Chapter 441 A Tremendous Sensation
"Next, we will enter the Q&A session. Please raise your hands enthusiastically. As long as the questions are appropriate, we will do our best to answer them," David announced at the right moment.
No sooner had he finished speaking than the reporters all eagerly raised their hands, the scene turning lively.
Despite the large number of reporters present, opportunities to ask questions were limited, and only a few would be lucky enough to seize them.
"First, let's hear from the reporter from Oriental Daily," David skillfully selected a journalist from Oriental Daily to open the session—after all, it was a media outlet owned by their boss.
The reporter from Oriental Daily stood up, not particularly surprised at being given the first question.
After all, the man before them, Lin Haoran, was also technically their boss.
"Mr. Lin, hello! I'm a reporter from Oriental Daily. First of all, congratulations to Jardines Matheson Group on successfully acquiring Hong Kong Telephone Company. It's undoubtedly one of the biggest events in Hong Kong's business community recently.
As the driving force behind Jardines Matheson, may I ask: what are your personal views on this acquisition?
And what specific development plans does Jardines Matheson have for Hong Kong Telephone Company in the future?" the reporter asked directly.
After all, whether it was David or Ma Shimin, they were merely professional managers—employees, essentially.
Lin Haoran was the true owner.
It made more sense to direct the real questions to him.
Lin Haoran nodded lightly. Naturally, he wouldn't refuse a question from a media company under his own control, especially since it was a perfectly normal and expected inquiry.
"Thank you for your question, and thank you to Oriental Daily for its continuous attention and reporting.
This acquisition is a major step in Jardines Matheson's strategic expansion.
Hong Kong Telephone Company, as a leader in Hong Kong's telecommunications sector, has an extensive fixed-line network, recognized technological strength, and service quality.
What we value is not just its current assets but also its tremendous future potential.
As for development plans, we will uphold the principles of openness and innovation, strengthening network construction, improving service quality, and exploring new technologies such as mobile communications to provide users with more diverse and convenient services."
Lin Haoran paused slightly, then dropped a bombshell:
"I would also like to share some exciting news with everyone.
During my recent visit to the United States, I had the privilege of reaching a landmark agreement with the global telecommunications giant, Motorola.
We plan to work with Motorola to make Hong Kong the world's first city to commercialize mobile communications.
Imagine: in the near future, fixed-line telephones will no longer be the only way to communicate.
People will be able to make and receive calls wherever they are.
This will bring unprecedented convenience and efficiency to both our daily lives and our work.
The realization of this vision will mark a major leap forward for Hong Kong in telecommunications technology and set a new benchmark for global mobile communication development.
This—this is one of the main reasons why I acquired Hong Kong Telephone Company.
In the future, Hong Kong Telephone Company will represent me in cooperating with Motorola."
Lin Haoran's words instantly electrified the room.
Not only did he reveal the broader purpose behind the acquisition, but he also announced a major breakthrough that would reshape Hong Kong's future.
A wave of applause erupted from the assembled reporters.
Though mobile phones were not yet commercialized globally, the concept had long been known.
Since Motorola unveiled the world's first mobile phone in 1973 and later successfully developed the cellular communication network, the idea had captivated the world.
Hong Kong, as one of the world's top three financial centers, had always stood at the forefront of global trends.
Thus, Lin Haoran's announcement sparked unprecedented excitement.
Hong Kong was about to become the first city in the world to commercialize mobile phones!
The journalists began feverishly imagining what this transformation would look like:
People on the streets carrying brick-sized mobile phones, chatting freely across long distances—fixed-line dominance would be shattered forever.
Instantly, everyone's attention shifted from the acquisition itself to the far more exciting prospect of Hong Kong becoming a pioneer in mobile communication.
"Mr. Lin, does this cooperation with Motorola mean Hong Kong Telephone Company will launch mobile phone services soon?" asked a South China Morning Post reporter, his voice trembling with excitement.
Lin Haoran smiled and nodded.
"Yes, that is our goal.
We aim to bring mobile communication to the public as soon as possible.
Of course, network infrastructure needs to be built and devices tested, so it will take some time.
But rest assured, Jardines Matheson and Motorola will do everything possible to realize this vision as quickly as we can."
Another journalist asked eagerly:
"What specific benefits will mobile phones bring to ordinary citizens?"
"The benefits are many," Lin Haoran patiently explained.
"First, mobile phones will break the geographic limitations of fixed lines.
No matter where you are, you will be able to stay connected.
This will be a massive boon for businesspeople and anyone who needs to move around frequently.
Initially, because of high costs and technical barriers, mobile phones may only be affordable for the wealthy.
But as technology matures and costs drop, they will become more accessible, eventually reaching every household.
I look forward to the day when even ordinary citizens can enjoy the convenience of mobile communications."
Lin Haoran's answer further fueled the reporters' excitement.
Sensing that the atmosphere was drifting away from the original purpose of the press conference, Ma Shimin quickly stepped in with a light laugh:
"Dear friends from the media, thank you for your enthusiasm regarding our cooperation with Motorola.
However, as our boss mentioned, this collaboration is still in its early stages.
Many details are still under discussion.
For now, to ensure the accuracy of the information we release, we plan to announce further developments once the partnership matures.
Now, let's refocus on today's main theme: if you have any other questions about Jardines Matheson's acquisition of Hong Kong Telephone Company or the group's future strategy, we are more than happy to answer."
Though the reporters were eager to keep probing about mobile communications, they respected Ma Shimin's redirection and returned to the main topic.
A finance reporter from Hong Kong Economic Journal raised his hand with a sharp, professional question:
"Mr. Lin, Jardines Matheson's acquisition of Hong Kong Telephone Company is undoubtedly a major strategic investment.
What impact will this acquisition have on Jardines Matheson's financial situation?
Does the group have sufficient funds to support both the acquisition and future operations?"
Lin Haoran smiled lightly.
"This is a good question.
First, I want to emphasize that Jardines Matheson has always maintained a stable and healthy financial structure.
As you may know, recently we sold a number of real estate assets, recovering a substantial amount of capital.
This acquisition, although significant, has been carefully evaluated.
We are confident that it will not strain the group's cash flow.
In fact, we have set aside ample funds and developed a comprehensive financial plan to support both the acquisition and future integration."
Another reporter quickly followed up:
"Mr. Lin, there were recent rumors that you faced a financial crisis, and you did not publicly refute them.
You even left Hong Kong for America during that period.
Were those rumors true?
If not, why did you sell part of your real estate portfolio?
Does this mean you lack confidence in Hong Kong's future property market?"
Hearing this, Lin Haoran slightly frowned.
Clearly, he hadn't expected such a direct and sharp question.
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