This episode is the last in an 18 part series that followed the HardworX innovation Tour of Shenzhen 2017. The 8 day journey took the group through a broad range of factories, providing a good overview of manufacturing choices available in Shenzhen with an emphasis on electronics manufacture but also included visits to factories that built mechanical housings and components as well. The tour was timed to coincide with Makerfaire Shenzhen 2017, allowing many in the group to meet with Makers from all over the world as well as China. The tour group stayed right at the heart of Shenzhen electronics scene, just 2 minutes from the famous Huaqiangbei electronics markets, allowing them to visit whenever possible.

In this episode, the group trawl through the electronics markets for the last time, gather their things and pack up their bags in readiness to fly home. On reflecting about the trip, many on the tour share their opinions on what they witnessed over the last 8 days and share some tips for anyone wishing to make a similar journey. For most though, the trip did demystify Chinese manufacturing and how to engage with them in a meaningful way.

The question is asked, “will there be another tour next year?”. For that, you will need to keep your eye on the HardworX website and see if Vela will run another tour next year.

For more about HardworX visit https://www.hardworx.io

I would like to extend my special thanks to Vela and the cohort for allowing me to follow along, film and compile this series. It was a special labour of love for me, involving hundreds of hours of editing time. My hope is that this series will be a valuable resource for all who have dreams, in particular, kids in high schools and universities, to see that there is a pathway to a career, as a designer, engineer or entrepreneur (see Incubators and Accelerators in the episode list).

For more about each of the factories that we visited, I highly recommend viewing episodes from this series. Otherwise links are below.

More about Austrade can be gained by visiting https://www.austrade.gov.au

Links to factories we visited:
Hytera EMS visit: http://www.hyteraems.com
Defond visit http://www.grpdfond.com
SEEED Studios visit: https://www.seeedstudio.com
HLH Prototypes, visit http://www.hlhprototypes.com
Kaier Wo visit http://www.prototypeinchina.com
Jiafuh Metal and Plastics visit: http://www.jiafuh.com
HYX Gears visit http://www.hyx-gears.com
ITEAD Studios visit https://www.itead.cc
HAX visit: https://hax.co
x.Factory is open to all (internationals included): https://www.xfactory.io

LIFX visit https://www.lifx.com
YBF Ventures (Melbourne) http://ybfventures.com

For more about Jon Oxer visit https://www.superhouse.tv
For more about Tom Partridge visit https://www.tectonica.net

Finally, for more about this series, visit https://www.stateofelectronics.com

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NOTE on "comment" policy: Please understand that this video neither condones nor comments on reputation, labour practices, and other standards, in particular relating to safety. It is intended for educational purposes only, allowing you the viewer to participate in our tour. The company has kindly opened its doors to us and allowed us to come and see what they can do in a free and open manner. State of Electronics respects this and asks that you do so as well. This video has no sponsorship or other influences from the company highlighted. The comments made by participants are the result of this personal tour and their personal opinions on what they witnessed and understood. However, State of Electronics does understand that some of it's viewers will have concerns about standards. Please do not post comments relating to your opinions on safety or other labour practices to this video as they vary greatly from country to country and subsequently will be deleted. Express your views in your own video, using your own footage, and put your name to it to make it count. Thank you for your understanding.