On the first workday of the Year of the Pig, let's kick off the new year together! Whether you are at your workplace, on the road, or still at home or traveling, it all works out well. Life is full of uncertainties, but what remains constant is our ideals and the commitment to them. Work is an indispensable companion for humans, though we may sometimes resent it. However, it enriches our lives and makes our spiritual world more colorful.
In this era of unprecedented material abundance, where we lack nothing, possessing material things no longer stimulates our senses or provides lasting satisfaction. Instead, work efficiency has become a capability that new humans need to develop. We need a sense of achievement, continuous achievement, and let such achievements reside in us. This way, we can face the gains and losses, right and wrong of work without complaint. The most delightful outcome is that we won't complain about life either!
Indeed, I enjoy my work because it always offers me challenges and hope. Sometimes it feels like an endless, insurmountable sea, and at other times, like a cradle carrying the hopes of millions. It seems to give my soul a place to rest. Perhaps this sounds exaggerated, but it is my genuine feeling. In the coming days, I will share with all supporters and followers of DBC the insights and new things I have observed!
Ning'er Public Welfare Project Inspection
On the first workday after the New Year's Day in 2019, I set off for a remote county—Ning'er County, Hani and Yi Autonomous County (formerly known as Pu'er County). Departing from Shanghai, I took a flight to Kunming and then traveled to Pu'er City before reaching Ning'er County. Ning'er County is likely unfamiliar to many, but most people know about Pu'er tea, which originates from Pu'er Mountain, located in Ning'er County. This trip left me with the most unforgettable memories of the unity among the county's numerous ethnic minorities and the government leadership's serious approach to poverty alleviation work. Over three years, the entire county has united in efforts to achieve a small but significant dream for China—lifting 200,000 people out of poverty! In fact, I believe the happiness index here is quite high, and what I can do is add to it by contributing my modest effort to this county with a unifying spirit.
My visit to Ning'er County was to inspect a public welfare donation project. Each year, DBC Company encourages several like-minded partners to undertake some construction projects. This will be the fourth year for us. In 2019, we hope to donate and construct a sports field at a school here. The current sports field at this school is made of concrete and asphalt surfaces. Over 2,000 children exercise on these hard surfaces, and over the years, some students have inevitably suffered from sports injuries. I hope that this year's donation by DBC and our partners can allow the children to run joyfully on an environmentally durable rubber track.
My trip to Ning'er County left a deep impression on me. I love the simple lifestyle and the optimistic and positive attitude of the people here, as well as the rural scenery and the fairyland-like view of Pu'er Mountain where one can gaze at the clouds.
Most of us tend to choose the path that seems simple and easy. When faced with difficulties at work, we retreat, jump from one industry to another, and end up making things worse for ourselves... The same applies to businesses. It may be easier to copy or imitate others, and profits might come quickly. However, after a couple of years, most such ventures are either stagnant or dead ends. Many have made fortunes by copying in the past, but times have changed. We need new approaches, new mindsets, and new perspectives.
The Tao Te Ching states: 'Opposition is born from interdependence; difficulty and ease complement each other.' Difficulty and ease may seem contradictory, but they are also interconvertible. When undertaking any endeavor, one should adopt a long-term perspective and dialectical thinking. There is no constant in the world. The best choice is to do what you believe is right, but first, you must have the ability to recognize yourself.
There is no doubt that DBC has chosen the right, albeit challenging, path. It is correct because future applications will be convenient, high-quality, and environmentally friendly, making human life simpler and more comfortable. In the future, DBC will bring more innovative technological applications to various fields, bringing surprises to many.
In 2018, we established a new corporate slogan: 'We Innovate Future Applications.' This slogan clarifies DBC's development path—how to balance market benefits, true product environmental friendliness and performance, and how to contribute to the Earth on which we all depend. It is not only DBC's way out but also the path for any industry or enterprise to thrive.
On Work, Unity, and Self-Awareness
Unity is an eternal topic that is pursued by nations and families alike. It always brings us unexpected surprises!
Why should we unite? Who should we unite with? How can we achieve unity? I often ask myself these questions. Some might say that the Chinese are the least united! But as a part of China, we cannot continue to be passive spectators and onlookers as depicted by Lu Xun. Unity is possible, and there have been many examples of unity in China. We need to invest some time to find like-minded individuals who share our vision for unity, and then build the strength to pull others into this unity.
Do not work with those who have other intentions; otherwise, you will undermine unity and hinder progress.
Finding like-minded individuals is not easy; cherish those who share your struggles and aspirations!
Every new year brings us strength and hope. DBC Group wishes to grow together with the most suitable, hardest-working partners who are committed to shared development!
