Marketplace®

Daily business news and economic stories
Donate
 

Scott Tong

Correspondent

Scott Tong is a former correspondent for Marketplace. He reported on sustainability issues (energy, climate, environment, resources) for Marketplace, as well as the U.S.-China technology relationship, frequently described as “fraught.” He is Marketplace’s former China bureau chief. What was your first job? English-language audiotape (yes, tape) voice-over work. Sixth grade.Taiwan. What advice do you wish someone had given you before you started this career? Show up an hour before the interview. Fill in the blank: Money can’t buy you happiness, but it can buy you ______. Gas for kid carpools; Washington Capitals hockey tickets. What is something that everyone should own, no matter how much it costs? Smoker (plus wooden slotted spoon). What’s your most memorable Marketplace moment? Sneaking into Burma for twenty bucks.

Latest from Scott Tong

  • Mar 8, 2008

    Filipinos protest Chinese influence

    Many Filipinos have taken to the streets to protest President Gloria Arroyo's policies with China. They are alleging corruption in Chinese-funded infrastructure projects, including one for a large-scale rail line. Scott Tong reports.

    Read MoreDownload
  • Feb 26, 2008

    China gets on board building the rails

    A large-scale Chinese IPO is hoping to raise billions to help build up the country's railway. Scott Tong reports China doesn't have nearly enough tracks to cover the millions of commuters on the rails.

    Read More
  • Feb 20, 2008

    Will China export its inflation?

    China reported its inflation rate surged 7.1% from a year ago — the biggest increase in 11 years. Since Chinese manufacturers have been absorbing much of the inflation, will Chinese export prices be affected? Scott Tong reports.

    Read More
  • Feb 19, 2008

    The speed limit on China’s inflation

    China has said its inflation rate is now over 7 percent, and the government has been deploying price controls for weeks to try to calm things down. Scott Tong reports the hope is that the inflation is only temporary.

    Read More
  • Feb 8, 2008

    Storm uncovers China’s weak points

    Last week's powerful snow storms in China derailed many travel plans for the Lunar New Year, including those of migrant workers. Kai Ryssdal talks to Scott Tong in Shanghai about how the storm exposed vulnerabilities in China's infrastructure.

    Read More
  • Feb 6, 2008

    BHP, China battle in minerals market

    The world's largest mining firm sweetens its bid to buy a rival. But China has an insatiable appetite for metals, and fears monopoly pricing. Scott Tong reports.

    Read More
  • Jan 29, 2008

    Call it the Great Fire Wall of China

    China's government is promising, by the end of the month, to put in place tough new rules for companies wanting to do business online. The prospect has investors a bit leery. Our Shanghai correspondent Scott Tong talks with Kai Ryssdal about the plan.

    Read MoreDownload
  • Jan 24, 2008

    Shanghai commute: A survivors’ battle

    No matter how bad your commute is, be thankful you don't work in Shanghai. Our China correspondent Scott Tong says his trip to and from the office is kind of a metaphor for doing business there.

    Read MoreDownload
  • Jan 9, 2008

    What do China’s rich folks do for fun?

    The number of millionaires in China has doubled in just six years to 300,000. And there are now 106 billionaires. For those with a fistful of dollars, there are plenty of people to show them how to spend it. Scott Tong took a trip to a trade fair featuring the finer things.

    Read MoreDownload
  • Jan 2, 2008

    China needs to spend some time off

    New rules are giving Chinese employees something most Americans take for granted: paid days off. Scott Tong reports this is especially good for encouraging spending, as Chinese workers save too much.

    Read More