Ever wondered about all those expats you see around Shanghai? Who are they and what are they doing here?

 

Well, now there is a way to discover who the movers and shakers of the city are, with a new guide distinguishing who's who in Shanghai.

 

Titled "Who is Who," the guide is already popular in other major cities around the globe, offering insider knowledge of the top dogs of their particular turf.

 

The most famous, of course, is Marquis "Who's Who" published worldwide. Shanghai's guide is not affiliated with the widely known, well-established and differently spelled "Who's Who."

 

The Shanghai guide, the first in China, is to be launched in June. A pre-edition with over 1,000 entries is available now. The number of entries is rising by the day. From top managers and CEOs to artists and entrepreneurs, it unites successful people in the city.

 

"It creates a community to be able to locate people to work with and meet through organized events and the publication," says French expat Frederic Renou, the former editor who recruited many of the candidates in the guide.

 

Who is Who-type publications have been circulating around the world since the mid 1800s, highlighting successful people.

 

"With the influx of foreigners to Shanghai launching, building, and growing new and existing international businesses, the idea of highlighting the very people who contribute to this incredible city of Shanghai and are introducing international flavor was intriguing," he continues.

 

Published by Wai White Dragon, the guide was founded by Laszlo Fazekas and Richard Bako of Hungary.

 

"Although this guide has no association with other 'Who's Who' publications worldwide, it was directly inspired by its principles and concept," says Renou.

 

"The project is really exciting and exclusive in Shanghai. I enjoyed meeting a variety of people from many businesses, people from different industries and countries, and people who brought different cultures and flavors into the city."

 

Renou and his team started with a small network of people working and living in Shanghai, and then built up their contacts. "We strongly rely on our members and other people's references. We believe successful people know successful people here, and those references are usually great candidates for our publication."

 

To be included in the "Who is Who," candidates are interviewed by one of the editors, and if eligibility criteria is satisfied, they are included in the guide.

 

There are so many benefits, continues Renou.

 

"There's exposure for yourself to represent your company and promote your business and what you do. It's a way to get background about the successful people in Shanghai. It's a more personal way to network and we aim to broaden the networking experience. It gives recognition of what you are doing and what you have done before, and it is also a nice way to leave a mark."

 

With distribution first and foremost to members, it will eventually be sold internationally. The aim is to be available to people who want to know who is working in the city and who are potential business contacts in Shanghai.

 

The pre-edition is out now as a sample and can be purchased. The first edition of the "Who is Who" will be out in the beginning of June.

 

(Shanghai Daily May 21, 2007)