The world of women's sports is not just about the tournaments and matches, but also about the impact these athletes have on the events economy. Coco Gauff's inspiring journey and historic win have not only brought her personal success but have also contributed to the growth and popularity of women's sports. Through their skill, determination, and triumphs, these athletes continue to inspire fans and aspiring athletes around the world.
In a similar vein, Canadian women with backgrounds from and connections to Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, and China have created their own Joy Luck Club, a regular meeting over a game of mahjong, to provide an avenue for social interaction, business discussions, and a metaphorical 'seat at the table' that was not always available to women and people of color [00564236]. The club was initiated by Julia Chung, co-founder and CEO of Spring Planning Inc., along with Stephanie Sang, CEO of Granted Consulting, Bonnie Foley-Wong, founder of Pique Ventures, and Tania Lo, CEO of Tandem Innovation Group. The inaugural meeting took place six years ago at Vancouver's Terminal City Club, and although in-person gatherings were momentarily halted due to Bonnie Foley-Wong's relocation to Toronto and the pandemic, the club found solace in online mahjong games. The club has expanded beyond Asian roots and now has 18 members, offering a unique space for collective storytelling, the exchange of ancestral wisdom, and the strengthening of community and business ties.
The Joy Luck Club's mahjong sessions not only provide a platform for social interaction but also foster business connections and cultural roots. The club offers a space for Canadian women with diverse backgrounds to come together, share their experiences, and support each other in their professional endeavors. The game of mahjong serves as a metaphor for the challenges and strategies involved in business, creating a unique environment for networking and collaboration. Through the club, these women have been able to build valuable relationships, exchange ideas, and find mentorship opportunities [00564236].
The Joy Luck Club's mahjong sessions have become more than just a game. They have become a symbol of empowerment and inclusivity, providing women and people of color with a sense of belonging and a voice in the business world. By creating this space for social interaction and business discussions, the club is breaking barriers and challenging traditional norms. It is a testament to the power of community and the importance of representation in shaping a more diverse and inclusive society [00564236].
The impact of the Joy Luck Club extends beyond its members. By showcasing the strength and success of these women, the club is inspiring others to pursue their dreams and overcome obstacles. It is a reminder that diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords, but essential values that drive innovation and progress. Through their mahjong sessions, the members of the Joy Luck Club are not only playing a game but also rewriting the rules of the business world [00564236].
Meanwhile, in Shanghai, a downtown branch of Starbucks has become a popular gathering place for amateur players of the ancient Chinese board game Go. About 30 players meet at the coffee shop three times a week to play and test their strategies. The gatherings are self-organized and have grown from a small WeChat group to close to 400 members. The Starbucks employees are tolerant of the group as long as they keep the noise down and order something. The popularity of Go is booming in China, with an estimated 60 million players and at least 3 million young people currently learning the game. Online Go platforms have also experienced rapid development, with over 360 million individuals participating in online matches since February 2022. Retirees still prefer meeting Go partners at teahouses and community centers, while modern methods include using social network platforms and Go community websites to find playing partners. The article suggests that Go will continue to thrive in the 21st century and beyond [eb7f856f].
In China, a new card game called Guandan, also known as 'throwing eggs' in Chinese, has gained popularity in the finance sector. This comes as U.S. curbs on investment in China have altered the strategic landscape. Last August, President Joe Biden issued an executive order restricting U.S. investment in China in strategic sectors. Chinese officials have been trying to revive confidence in the economy, with Xi Jinping visiting Europe last week and meeting with top U.S. executives in Beijing in March. Guandan is being promoted by the newly established Guandan Card Association, and the game has advantages over other popular Chinese games such as mahjong. It is easy to learn, doesn't involve betting, and allows for conversation and building stronger business partnerships. The game has gained popularity beyond the financial industry, with the number of players nationwide reaching 140 million. Some schools even require students to learn the game to cultivate their intellectual ability and teamwork skills. Guandan gatherings are organized by finance professionals in major cities to network across different industries [55462404].
Learning the card game Guandan, also known as 'throwing eggs', is helping investment agencies in China stay afloat as US-based investors keep pulling out from China. The executive order signed by US President Joe Biden in August 2023 restricts American investment in significant sectors including artificial intelligence and semiconductors. Guandan is a card game played by affluent provinces and cities of China, and local financers are learning the game and playing it with potential clients as a social activity to woo them towards local investment. The game does not involve betting, which keeps it out of the scanners of Chinese authorities cracking down on illegal gambling. Mahjong is another popular card game in China, but Guandan is gaining popularity among investment sector professionals [d1012a44].