Nearly two decades. Five roles. A career that moved from words to strategy, products, and digital transformation.

I spent over 15 years at Global Sources, moving from technical editorial work into marketing, team management, product development, and digital strategy.

That progression gave me a view of the business from several angles — how to tell the story, how to market it, how to build the product, and how to make it better.

How I grew with Global Sources

Assistant R&D Manager, Online Strategy & Product Development

February 2019 – November 2021

I led digital product development, working across Hong Kong and Shenzhen teams to explore new ways of improving the GlobalSources.com buyer experience. Projects included sample ordering, more flexible transactions, trade show livestreaming, chatbot tools, and other user-focused enhancements.

Product Development Manager, Strategic Marketing

June 2014 – January 2019

I worked with senior leadership to develop new sourcing experiences for categories including mobile electronics, consumer electronics, and fashion accessories. I also helped improve the user experience across existing platforms and developed global promotion strategies for industry shows including China International Optoelectronics Expo and Shenzhen International Machinery Manufacturing Industry Exhibition..

Group Marketing Manager, Electronics Business Unit

December 2007 – August 2013

I led a regional marketing team delivering campaigns across print and digital, while developing new ways to connect Global Sources with the electronics industry. This included launching DatasheetsChina.com and eeWeibo, China’s first social network for engineers, as well as industry initiatives such as the Distributor Survey Awards.

Senior Marketing Executive / Assistant Marketing Manager, Electronics Business Unit

May 2003 – December 2007

This was where I moved from editorial into marketing, helping shape the positioning and campaigns for Global Sources’ electronics publications and industry brands. I worked across titles including Electronics Sourcing Magazine (ESM-China), alongside initiatives such as the Electronics Design Awards, advertiser campaigns, and monthly marketing content.

Senior Copy Editor

May 2003 – December 2007

I started by writing and editing technical content for engineers and electronics buyers across Asia, producing more than 200 articles a month. It gave me a strong foundation in understanding technical subjects, finding the story, and making specialist information accessible to its audience.

What nearly two decades taught me

Marketing rarely exists in isolation.

The best work happens when you understand the audience, the product, the business, and the story — and know how those pieces need to work together.