Preface Like Michelangelo's Marble Statues

When I was traveling in Italy, I was surprised to discover the marble statue of Michelangelo in the campus of an unknown art university.

Returning from Italy, I made a long-delayed decision. That was, I finally intend to publish a book about my own story.

In fact, this was the request from many young entrepreneurs long ago, but I refused to do so. I had thought it should be done by those retired. I was planning to continue with my career, how I can do that?

When I saw Michelangelo's marble statue, I changed my mind. The statue is erected in a campus where everybody could watch and study. On the simple base, the statue shows everything to the people.

I have been working as an entrepreneur for 30 years. There is no other entrepreneur in the Silicon Valley who has run his own company for 30 years. 99% of the companies listed in NASDAQ in the same year with TELE VIDEO had withdrawn.However, my company was the 1% that remained. I was the first person who shocked the global computer market and took the 27th place in the rich list of the United States. I had also won honors and praise from the world.

However, before obtaining such great achievements, I had experienced numerous difficulties and was even desperate. I used to eat expired pumpkin cans taken out from garbage bins, and I had once mortgaged all my houses, cars and furniture to finance for the development of new products.

However, I always believe that there is a way out. This way or that way, but I have to meet the challenge and look for changes. Whatever hardship I encounter, I never give up. To be frank, I simply have no idea of“give up”.

The advocate of“the second revitalization of enterprises”is quite popular in South Korea. Enterprises serve as the driving force of economic growth. IT industry must become the core of national competitiveness. Since IT industry had experienced difficulties, it certainly should recover.

For those who are hesitating to retreat in crisis, I think it is necessary to encourage them some“new spirits”. I believe that young talents can learn something from my experience in the past 30 years. I think I am perfectly qualified to be a“lighthouse” to guide their route to success.

Classic statue of Michelangelo created in that the highest quality marble was available in Italy. My book faithfully records the adversities and challenges I experienced, as well as those frustrations and successes. Therefore, I believe that the book can be used as a“guidance” for their career, and their lives. I sincerely hope they can also make contributions to the development of their motherlands and human society.

Philip Hwang