My China Story: Recent Episodes
China Plus
In this episode, we explore the journey of Evandro Menezes de Carvalho, a Brazilian scholar and professor of international law with a deep passion for China studies. Since his first visit to China in 2013, Evandro has immersed himself in research and teaching, building bridges between China and Brazil. In recognition of his commitment to fostering cross-cultural dialogue, he was awarded the prestigious Chinese Government Friendship Award in 2023. Join us as he shares the story of his experiences and the special bond he has developed with China over the past decade.
Known as the world's capital of small commodities, Yiwu in eastern China attracts hundreds of thousands of sellers and buyers from home and abroad every day. In this episode of our Makin' it in China series, Harold Mori, a young Peruvian man, shares his story of how he started his trading business from scratch right here in Yiwu.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil. In this edition, we welcome Vitor Moura, a young Brazilian entrepreneur who has spent nearly a decade in China. As the co-founder of Lantau and the marketing director at Bracham, Vitor is committed to enhancing cross-border trade between these two nations. Join our conversation with Vitor as he shares his journey and insights.
In this episode, we are joined by Neeraj Punhani, an Indian entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in the textile industry. Punhani has established his own company in Shaoxing, located in Zhejiang Province, east China. Join us as we explore his journey of working and living in China.
In this episode, we delve into the journey of Ehsan Doostmohammadi, an Iranian researcher at Southwest University in Chongqing, southwest China. With a profound passion for traditional Chinese medicine and culture, Ehsan is dedicated to translating classic Chinese texts into Persian, opening the door for Iranian readers to engage with Chinese heritage.
Joshua Dominick, affectionately known as "Lao Tan" in Chinese, has spent more than two decades in Beijing. Originally from the U.S., Josh speaks fluent Chinese and has become a familiar face in the local community. A decade ago, he founded Krankin' Thru China, an organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to engage in outdoor sports across the country.
Taicang, a small city in Jiangsu Province, eastern China, is known for its deep connections with German enterprises. Home to over 500 German-invested companies, the city has grown to become a prime destination for German entrepreneurs. Among them, Erwin Gerber stands out with his thriving bakery. In this episode, we'll explore how Erwin has crafted his path to success in Taicang, blending German tradition with Chinese opportunity.
Meet Linda Painan, a female entrepreneur from Singapore, who has spent the last 28 years in Shanghai. As the chairperson of The Expatriate Center, a mother of three and a philanthropist, Linda's journey is a story of dedication and resilience. In this episode, we'll explore how Linda has fostered a sense of community for expatriates in Shanghai and uncover the personal and professional experiences that have kept her in this metropolis.
For French entrepreneur Benoit Auger, his romance with a Chinese lady started a life-long engagement with her country. In 2006, he moved to live in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou and began his business adventure in the clothes and fashion industry. How did Auger meet his sweetheart? Why did he choose to live and “make it in China”? Join this episode of My China Story to find out.
Farrukh Pirumshoev is a young Tajik entrepreneur based in the northwest Chinese city of Xi’an, engaging in the international trade of cars between China and Central Asia. Trading about 30 cars each week, his company is thriving along with the growing Chinese economy and the increasing economic exchanges between China and Central Asian countries. In this episode of My China Story, we’ll find out how he has made it in the risky business world.
In this episode, we delve into the inspiring story of Saulebek Kabylbekov, a Kazakh eye doctor who has illuminated the lives of thousands in northeast China. Since 1998, he has dedicated himself to treating over 250,000 patients at Daqing Ophthalmology Hospital in Heilongjiang Province. Meanwhile, his compassionate care extends beyond the hospital walls, reaching countless individuals in surrounding communities through free clinics. In recognition of his decade-long contributions, Kabylbekov was honored with the prestigious Chinese Government Friendship Award in 2023.
Indian businessman Dev Raturi oversees a booming chain of restaurants in China. Having explored in the risky business world for more than a decade, Raturi attributes his success to China’s good business environment and the friendship and assistance he has received from the Chinese people. In this episode of My China Story, Raturi shares how he has turned from a waiter to a successful restaurant owner.
