Zhang Xin
Zhang Xin
Full Name and Common Aliases
Zhang Xin is a renowned Chinese businesswoman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on June 1, 1955, in Beijing, China. Still active in her professional life.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Chinese national, with a background in economics, politics, and entrepreneurship.
Early Life and Background
Zhang Xin was born into a family of modest means in Beijing, China. Her father was an engineer, and her mother a teacher. From a young age, Zhang exhibited exceptional academic abilities, excelling in mathematics and science. She attended the prestigious Beijing University, where she studied economics and politics.
Major Accomplishments
Zhang Xin's professional journey began with a stint at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Trade. However, she soon found herself drawn to entrepreneurship, co-founding SOHO China in 1995. Under her leadership, the company has become one of China's largest commercial property developers. Zhang Xin is credited with transforming Beijing's urban landscape through innovative and sustainable development projects.
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to her business achievements, Zhang Xin has also made significant contributions to philanthropy. She has been a vocal advocate for environmental conservation and women's empowerment in China. In 2006, she co-founded the Soho Foundation, which focuses on promoting education, art, and culture.
Impact and Legacy
Zhang Xin's impact extends far beyond her business accomplishments. As one of China's most influential entrepreneurs, she has inspired a generation of young leaders and entrepreneurs. Her commitment to sustainability, innovation, and social responsibility has set a new standard for businesses in the region.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Zhang Xin is widely quoted and remembered due to her exceptional leadership skills, business acumen, and philanthropic efforts. As one of China's most successful entrepreneurs, she offers valuable insights into the country's economic growth and development. Her commitment to sustainable development has made her a role model for businesses worldwide.
Her quotes and thoughts on entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainability are often sought after by media outlets and business leaders alike. Zhang Xin continues to be an active participant in China's business and philanthropic community, inspiring others with her vision and determination.
Zhang Xin's remarkable journey from a humble background to becoming one of China's most influential entrepreneurs is a testament to her hard work, resilience, and dedication. Her impact on the country's economic growth and development will continue to be felt for generations to come.
Quotes by Zhang Xin
Many Chinese entrepreneurs are now donating for education; others support foundations in health care and research. None of us wants to be the richest guy in the cemetery.
But the higher our standard of living, the higher our levels of education, the further people will look around. And we can see which level of openness other societies enjoy. We are no different - we too want more freedom. The question is: How much freedom will be allowed?
No economy, no company, in fact no individual can develop its full potential today without embracing two fundamental trends - globalization and digitalization. They will dominate for quite some time to come.
It's a good thing that it is getting simpler to register a company in China, it is good that the exchange rate of our currency is getting more flexible and that it's getting easier for Chinese businesspeople to travel. All of this opens up our economy.
But it is a worry that there have been so many delays in the reform of China's state-owned enterprises. We all know that private companies are run more efficiently than state ones. These reforms are very much anticipated for the potential dynamism they could create.
China reformed its state sector before, in the late 1990s. Tens of millions were laid off at the time. That was scary and we had warnings of social unrest. But it did not happen. Instead, there was a restructuring in our economic system. I am not sure if China will follow a Western playbook in this respect.
On the one hand the world is getting more integrated and we should not dismiss social values as "Western" when they are actually modern values. On the other hand, individual countries have their own history and their own evolution. Trade unions, for example, don't play the same role in China as they do in Europe or the US.
When we started out, we didn't really think that the era of great opportunity would end one day. We were much too busy developing our companies. But in today's China you can build a city, even a mega-city like Beijing or Shanghai, within 10 or 15 years. And then you are done. So in real estate development, the Gründerzeit is over. But that is not the case in other sectors.
I firmly believe that digitalization has only just begun in China. In addition to the taxi, transport, shopping and hotel businesses, many other industries will follow: education, health care, administration, even the legal branch - everything, really. There is still a lot of opportunity in China for the inventive and ambitious ones.
Mark Zuckerberg recently announced that he will donate $45 billion of his wealth to philanthropy. Two years ago, my husband and I decided to endow $100 million to set up the SOHO China Scholars. This program will give financial aid to Chinese students so they can attend the best universities in the world.