Politicians who should know better are wasting their time worrying. green bubblesApple continues to explore opportunities in global markets as traditional markets become increasingly stagnant.
Apple is also a strong partner for Cupertino and, by extension, for the success of US soft power, seeking ways to avoid being exposed to rising US politically-driven tensions with China.
Following his visit to China in March, Apple CEO Tim Cook spent a week in Indonesia, Vietnam, and Singapore. This week of his was not for the executive to sit idle, nor should it be seen as an opportunity to buy new carbon his offsets to justify the use of executive jets. Apple’s bosses were there to do business — along with some great people. social media moments To add a little more sparkle.
Ground preparation in Vietnam
During his two-day visit to Vietnam, Cook announced plans to increase spending with local manufacturing suppliers. Luxshare, Foxconn, Compal and GoerTek already employ 150,000 people in Vietnam, with Apple and third parties supporting an additional 50,000 jobs. “From working with local suppliers to supporting clean water projects and educational opportunities, we remain committed to continuing to strengthen our connections in Vietnam,” Cook said in his statement.
Current thinking is that Apple sees Vietnam as a production center for Macs and AirPods.
Human resource development in Indonesia
Cook’s tour then stopped in Indonesia, where the Apple leader met with President Joko Widodo to discuss potential investments. Cook also spoke at a press conference, acknowledging the discussion around manufacturing, and characterizing the investment opportunities there as “limitless.”
Although Apple does not have strong manufacturing ties with Indonesia, it has invested heavily in Indonesian talent. During Cook’s visit, the company announced its fourth developer academy in Bali. “We have seen time and time again that a line of code can change the world, and in Indonesia we are investing in the creativity and skills of people who are determined to prove it,” Cook said. said in a statement.
Expanding corporate staff in Singapore
Finally, Cook stopped in Singapore to visit the Apple Store and the company’s new developer center. Again he has big news for Apple, he announced a $250 million investment to expand the existing campus in Ang Mo Kio. Its campus is envisioned to serve as a regional hub for corporate operations across the region. Apple first entered Singapore in 1981 when it manufactured the Apple II system.
having one’s feet on the ground
Apple’s ties to the region are not new. The company has long worked with suppliers and manufacturers across the Asia-Pacific region, and Mr. Cook led those teams. While he was Apple’s chief operating officer, he was the lead architect of the company’s globalized and highly efficient supply chain. (He may have conducted similar negotiations before his time at Apple, when he led procurement at Compaq.)
stay at the arena
Now, as Apple grapples with regulatory turmoil, Cook appears to be drawing heavily on his own experience to help the company navigate its way through it. That means meeting with the highest levels of national leadership in countries where he sees signs of future opportunities. This is based on Mr. Cook’s track record. Apple’s efforts in India mean the country is accelerating towards becoming a top-three market for the company, and its investments across the region will increase its presence across neighboring national economies. It should be useful.
After all, as Cook once said, “A side hustle is not where you want to spend your life. The world needs you in this arena.” And maintaining your place in that arena is what Apple is all about. is what you should do. It’s also important to note that this is the time each year when the company finalizes production contracts with suppliers across the region.
Given the strategic importance of these deals, who better to sign the final commitments than the CEO, especially at such interesting times? After all, we know that new iPhones, Macs, iPads, and Vision family products are coming. It doesn’t necessarily have to be made in China.
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