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Scott Tong

Correspondent

SHORT BIO

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 Stories (1,339)

Filipinos protest Chinese influence

Mar 7, 2008
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.

China gets on board building the rails

Feb 26, 2008
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.

Will China export its inflation?

Feb 19, 2008
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.

The speed limit on China's inflation

Feb 19, 2008
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.

Storm uncovers China's weak points

Feb 7, 2008
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.

BHP, China battle in minerals market

Feb 6, 2008
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.

Call it the Great Fire Wall of China

Jan 28, 2008
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.

Shanghai commute: A survivors' battle

Jan 23, 2008
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.

What do China's rich folks do for fun?

Jan 8, 2008
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.

China needs to spend some time off

Jan 1, 2008
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.