," he continues.
Published by Wai White Dragon, the guide was founded by Laszlo
Fazekas and Richard Bako of Hungary.
"Although this guide has no association with other 'Who's Who'
publications worldwide, it was directly inspired by its principles
and concept," says Renou.
"The project is really exciting and exclusive in Shanghai. I
enjoyed meeting a variety of people from many businesses, people
from different industries and countries, and people who brought
different cultures and flavors into the city."
Renou and his team started with a small network of people
working and living in Shanghai, and then built up their contacts.
"We strongly rely on our members and other people's references. We
believe successful people know successful people here, and those
references are usually great candidates for our publication."
To be included in the "Who is Who," candidates are interviewed
by one of the editors, and if eligibility criteria is satisfied,
they are included in the guide.
There are so many benefits, continues Renou.
"There's exposure for yourself to represent your company and
promote your business and what you do. It's a way to get background
about the successful people in Shanghai. It's a more personal way
to network and we aim to broaden the networking experience. It
gives recognition of what you are doing and what you have done
before, and it is also a nice way to leave a mark."
With distribution first and foremost to members, it will
eventually be sold internationally. The aim is to be available to
people who want to know who is working in the city and who are
potential business contacts in Shanghai.
The pre-edition is out now as a sample and can be purchased. The
first edition of the "Who is Who" will be out in the beginning of
June.
(Shanghai Daily May 21, 2007)