On arrival in Hong Kong, we were refused check in on the flight to Guangzhou because we did not have a return flight out. We had one out of Hong Kong, but not from Guangzhou to Hong Kong and we needed that. So, we tried to buy one on the spot, and that is where it gets interesting. That was not sufficient because Hong Kong is not a third country. I mean, well, it is if you enter China from Hong Kong, because then you need a visa, but it is not when leaving China to Hong Kong. But we had a ticket from Hong Kong to a third country… Oh well. We tried the land borders taxiing from one to the other. Going through Hong Kong customs to be turned back because you can only get a visa between 9:30 and 16:30.
And we were in a hurry, because there was a typhoon warning for Hong Kong the next day. The 1000 km wide cat 4 Doksuri decided to visit. Our newfound hotel in the University district in Hong Kong gave us stranded travelers some excellent suites at a discounted price. That was a good thing as they barricaded the doors. Everything was closed and no traffic was allowed.
Picture the dazzling city of Hong Kong, where East meets West in an extraordinary fusion of cultures, traditions, and skyscrapers that stretch to touch the heavens. As you step foot into this bustling metropolis, you’ll be captivated by its energy, its charm, and its unique blend of old-world charm and cutting-edge modernity. Now imagine it’s all closed. The MTR (Metro) runs, but that’s it.
No ladies market, no shopping malls, no restaurants.
From Victoria Peak, the highest point on Hong Kong Island, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking panorama that showcases the city’s futuristic architecture juxtaposed against lush green hills and the serene waters of Victoria Harbor. It’s a picture-perfect blend of urban development and nature’s splendor. Yeah, so we saw the first few meters of that, then gray.
Third try: Welcome to the Lo Wu Border, a mesmerizing portal where two worlds collide, and chaos dances with enchantment. Situated at the bustling boundary between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, this border crossing is a fascinating mix of frenetic energy, cultural diversity, and sensory overload. Step into this captivating madness and prepare to be spellbound by the unique charm and challenges of the Lo Wu Border. Prepare to be amazed by the sheer volume of human traffic at the Lo Wu Border. Hordes of commuters, tourists, and shoppers flock in both directions, making it one of the busiest land crossings in the world. The bustling crowds create a symphony of languages and cultures, with voices and dialects intermingling like a vibrant tapestry… Well no. Imagine dragging all your luggage around, reading ‘no cell phone’ signs and needing to download a WeChat app to enter your health details. Foreigners can do it without WeChat, you still need to connect to the Chinese internet and input all you information. A lot of cueing, waiting and procedures. Fortunately, we were picked up at the border, and half a day later we were finally at the factory. Luckily it was well worth it.
Two full days later than planned we arrived at our factory in Shenzhen. The factory is very modern, there are processes and protocols that not every Chinese factory has. The factory floor is air-conditioned. We saw hearing protection where needed, suction of soldering fumes, a clean and calm work floor. And a lot of our products.
China has been known for low-cost production. But China is evolving. If you find the right partner, your China facility can do much more for you. Streamit has been partnering with a Chinese manufacturer since 20 years and in that time the partnership has evolved to a state where the designs are made in the Netherlands, but part of the industrialization is done by our knowledgeable partner. One of this trips topics was to let the factory arrange many of the international certifications, including testing. Streamit has some highly innovative products so time to market is important. We want to show a host of new products at the next ISE and we are in full swing to achieve that.
As the partnership matured these two decades, Streamit’s China facility underwent a remarkable metamorphosis. The evolution saw the transfer of some of the processes from the Netherlands to China, empowering the local team to actively contribute to the industrialization of products mentioned above. The Chinese partners’ knowledge and expertise elevated our manufacturing capabilities, enabling them to produce cutting-edge products with utmost precision and quality.
Streamit’s recent visit to their Chinese partner unveiled a new milestone in the partnership. As part of their preparations for the upcoming Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) exhibition, Streamit asked their Chinese factory to manage crucial international certifications and testing. This decision not only streamlined the process but also showcased the growing trust and reliability we experienced.
This expertise was showcased when we visited accredited test labs together. The proximity of certification to the manufacturing site yielded invaluable time-to-market benefits. In-depth discussions centered around interpreting global standards for our products, ensuring they were meticulously designed and planned to cater to users across the globe.
Our itinerary also led us to dedicated antenna manufacturers, where the pursuit of an optimal antenna took center stage. Crafting the perfect antenna is no trivial matter. It is in a sense where the rubber meets the road. Our commitment is to providing a rock-solid connection and a wide range of coverage. Engaging in insightful on-site discussions with the development team offered us insights into their capabilities and expertise.
Upon returning to the Hong Kong office, we evaluated our expedition, mapping out a roadmap. As a gesture of appreciation and camaraderie, we shared the last of our scrumptious stroopwafels, a delicious treat from the Netherlands.
As the typhoon subsided, we seized the opportunity to explore the now again vibrant streets of Hong Kong, indulging in some well-deserved retail therapy. Among our treasures was the acquisition of a remarkable tube amplifier from Aplui Street, a testament to China’s efforts in joining the league of higher quality production. In conclusion, this enriching experience illuminated the collaboration between our expertise and cutting-edge facilities. By aligning our pursuits with globally recognized standards, we are primed to bring exceptional products to discerning consumers worldwide. Our journey reinforced our commitment to innovation, and was fun.