[Chapter 937: Overtaking on the Curve]
You can't judge a country's economic health or its strength just by looking at GDP. Soros was busy, and William White certainly wasn't sitting around either. He had to figure out why, amid the raging Asian financial crisis, the government of White Land wasn't making a move.
Conspiracy theories could only explain the government's behavior. The six major financial groups and nine major trading companies in White Land were all tough to deal with.
The political world might compromise or turn a blind eye, but these business tycoons wouldn't. Just look at the investments in Southeast Asia; everywhere, you could see the shadows of White Land's financial conglomerates.
"Back so early? Didn't they take you out to Roppongi for some fun?" someone joked.
"Roppongi? I heard those hostess clubs don't really like foreigners. Something about being too big--I don't quite get it. Suzuki, do you know?"
"Pfft, it's not a brothel, ha ha ha. But if you went to those clubs, you'd definitely become a target of attention."
William White rolled his eyes. Given his status now, even if he wanted to go out partying, he had to be careful about his image. There were paparazzi in White Land, and they wouldn't necessarily cut the world's richest man any slack.
On the contrary, if they got some hot photos, they'd be front-page news the next day.
Early next morning, William White appeared at the headquarters of Legendary World. To be honest, the scene with hundreds of people bowing simultaneously was a bit over the top. And that was only part of the leadership team. If the entire staff showed up, well, that would be quite the inspection.
William White nodded slightly, not paying it much mind. It was just White Land's culture, nothing about brown-nosing.
"Fujita, sit down. Everyone, sit."
William White took the lead and sat in the front seat, looking at the group of men in suits below with a wry smile. With his casual outfit, he thought, "Great, tomorrow the papers will have a field day."
But he was overthinking it. When you succeeded, you were admired, and your style would quickly become fashionable.
"Fujita, I noticed that there are still lots of word processors in the office area. Do employees not know how to use computers?"
"Sir, that's true. It's gotten better now. A year ago, fewer than 20% of employees could use computers fluently."
"That won't do. In a year, word processors need to be phased out. I think, to keep their jobs, employees wouldn't mind learning more."
"Understood, we will strictly enforce this."
White Land's culture seemed to be 'good enough is enough.' William White couldn't comprehend their mindset.
But he didn't need to. No wonder there were so many copiers around. If everyone used email, where would all those printed documents come from?
The outdated office methods received ruthless criticism. Of course, this year's performance was good and deserved recognition. William White knew how to balance rewards and punishments well.
Back in his office, he stared silently at the old computer on his desk.
"I'm running a high-tech company, aren't I? Is gaming and comics considered traditional industry here?"
Maybe it was best to bring the computer games division back home; the environment here just wasn't right.
"Fujita, do you know what kind of training classes are most popular in Rabbitland?"
"Computers?"
"Yes. In at most three years, those skilled in computer use in Rabbitland will surpass White Land completely."
"Really? I thought they were still behind."
"Behind depends on how you look at it. Coastal areas are developing fast, and by saying surpass completely, I mean including inland areas too. Different priorities get different results.
Fujita, many of our employees graduated from top universities, right?"
"Yes. The job market has been tough these years, but our compensation is competitive compared to the century-old companies, so we attract many top grads."
William White smiled. Back in the late '80s, to lure these top graduates, many so-called big companies had no shame.
Once a letter of intent was signed, they were whisked off to a countryside resort hotel. Not just free food and drinks, but even companions to keep them company in bed.
What? Need to leave urgently?
Sorry, the phone line's down, there's no taxi, just three days leave, please bear with it.
Of course, those good times were gone. Nowadays, landing even an internship is a blessing, let alone hot springs.
White Land was disconnected from computer-related industries. Europe was actually behind White Land.
India was thriving in Silicon Valley, and Rabbitland was taking off on the Internet, but White Land and Europe had no achievements. The year 1996 was a significant turning point.
The two most populous countries in the world were overtaking on the curve.
William White didn't care about others or companies. But his own enterprise couldn't afford that. No matter what, they had one year to learn new skills. Anyone who failed would be out.
"Sir, do you think we could hire two good teachers from the U.S.?
It doesn't matter about the cost; employees willing to learn will cover it themselves."
"What?" William White almost choked. "Win95 is nothing to learn -- just faster or slower. Besides, even the smallest cities in Rabbitland have training centers. You want us to get teachers from the U.S.?"
Well, if it's programming, then yes, no other choice. But office automation? Filling out spreadsheets, writing reports, sending a couple emails at most.
"Ha! I get it, just like your English training center--advertised as teaching real English but only White Land people understand it.
Fujita, what's White Land's computer training center like? Do their students only know word processors?"
Fujita could only smile wearily.
"Sir, basic startup and word processing are okay. Making spreadsheets and charts is more difficult, and we lack good teachers for that. Our software department is busy, otherwise, no problem."
"Alright, I'll call Bill and tell him his software sucks. You know what will happen then--they'll send people over. If that fails, I'll bring two students from USC here to teach. Don't worry, no professors."
"Here's a simple method: get a computer back for them, they'll learn fast. If needed, call Michael Dell and tell him I demand a 20% discount.
If he complains, remember, Legendary can build computers too."
"Cough, okay boss, I'll arrange it right away."
"Hmm, get me a latte and an ashtray."
"Sorry, my mistake."
"Never mind, smoking shouldn't happen in offices anyway. Unless I'm just feeling a bit down ..."
William White already understood that the computer industry was basically farewell for White Land. All he could change was his own company and employees.
White Land's computer penetration was a joke among developed countries. Only when portable laptops became popular did usage noticeably increase.
From Legendary World's perspective, maintaining the status quo was best.
In White Land, over 40% of children aged 7 to 10 had PSP handheld consoles. Desktop ownership was only a few percent.
As one big shot said, 'computing starts from childhood.' Obviously, White Land didn't think so. So when these kids grew up, it was unlikely they'd be into computers.
*****
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