Feng Wenliang

"Feng Wenliang is not only the Chairman of the company, bearing the responsibility of seeking benefits for all employees, but also the President of the Shandong Chamber of Commerce in Thailand, taking up the moral duty to serve all the members of the chamber. Feng Wenliang always feels the weight of his responsibilities; he has to 'bring in' Shandong compatriots and also promote Thai local products to 'go out.' 'It seems that Shandong businessmen often tend to overlook Southeast Asia,' Feng Wenliang says. 'Through my observations over the years, I personally feel that Shandong businessmen prefer to go to Europe and America. However, in reality, Southeast Asia, especially Thailand, is also an excellent choice.'

With a booming voice, Feng Wenliang leaves a strong first impression. Even from a distance, one can hear his cheerful voice, and upon entering his office, one discovers that the voice belongs to the interviewee of the day - Feng Wenliang, the President of the Thailand Shandong Chamber of Commerce, Vice Chairman of the Thailand-China Federation, Vice Chairman of the Thailand Peace and Unification Promotion Committee, Director and Deputy Secretary-General of the Thailand-China Chamber of Commerce.

When introducing each other, Feng Wenliang stands up, towering over everyone. It becomes apparent that he is quite tall, fitting the traditional image of a 'Shandong big man.' Seated, the journalist mentions this observation, which amuses Feng Wenliang, who laughs heartily and remarks, 'I am indeed that kind of Shandong person.'

Choosing Southeast Asia - the Right Decision

For Feng Wenliang, the distant and beautiful country of Thailand was once unfamiliar and intriguing. However, his fate with Thailand began thirteen years ago. Back then, he was employed by ZTE Corporation in Shenzhen and was later dispatched to Thailand for work. 'After a year in Thailand, the company wanted to send me to Central Asia. However, my wife was pregnant with our second child, so I chose not to go for the sake of my family,' says the straightforward Feng Wenliang. 'At that time, I also felt that Thailand was a suitable place for development; the people were sincere, and there were few people from China venturing here, resulting in low competition. So, in the end, I chose Thailand.'

Looking at the present, China still maintains a certain gap with Western developed countries like Europe and America in terms of the economy. This is similar to the situation when Thailand was compared to China back then. According to Feng Wenliang, 'Thailand was approximately five years behind China in terms of development at that time.' He saw the potential in this development gap, arrived in Thailand, and started his own business in the communications industry.

Graduating from Shandong University with a major in computer engineering, Feng Wenliang was adept in the communications industry. After establishing himself in Thailand, Feng Wenliang's company gained recognition from the Thai military for producing military-grade signal shielding equipment. Soon, his company signed production and supply agreements with the Thai military. Reflecting on those successful times, Feng Wenliang speaks with a hint of pride and satisfaction, 'In Thailand at that time, I was able to collaborate with the military, all thanks to our core technology - the chips. Around 80% of the military's orders for supplies were given to my company.'

The agreement with the military lasted for many years. Feng Wenliang's company, Thai Shan International Group Co., Ltd., immediately became the 'NO.1' supplier of military communications equipment in Thailand. 

During the years without military orders, Thai Shan Company shifted its focus to the development of civilian products. Many products were introduced during this time, including security equipment such as screening devices and surveillance, as well as communication engineering. Later, the company also developed projects in waste treatment (initial guidance), solar power engineering and equipment, electronic products, rubber, and tire products. On the service side, they offer industrial park development and investment attraction, information consulting, and high-end custom travel services, among others.

Promoting Exchange Between China and Thailand

In addition to the communications industry, Feng Wenliang is proud of his Joy Carnival Catering and Entertainment Co., Ltd. This catering and entertainment company is headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand. Amidst the bustling nightlife of Bangkok, where revelers indulge in a world of pleasure, Feng Wenliang's Joy Carnival Catering and Entertainment Co., Ltd. stands out for its commitment to green development, becoming a 'clean stream' in Thailand's entertainment industry. Feng Wenliang remembers clearly that it was August 18, 2015, when the first pure green wholesale KTV in Thailand was established in Bangkok. The subsequent performance proved Feng Wenliang's decision to be correct.