Vikash Kumar Singh is an Indian expatriate who currently teaches Hindi, Indian culture, history and literature at Beijing Foreign Studies University. With 17 years of residence in China, Vikash speaks fluent Chinese and is dedicated to fostering Sino-Indian cultural exchanges through teaching and literary translation.
What’s China really like? What are the differences between the business culture in China and elsewhere in the world? Are there any areas that international businesses need to adapt to when entering the Chinese market? Hungarian businessman Steven Back has been running his business in China for 16 years. In this podcast, he shares with us his experiences in doing business in China and the secret to business success in the country.
Sandor Nagy, a former Hungarian football player, has been living in China for nearly two decades. Following his retirement, he embarked on a new chapter, founding a football club in the coastal city of Qingdao, Shandong Province in east China. His club has since become a beacon for many young football enthusiasts in the region. In this episode, Sandor talks about his football career and his deep connection with his second home in China.
Serbian national Faris Rebronja is an international trader of everyday items and is currently based in the County of Pingyao, Shanxi Province in north China. Having lived in China for five years, the young businessman has gained experience not only in the business world but more importantly has formed his own understanding of the Asian nation. Rebronja says he is optimistic about China’s future development and wants to grasp more opportunities the world’s second-largest economy will continue to offer him.
This year as we celebrate the 60-year diplomatic relationship between China and France, we ponder the remarkable fruits of this enduring partnership. What successes have emerged from this collaboration? What is it like for a French firm to flourish and thrive on Chinese soil? Join reporter Liu Yushan in a discussion with Frédéric Barbier, business leader of a French corporation's China division, to hear his first-hand account of the strategies and insights that have propelled his company to success, as well as some survival tips for anyone looking to tap into the vast potential of the Chinese market.
Just like the growth of everything else post the 2008 Beijing Olympics, China’s appetite for performing arts has seen dramatic changes in the industry over the past decade; giving rise to the fast development of new performing arts centers across the country.
When Kenyan entrepreneur Walter Ruigu embarked on his journey to China in 2009, he had no clue this would be the place he’d spot so many business opportunities for a budding African entrepreneur.
She is a music siren and one of the most sought after foreign singers in China. Having moved to China in 2007, this music diva has had immense success not only as a singer but also in many other areas.
For AJ Donnelly, coming to China was the first bold step to achieving his childhood dream. As a kid, he had always fantasized about growing up to be a martial arts star and train with the greatest Chinese Kungfu masters.
With Jazz clubs opening up venues all across cities like Beijing and Shanghai, the question that still lingers is can this genre really thrive in China?
Daniel Krause’s creative and “wow-ing” works are emblematic of China’s profound past realities.
If you live in China and are an avid fan of the Chinese legendary figure Monkey King, then you must be familiar with Gaffar Pourazar; a British stage actor and a Peking opera fanatic.
It’s been months since Tatum Nzinzi Joseph a Yenching Academy scholar made her first trip to Beijing to specialise in Politics and International Relations. Like many of her peers at the academy attached to Peking University, the South African national has been learning and discovering China’s role in the world through her research on the country’s response to social development issues, while at the same time investigating what her mother continent –Africa, can learn from their approach.
For the better part of his life, French archaeologist Phillipe Bouvet has called China home. Like many other long-term expatriates, his initial plans were to come here short term - to study Mandarin, but as fate would have it, those plans went out the window.
She is an American performer regularly consulted by the Chinese Ministry of Culture for her expertise in contemporary performing arts. The founder of Ping Pong Productions - a cultural exchange organization - Alison Friedman has worked closely with governments from around the world to further dialogues and foster mutual understanding amongst stakeholders.
He is a Swiss-German national whose China story is not only captivating but intriguing. And although Christian Herzog’s presence in China hasn’t exactly been a continuous long-term expedition, he still manages to soak-in the vast wonders of this country every time he visits. 23 years on since his first China trip, Christian admits that he will never stop being fascinated by the speed of development China has achieved.
In 2015 the BBC urged the world of readers to make some shelf space for Carly J Hallman’s book Year of the Goose – as one of the best reads to close the year with.
For foreign entrepreneurs, China as a country can be a little intimidating if not an overwhelming experience- at least for a novice business person. But for founder and former CEO at LNP China, a company that helps small companies set up and operate in the country, it doesn’t always have to feel that way.
