Buyers Beware
I fully agree with the statement: "It might work well in the US, but Malaysians aren't going to give out credit card numbers on the net" (Economic Focus, May 2001). The public should be aware of the risks.
Giving credit card numbers for purchases by mail or over the internet carries a high risk for the purchaser. I wonder if there are any records of such cases.
I have been a victim of such crime. Fortunately I spotted it in time and the bank agreed to waive the charges. Somebody had tried to make small purchases on the internet using my credit card number on a regular basis hoping that they would go unnoticed.
I enjoy reading your magazine.
- Roberto Pregarz, Singapore
Down Under Woes
As an Australian living and working in Hong Kong I both rejoice and am saddened by the current state of the Australian economy.
Firstly because of the poor value of the Aussie dollar to the US dollar and therefore the Hong Kong dollar [as it is pegged to the US$] I'm better off because I'm paid in US dollars.
On one hand my money goes further back home, paying off my mortgage (also benefited by lower interest rates) and when on holidays back home. Australian exporters are also experiencing unprecedented demand as foreigners find their currency buying much more.
However, I've received endless complaints from Australian businessmen and holidaymakers going abroad that their trips are costing them twice as much and many are delaying travel plans, which I'm guessing will have a regional effect on airlines and hotels.
It's unfortunate that Australia's economy is so susceptible to hiccups in neighbouring countries in the political and economic arenas. Here's hoping the Australian government take measures to ensure the country's GDP soon begins to expand or it truly will become the banana republic.
- Craig Jennings, Hong Kong
Wake up Young Asians
Once again, Asian Business has managed to provide a range of inspirational stories about young entrepreneurs making a go of it under difficult circumstances. Congratulations! I was particularly moved by your story, Those Unstoppable Khmer Kids (Technopreneurs, April, 2001).
Here are a group of disadvantaged young people in Cambodia, with limited education and even more limited funding supporting themselves by starting an internet business. Young people in more affluent countries like Singapore and Hong Kong should take note.
Too often I hear young people complaining that the government is not doing enough to provide them with jobs, but wake up young Asians. We don't want to be known as the welfare region of the world. Remember, no one owes us a living.
- Chris Lee (age 17), Singapore
Service with a smile
Last month Justin Walker of Sydney wrote to these pages complaining about the poor service had had received on a recent trip to Hong Kong.
As a US citizen living in Hong Kong, I am fully aware that Mr Walker's complaints are justified. There are indeed a few storekeepers who are rude or, in some cases, even criminal in their dealings with customers.
However, I want to point out that these storekeepers are very much in the minority. One of the most lasting impressions of Hong Kong is the friendly and helpful service in shops, restaurants and bars.
I find that most Hong Kong people are naturally service-oriented. They also seem to have a natural curiosity about other countries and cultures.
- Palu Malio, Hong Kong