26/12/2016
[Opportunities and Challenges - Globalisation]
When the world is becoming increasingly interconnected due to massively increased trade and cultural exchange, globalisation occurs.
Many opportunities can be brought by globalisation. Cross-border activities such as cross-border investment and population flow, have fostered cultural exchange and integration. Opportunities have been created for the promotion of the traditional customs. For example, more and more Chinese people will celebrate Christmas even though it is yet to be a public holiday in the Mainland China. Moreover, the Chinese New Year has received increasing attention from the globe. In fact, the Chinese New Year has been a statutory holiday in the New York City since 2003.
Yet, challenges have also been created. Since Western culture has been globally accepted, some Chinese traditional customs are being challenged by Western culture as China's economy and cultural activities are increasingly connected to the world. Western festivals like Christmas and Halloween are getting popular among young people in China, while traditional Chinese festivals like the Chung Yeung Festival and the Spirit Festival have become less important.
Whether globalisation unites different people on Earth or destroys traditional cultures is still an unknown. However, it would be good for us to seize the opportunities created, whereas protecting traditional and local customs.