In 2015 the BBC urged the world of readers to make some shelf space for Carly J Hallman’s book Year of the Goose – as one of the best reads to close the year with.
From a tiny little city in the beautiful south of Italy to the mega-metropolis in east-central China, Domenico Palasciano is about to clock in two decades of his China experience.
As a seasoned journalist and expat in China, Patrick Flanary has had a dosage of what life in China could bring while living here. Two years since moving to Beijing, this American citizen has gathered some interesting anecdotes from his experiences meeting people, travelling in and out of China and sampling out local food. In this edition of the programme, he speaks with me about these experiences, his love for journalism, and life as an expat dad living in the Middle Kingdom.
After years of living in China, most foreigners might have to face the big question of moving back to their home countries at some point. But for Jessica Luo, going back to America hasn’t been such a hard challenge. 10 years of living here, she is finally and swiftly making the move back - bringing along the love of her life, a rich China experience and perhaps the best version of herself.
It’s been quite an eventful year for South African journalist Wendyl Martin, whose almost year-long break in China has been packed with nothing but a lot of travel, learning new things, while at the same time still managing to squeeze in a bit of fun. Part of his tight schedule has also included working with us at CRI. Nillah Nyakoa caught up with him to talk about his experiences and what lessons he would be taking back with him to South Africa from China, at the end of the year.
To most people having a wild adventure means going on an African safari, participating in survivalist-type of a television reality show or simply, travelling solo in a completely dissimilar culture or society, hopefully where nobody speaks your language and you don’t speak theirs. But for Katarina Rankovic, from Serbia, that adventure spirit also includes traversing China with absolutely no phone and no internet access. In this episode of the programme, she tells her story to Nillah Nyakoa.
In this episode, Cynthia Martinez- an American citizen whose time in China has been one of her greatest adventures yet, talks to Nillah Nyakoa as they look back at her thrilling expat life in the country. She reveals how the experiences she's gathered here have influenced the way she views the country.
Italian national and wine connoisseur Maurizia Galvan counts herself among the many foreign experts today crisscrossing China in a bid to help fans learn more about wine. In this episode, she speaks with Nillah Nyakoa about her passion in introducing Italian wines to the Middle Kingdom – a market of aficionados who've historically leaned in favour of French wines - and her long-time fascination with Chinese culture.
A seasoned film maker and historian, Aladin’s fascination with China was triggered at a very tender age - paving way for his eventual move to China in 2015. Today he is part of a growing group of film makers articulating untold China stories to the world. In this episode, he talks to Nillah Nyakoa about his work and life in the Middle Kingdom.
Over the years the number of Chinese nationals learning English as a second language has skyrocketed attracting many foreign entrepreneurs to enter the market and grab a slice of this pie. Anikin Goh is one such entrepreneur. He runs a language teaching center in the West of Beijing. He talks with Nillah Nyakoa about his relocation to China, the challenges he has encountered and the major differences between China and his home turf, Singapore.
In this episode, British national and Etiquette expert Alistair Warwick- Nelson talks with Nillah Nyakoa about the significance of good decorum and how this can help one gain respect and create a good, as well as lasting impression not just for you as a person, but for your country as well.
In this episode, Nillah Nyakoa speaks with Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) enthusiast and trainer Rhio Zablan. They discuss his inspiration and quest to bring the FMA to China as well as what stimulates its fans to practice this highly sophisticated and comprehensive martial art form, from Rhio's native home - the Philippines.
In this episode of the programme, Nillah Nyakoa speaks with Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) enthusiast and trainer Rhio Zablan. They discuss his inspiration and quest to bring the FMA to China as well as what stimulates its fans to practice this highly sophisticated and comprehensive martial art form, from Rhio's native home - the Philippines.
From tacos, burritos and enchiladas to fajitas, and quesadillas, Mexican dishes just like their Chinese counterparts have always been popular around the world. That’s perhaps the reason why Chef Bollo Rodriguez of Beijing’s El barrio restaurant has had much success in introducing his recipes to China in recent months. Just like the vast Chinese cooking, Mexican cuisine equally stems from a long and diverse history that boasts distinctive regional tastes that reflect on the local trad...