As the Chairman of the company, Feng Wenliang carries the responsibility of seeking benefits for all employees, and as the President of the Thailand Shandong Chamber of Commerce, he also takes on the moral duty of serving all the members of the chamber. Feng Wenliang always feels the weight of his responsibilities; he has to 'bring in' Shandong compatriots and also promote Thai local products to 'go out.' 'It seems that Shandong businessmen often tend to overlook Southeast Asia,' Feng Wenliang says. 'Through my observations over the years, I personally feel that Shandong businessmen prefer to go to Europe and America. However, in reality, Southeast Asia, especially Thailand, is also an excellent choice.'

Always eager to do something for his hometown, Feng Wenliang's words, even when he is sitting still, seem to carry a magical power that captivates the audience. 'Under the guidance of the 'Belt and Road' policy, Thailand is a crucial location along the Maritime Silk Road,' says Feng Wenliang, his face becoming more serious, making him appear like a university professor giving a lecture, 'President Xi has visited Thailand twice, and the Premier has visited three times, while members of the Central Political Bureau have frequently come to Thailand within the past 2-3 years. The first stop of the Spring Festival cultural delegation is also in Thailand. I believe everyone present understands how important Thailand is. I need not say more.'

Feng Wenliang also follows the 'Three Principles' in his role as the President of the Chamber of Commerce. These principles are to be an incubator, loudspeaker, and amplifier for promoting both Shandong compatriots and Thai local businesses. He reminds Shandong compatriots that they must pay attention to Southeast Asia and hopes that they will come to visit and investigate before making any decisions.

Not Suited for Business, Yet Successful in Business

After years of struggle and experience, Feng Wenliang, back in his hometown, shakes his head when asked about doing business. 'I am not very suited for business,' he says.

Perhaps it's due to his personality, or perhaps it's his inherent liveliness. Feng Wenliang started with technical work, then after-sales, and eventually ventured into entrepreneurship. He believes he is not fond of sitting in an office and, due to his

straightforward nature, sometimes unintentionally offends people. Nevertheless, Feng Wenliang highly values friendships and is willing to do things for others. Because of this, his colleagues in the Thailand Shandong Chamber of Commerce affectionately call him 'Hubeiyi.'

Beneath Feng Wenliang's tall and handsome appearance lies a heart dedicated to helping others. Aside from making friends, he is enthusiastic about social welfare and actively participates in philanthropic activities. He has supported various charitable events, such as sponsoring the tuition fees for twin brothers studying at Peking University's Chinese Department in 2015, donating money and goods to local schools in the northern mountainous areas in collaboration with the Thailand-China Federation in 2016, and donating 500 books and some sports equipment to a school at the Chaozhou Guild Hall in 2016 (Shandong Chamber of Commerce in Thailand). In 2016, he personally sponsored a 55-member art troupe of disabled individuals from Beijing's Voice of the Heart, who went to perform in northern Thailand, and accompanied them on a tour to Bangkok and Pattaya. In 2017, the Shandong Chamber of Commerce donated 60,000 yuan to support post-disaster reconstruction in southern Thailand. Notably, after the bombing incident at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok in 2015, members of the Shandong Chamber of Commerce, including lawyers, Haier, Thai Shan International, and Old Shandong Catering Group, spontaneously provided assistance in terms of manpower, vehicles, money, and supplies, and also offered translation and legal consultations, showing the victims' families overseas the warmth and kindness of their hometown.

One particularly touching event was the performance by the Voice of the Heart in Thailand. Many local Chinese were deeply moved to see their hometown performances after a long absence. After watching the performance, many of them spontaneously organized visits to the hotel where the art troupe was staying, bringing local specialties for the performers. When the troupe was about to depart, locals came to see them off and bid a reluctant farewell. An octogenarian held Feng Wenliang's hand, expressing gratitude, which brought tears to the usually composed Feng Wenliang. Seeing the happiness brought to people by his actions, Feng Wenliang felt truly fulfilled.

Despite feeling unsuited for business, Feng Wenliang has his own theories on entrepreneurship: trying to survive alone is not sustainable; opening doors and forming alliances is a long-term endeavor. He says that doing business with a closed door is not viable, 'Business thrives only when everyone benefits; only then can we prosper and also reap the rewards ourselves.'"