[Accidental] Visit to UTStarcom’s Shenzhen Office Building

Last evening I attended ToastMaster International’s first meeting in Nanshan, Shenzhen. When I stepped onto the 3rd floor of the futuristic Lenovo Building (right), where the meeting was being held, I was surprised to see the familiar purple UTStarcom sign! I was accidentally at the [reception area of the] company to which I have paid so much attention and from which I’ve benefited so much - financially as well as knowledge-wise! Yet this was as closely as I’d ever been to the company physically!

As for the toastmaster meeting, about 40 to 50 people were there. It was my first time (together with Zoe) to their meetings. One of the organizers, Eva Li, is an impressive lady who is very passionate about what she was doing, and with very good command of English also. I am, however, not sure whether or not I will become a member (RMB 400 entry fee plus RMB 350 for a six-month subscription). It’s a good place to practice presentation skill, but it’s a little heavy on formality and less on interaction and free talk which I prefer. I did have a short chat with an employee of UTStarcom, but didn’t have time to ask many questions about the well-being of his employer. He did mentioned the word “on survival” when I asked him if UTSI is turning around. Maybe that’s enough of reason that I should go back there at least one more time!