Chapter 208 Sudden Incident, Chen Shoulin's Suggestion
Hearing the boss approve his plan, Chen Shoulin finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Expanding into overseas markets would undoubtedly require significant initial investment, and he had been worried that the boss might reject the idea.
But now, Lin Haoran, who wasn't short of money, naturally didn't care much about short-term dividends.
What he valued was Hong Kong Electric Group's future.
After all, holding 49.9% of the shares, Lin Haoran didn't need to worry about anyone forcing a takeover without his consent.
Chen Shoulin took a plan out of his desk drawer and handed it to Lin Haoran.
Lin Haoran took the document and saw that it was Chen's overseas market expansion plan.
"Thailand?" Lin Haoran raised his eyebrows upon seeing the country listed.
He had thought Chen Shoulin would first target nearer countries like the Philippines or Malaysia, but unexpectedly, he chose Thailand as the starting point.
"Boss, I've researched the electricity supply situation in Southeast Asia. Bangkok is developing rapidly, and power shortages are serious. Current electricity providers there are insufficient to meet demand.
Late last year, the Bangkok government planned to invite new electricity companies to improve power supply in Bangkok and surrounding areas. I believe Hong Kong Electric Group can seize this opportunity," Chen Shoulin explained as Lin Haoran flipped through the plan.
"Good. Go ahead boldly!" Lin Haoran closed the document and placed it back on the desk.
He knew very well about Thailand's situation.
During the late '80s and early '90s, Southeast Asia as a whole was developing rapidly—Thailand included.
If not for the 1997 Asian financial crisis, which devastated the region, Thailand's economy would have continued to soar into the 21st century.
Thus, electricity demand would only continue to rise.
For Hong Kong Electric Group to expand into Thailand made perfect sense.
Hong Kong's market was just too small, and Hong Kong Electric still had competition—mainly from CLP Holdings, which served Kowloon and the New Territories.
As for entering the Mainland China market, Lin Haoran had no intention for now.
Everyone knew that essential services like electricity were tightly controlled by state-owned enterprises in China.
At most, foreign companies could grab a tiny slice of the market—barely worth the effort.
"And how's the situation at China Gas Company?" Lin Haoran asked, shifting the topic.
Since completing the acquisition, he had rarely visited the Quarry Bay headquarters.
To him, as long as China Gas ran normally, that was enough.
"Everything is stable. No major changes in management, so no turbulence. Here's a recent report summarizing the company's major decisions," Chen Shoulin said, handing over another file.
Lin Haoran nodded and began reading.
Previously, he had tipped off He Zhenxing that the audit supervisor and cashier at China Gas might be problematic.
Sure enough, three days later, He Zhenxing called to report back.
Acting promptly on Lin Haoran's orders, He Zhenxing launched a covert investigation.
The results were shocking.
The audit supervisor had colluded with the cashier to embezzle over HK$500,000 over two years.
Their crimes severely harmed the company's interests and disrupted its operations.
The revelation sent shockwaves through the company and made He Zhenxing realize the urgent need to strengthen internal controls and oversight.
He immediately initiated comprehensive reforms of company policies, strengthening employee management and training to prevent future incidents.
Meanwhile, both embezzlers were arrested and were now awaiting trial.
Lin Haoran wasn't surprised in the least.
He had expected this from the moment he saw their loyalty scores.
The news even reached Li Mingze, who was shocked.
During his time managing China Gas, he had never suspected that such corruption existed among key personnel.
Still, with his shareholding now a mere 2.9%, Li Mingze had little reason—or right—to intervene.
He now focused more on managing his family's property company, Lee Hysan Development.
Just as Lin Haoran and Chen Shoulin were discussing company affairs, the office phone rang.
"Boss, may I take this call first?" Chen asked.
Lin Haoran nodded.
After answering, Chen handed the receiver to Lin Haoran: "Boss, it's for you."
"For me?" Lin Haoran raised an eyebrow but took the call.
"Boss, it's Burton. I figured you might be at Hong Kong Electric, and I was right," came the voice of Cheung Chau Cement's General Manager.
"What's up?" Lin Haoran asked.
"Something serious happened this afternoon at our Manila branch's cement plant," Burton reported urgently. "Local gangsters stormed the facility, injured several workers, and one Filipino employee died."
Lin Haoran frowned deeply. This was no minor incident.
"The gang left a warning: withdraw from the Visayas market or face more trouble. They fled before police arrived. I believe it's tied to competition," Burton explained.
Visayas was one of the Philippines' three major regions, home to over 10 million people.
Cheung Chau Cement had rapidly expanded there, threatening the monopoly of a company called Aemex.
Clearly, Aemex had hired the gang to drive them out.
"Our police contacts say they can respond quickly when called, but they admit they can't control these gangs," Burton added with a bitter laugh.
"I see. I'll come to Cheung Chau Cement tomorrow," Lin Haoran said. "For now, halt expansion into Visayas. No need to fight a turf war. Compensate injured and deceased workers according to local standards."
"Understood, Boss. I'll handle it," Burton replied.
After hanging up, Lin Haoran sat quietly, deep in thought.
Cheung Chau Cement now earned nearly HK$20 million monthly profits, over HK$200 million annually.
No longer a small player, the company's management was eager to expand.
The Philippines had been their first foreign market.
But now, attempting to push into Visayas had triggered violent resistance.
Lin Haoran generally gave his managers wide autonomy, intervening rarely.
But this was different.
Operating overseas, beyond his normal sphere of influence, required a new approach.
"Boss, Cheung Chau Cement ran into trouble in the Philippines, didn't it?" Chen Shoulin asked, having caught fragments of the conversation.
Lin Haoran didn't hide the facts and explained everything.
"Boss, I have a suggestion," Chen Shoulin said.
"Oh? Let's hear it," Lin Haoran replied curiously.
"Boss, your status in Hong Kong is unshakable. Even triads like 13K, Sun Yee On, and Wo Hop To treat you with respect.
But overseas, it's different. Your reputation doesn't carry weight there.
They see us as easy targets because we have little local influence.
Today it's the Philippines; tomorrow it could happen in Thailand or Malaysia.
Thus, I suggest you establish your own security force—an international security company.
As your businesses expand worldwide, you'll need the ability to project strength.
Without it, no matter how rich you are, you'll always be vulnerable."
Chen Shoulin laid out his reasoning thoroughly.
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