Wise people say that it's difficult for individuals at different cognitive levels to communicate effectively. This is why we often hear that 'birds of a feather flock together.' However, in this globalized world, can we truly distinguish ourselves from others? Distinguishing ourselves may be even more challenging than learning to embrace diversity.
How can we gain clarity about ourselves and know that our convictions are correct?
As Laozi said: 'To understand others is wisdom; to understand oneself is enlightenment. To conquer others is power; to conquer oneself is strength.' This is profound wisdom in life!
In simpler terms, one must have self-awareness and understand their capabilities. If dreams are too grand but there's no clear understanding of one's abilities or steps to improve, such dreams can only remain as mere fantasies.
True personal growth lies in the continuous evolution of self-awareness. If you feel societal, industrial, corporate, or personal injustices, first lower your own standards and mindset. Then, assess whether it's your inadequacy or if the society is truly unjust. If you still perceive injustice, you must speak up, stand firm, and fight for what you believe in. Break free from the cognitive limitations, accept yourself, and challenge yourself. Once you see clearly and understand fully, your mind will be calm, and you'll have direction in your actions.
Transforming from an employee to a professional, and then to an expert—this is our understanding of work!
A study found that 20 defunct tech companies had one common trait: apart from the owners, almost no one worked overtime. In entrepreneurship, what we need most are speed and stability. How much can you accomplish if you work a regular 9-to-5? How can you succeed in fierce market competition?
Performance and market success must be achieved through personal effort. Therefore, don't complain about low salaries; everyone has their own choices. Your income is insufficient because you are not yet proficient enough.
Reviewing 2018 and Looking Ahead to 2019
How do we evaluate this year, 2018?
Let me start with the macro perspective. Although DBC Group is still growing, I am not at a lofty height. However, we must recognize the importance of macro trends to every individual, company, and industry. A small fluctuation in the macro environment can be a fatal blow to the micro level, to our existence, our businesses, and our industries. Similarly, by valuing and understanding these trends, they could potentially become our allies.
In 2018, China's development was marked by quality, just as more people learned to do things efficiently. This was a long and arduous process, and it was difficult because of the various reforms and awakenings in thought, the persistence in innovation and action, and the tough decisions that led us to this level of understanding!
In 2019, as in previous years, pessimists will see only risks and difficulties. Many economists have already issued warnings. However, we can ensure that this year does not get worse by working together and overcoming the challenges ahead.
Looking back at 2018, a typical business event in China was the rise and fall of OFO shared bicycles. From investors flocking to it to its sudden collapse within two years, was it a result of capital pressures or the consequences of unchecked expansion? Regardless, entrepreneurs must have a very strong heart.
The most notorious business case in 2018 was Elizabeth Holmes's downfall in the United States. 'The river may turn east for thirty years and then west for another thirty.' Ultimately, evil will not go unpunished.
This world is filled with opportunities, choices, and uncertainties. We cannot change the macro environment, but we can improve our micro environment by working hard. At least this will not make the macro environment worse.
Over the past two years, DBC Group has partnered with BASF to innovate in ETPU sports flooring products, achieving significant market success. This innovative product, which drives technological progress in the industry, has been recognized by industry peers and professionals. Our business performance is a true reflection of the market's acceptance, serving as a powerful response to doubts and opposition.
As the ancient Roman philosopher Cicero said, 'The greater the difficulty, the greater the glory.' DBC Group has not yet reached its pinnacle, but we have earned respect through our efforts and capabilities. We remain vigilant, advancing steadily in the face of challenges.
In 2018, we achieved much, thanks to the unity, perseverance, and dedication of our partners supporting DBC. In 2019, DBC will collaborate with its key strategic partner, BASF, to deepen our presence in the sports flooring market and explore the technological upgrades and innovative applications of Infinergy ETPU in furniture materials, educational equipment, sports equipment, aerospace components, and automobiles. Known as 'popcorn,' ETPU has proven its excellence in the sports flooring industry. Our challenge is to extend its success into more fields, which also presents a great opportunity.
DBC is committed to becoming a global enterprise that drives innovation in future materials applications and high-quality development. In 2019, we will spare no effort and go all out to launch our ambitious plans...
During the Spring Festival, I traveled to Tibet and faced numerous challenges: adjusting quickly to altitude sickness, driving for six hours on a winding mountain road in the cold night, and encountering heavy snow and freezing winds on the way to Mount Everest Base Camp.
Reflecting on these experiences now, the most profound feeling is that difficulties and good fortune coexist wherever you are. In this new year, let us face challenges with resilience and gratitude for our blessings, and move forward with composure.
As I write this from a flight back to Shanghai after the Spring Festival, I wish everyone a Happy New Year and a prosperous Year of the Pig!