Serbian National Nikola Stojanovic is living his Chinese dream in Beijing; a city he acknowledges makes him feel right at home with its rich history and culture. A former scholar at the Yenching Academy of Peking University, Nikola is very passionate about geopolitics and diplomatic history, with a keen interest on China and its role on the world stage. In this edition of the programme, he speaks with Nillah Nyakoa about his life and interests in the Middle Kingdom.
For many expat parents helping your children adjust to a new environment and adapt to a new school can be quite a challenge that sometimes also takes a toll on not only the kids themselves but parents as well. But lucky for them, when the going gets too tough, psychology experts like Rachel George are ready to step in and offer some help while sharing their much-needed wisdom. Since joining the Yew Chung International School of Beijing, Rachel has been giving guidance to students from ...
Matteo an Italian national is also one of the few foreigners in the middle Kingdom, working in the Chinese banking industry. In this episode of the program, Nillah Nyakoa sits down with Matteo to talk about his experiences and aspirations in a period of time that's increasingly seen a strengthening relationship between Italy and China along the Belt and Road route.
He is an actor, host, VJ and former model best known for being the host of 3 different editions of the popular reality TV franchise, The Amazing Race where he’s taken teams all across Asia on The Amazing Race Asia, and all across China on The Amazing Race: China Rush among others. We’re talking about Chinese American celebrity host Allan Wu. Allan was recently in Beijing where Nillah Nyakoa caught up with him to get an inside scoop of the show and what it feels like working behind the ...
As a classic tale, food has always been a quintessential component of Chinese culture. With a burgeoning olive-shaped middle class, it’s no wonder big cities like Beijing have seen an influx in the number of new upscale restaurants opening their doors every day. Belgian national Ignace Lecleir is part of that new wave of food connoisseurs driving this thriving culinary industry in the city. From working in globally respected food cities like Paris and New York, and now in Beiji...
16 years in China and counting, veteran broadcast journalist Edwin Maher continues to leave a mark in the media and communication field in the country. 2 years after saying goodbye to his iconic CCTV television job, he still remains a house hold name as the most recognizable foreign TV news anchor ever on Chinese telly. In this week’s episode of my China Story therefore, Nillah Nyakoa speaks with him to find out how his China career unfolded, and what he’s been upto lately.
In this edition of the program, Nillah Nyakoa reconnects with one of Beijing’s most celebrated expats: Dominic Johnson Hill. Dominic is well known for his creative brand Plastered 8 that has become a staple gift-outlet for locals and foreigners alike. His brand that aims to memorialize historic China mainly targets the young, bold and hip of the Middle Kingdom.
In the last episode, Nillah Nyakoa talked to Michael Hermann, a German national who has been the China representative of Humana People to People charity organization since 2005. During this time, Michael has been championing development projects in some of the most underdeveloped areas of the country. This week, therefore, they continue that conversation to hear more of his experience working in the most rural parts of China, and his impressions on the Middle Kingdom’s quest to win the...
In this edition of the program, therefore, Nillah Nyakoa seeks to hear more about his experience working with the have nots and what impact his organization has contributed in the remote areas of China - as the country strives to eradicate poverty by 2020.
Terry Crossman is a man of many tales and whose China story is filled with eventful and interesting anecdotes. A resident of Beijing for the last quarter a century, Terry has managed to sharpen his spoken Mandarin to sound like a local. His language skills and ability to socialize have in fact landed him a community volunteer job propelling his name to celebrity status. In 2018, he was also conferred a model citizen award by the local government for his service in the local community. ...
In this episode, Faivel Pablo reminisces about the happenings in the year gone by and how it has changed his views on China, as he talks with Nillah Nyakoa.
A global Jazz icon, Roy Hargrove won worldwide notice for his prolific talent inspiring many musicians of his generation with his style of music. Among the many places his musical talent was revered is China - where the jazz scene in the country is booming as more young musicians discover the genre.
Wolfgang Sesser's background is one that is steeped in China's brewing industry. As a Brew master, this Austrian national has lived and worked in the country for 11 years, creating recipes and brewing signature beers for the local Chinese market.
