Following in the tradition of generations of expatriate Chinese merchants, they began establishing small family businesses. Today, the authors show, these have expanded into conglomerate business empires. Entrusting corporate divisions almost exclusively to relatives, and dealing extensively with fellow expatriates, these entrepreneurs have formed close-knit and formidable business spheres throughout Southeast Asia - a "bamboo network."

This research explores the economic contributions of overseas ethnic Chinese (commonly referred to as the "bamboo network") in the economic transformation of Indonesia and the Philippines. This think-piece asks whether or not this economically dominant group can act as the catalysts of economic growth in the period of globalization, as it arguably did during the early decades of economic transformation in the postwar years. Given the unique economic terrain of Southeast Asia, to what extent this network engenders positive economic momentum and to what extent it can hamper further economic dynamism in the age of integrating markets?

Leading scholars in the field consider the profound importance of meanings of place and the spatial processes of mobility and settlement for the Chinese overseas. Visit our website for sample chapters!

What's driving the burgeoning global Chinese family businesses? Chinese family businesses are the driving force behind Asia's economic prosperity. As the world becomes more global they have had to adapt to the new environment. This timely book draws on an extensive regional survey to reveal the key players and the strategies that will drive their success going forward. The book discusses and analyzes the business life and achievements of some prominent overseas Chinese family businesses in Asia and reveals their life philosophies, their business journey, and their family role in business. Includes analysis regarding how the senior Chinese generations prepare their children to run the business in the future Reveals that flexibility, ability to adapt to changing business environments, and resilience contribute to the success of many overseas Chinese family businesses Offers illustrative examples of successful family businesses from Malaysia, Indonesia, The Philippines, and China Based in solid research and filled with illustrative examples, The Dragon Network offers an inside look at how family businesses succeed and thrive in Asia.