Tractor Theory
FADE IN:
INT. STUDY - NIGHT
PETER checks a phone message.
PETER (V.O.)
A friend shares the news
that another University in
Hong Kong is exploring
opportunity to have a
branch campus in the
Greater Bay Area.
FLASHBACK
INT. SECLUDED RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Peter sits next to a GENTLEMAN (50s) in a round table.
PETER
(Seriously)
My main worry is about
brand dilution. Let me
share with you the Mexican
model...
The gentleman listens carefully.
FLASHBACK UPON FLASHBACK (July 2012)
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM, MEXICO CITY - DAY
Peter listens carefully to a Mexican SPEAKER (40s).
SPEAKER
In Mexican joint ventures,
we apply the tractor theory.
We welcome successful
foreign enterprises to act
like tractors to pull our
domestic enterprises.
END FLASHBACK UPON FLASHBACK
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)
Thus, in our joint venture
we've to generate more
power and traction to pull
our partner. If we can't
pull, it'd dilute our brand.
The gentleman nods.
RETURN TO PRESENT
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)
The information source also
says the branch campus
idea is very preliminary...
FLASHBACK
INT. HALL, MEXICO CITY - DAY (July 2012)
Dozens of LADIES and GENTLEMEN assemble under the direction of an ANCHOR (20s).
ANCHOR
Let's assemble to take
a group photo...
Ladies and gentlemen take their positions. No photographer is in sight. The anchor goes to check and then returns.
ANCHOR
The camera man hasn't
come. The photo session
is cancelled.
Ladies and gentlemen laugh as they dismiss.
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM, MEXICO CITY - DAY
A Mexican HOST (40s) speaks to Peter.
HOST
Could you take up the
chairmanship for the
morning session? Our
colleague is being caught
in a traffic jam.
Peter is surprised but nods agreeably.
PETER
Okay I'll exercise my
best endeavours!
Having quickly examined the Conference Program, Peter begins to assume his chairmanship.
A beat.
Conference ends. Peter looks around.
PETER (V.O.)
It appears that the chairman
designate didn't turn up at
all. No one comes to thank
me for playing the substitute
role.
RETURN TO PRESENT
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd)
Even for small matters,
there can be unforeseen
obstacles, not to mention
big projects.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd)
Anyhow, any change begins
with ideas. To lead and
manage change in adversities
in a dynamic fashion is the
key.
Pausing.
Furthermore, the Greater
Bay Area does need a
a big pool of human
capital to capture and
deliver value. Collaborative
education is one strategy.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd)
In any business, I believe
we've to innovate to make
a difference. We've to
enhance our industrial
capacity to make and
manage our commercial
brand. As to the economic
impact, intellectual property
is the driver.
Pausing.
Complex business it may
seem, but that's the
path of maturity and
greater success in this
century and beyond!
FADE OUT. The End