Brendan Davis is a China Hollywood consulting producer who has been living fulltime in China for the past 2 years. Outside of Hollywood, he is best known for being the host and brain behind the popular podcast "Big Fish in the Middle Kingdom". A platform he uses to bring his fans great stories of foreigners doing interesting things in China.
He is a businessman, writer, professor, and an avid KTV fan. With almost 40 years living in China, Gilbert Van Kerckhove has not only seen first-hand the rapid transformation of China, but has also been part of its development.
Environmental pollution is one of the most serious problems facing city dwellers today. Living and breathing air in metropolises like Beijing for example can trigger severe respiratory illnesses. And for those with existing conditions, it can exacerbate the symptoms making life very difficult. But one man in Beijing seems to have found a solution with his new invention -- the Airmazing fresh air system that claims to virtually eliminate PM 2.5 and PM 10 particulate pollution. In this e...
Vera Madeira will share her thoughts on strategic branding in China as well as answer some questions on language learning.
Making a decision to invest in China as a foreign entity is only half the battle. The second part is being able to navigate the country’s business culture and etiquette. That’s where folks like Jurriaan Meyer come in. Having lived and worked in China since 2008, this Dutch national has successfully been helping enterprises drive growth in both traditional and emerging industries in China.
With more and more foreign students seeking higher education in China, many more are also choosing to stay in the country to pursue other interests after graduating. Among them is Vanessa Delgado – a Venezuelan national who arrived in China 5 years ago to pursue her Master’s degree. In this interview, she talks to Nillah Nyakoa about how China has brought her culturally closer to the rest of the world, and how it has expanded her global perspective.
Mark is best known for his ability to blend Western and Chinese cultures through his music – although these days he prefers to be referred to as a story teller.
Carl Gene Fordham is a doctoral candidate at Peking University and a Ph.D. recipient of the Confucius Institute's China Fellowship - that is part of the institute's New Sinology Program.
This week as we mark the Hungry Ghost festival, Daniel helps us venture into the world of paranormal to learn more about some of the well-known ghost stories in China and how they came to be and how you can get a fast-hand ghost experience
Gaining a first-hand experience in a rising world power like China is today’s perhaps a dream of many college students.
An expert in coffee, with 20-plus years’ experience as a barista, Italian Marco Costantini is Beijing’s coffee aficionado.
As expats go, we’ve all heard stories of our family members questioning, and even resisting our overall existence and life in China. And for those of us who have lived here for longer periods, it’s a challenge trying to convince our beloved folk that we truly have found a happy home away from home in this country.
From Uganda to China - Gideon Bright Mwesigwa’s story is a tale of many anecdotes of growing up in his home country, and of his life in China.
Professor Ellen Judd is a woman who has borne witness to the rapid changes that have occurred in China.
As a mega metropolis, Beijing is known as the origin and home of Chinas contemporary art scene.
Kenyan Media personality Tim Njiru is a man known for his passion for the arts and having a wanderlust attitude.
Africa is a continent with over a billion people, who live in more than 50 different countries.
She was among the delegates who attended the 1995 groundbreaking Beijing Conference for women.
Gatis Balodis has a lot to say about his experiences of China even though he hasn’t lived in the Middle Kingdom for long.
She is the only known Milliner currently living in China and the owner at her nickname brand Elisabeth Koch Millinery.
To many foreigners, learning standard Chinese, often called Mandarin is one of the most difficult, most challenging hobbies one can take on.
Ghanaian Vlogger Wode Maya has had his videos about life in China go viral, receiving millions of hits from fans around the world.
Australian national Jye Chong is the proud owner and co-founder of one of Beijing’s most sought after workout studios.
In recent years personal trainers have become high in demand as a growing number of Chinese people gain interest in Fitness and Health.
In this episode Dalida Turkovic speaks to Nillah Nyakoa about this phenomenon and why it’s ideal in helping us cope with situations in which we find it harder to maintain equilibrium.
In this episode, Miriam Hanna Deller speaks with Nillah Nyakoa about her love for winter sports and where she sees the industry going in the Middle Kingdom.
In this episode, Paloma Sanchez speaks with Nillah Nyakoa about her life as a jewellery foreign entrepreneur living in the middle Kingdom.