In Search of El Dorado : Chinese Diaspora in Southeast Asia

Among all the people who have left mainland China’s shores, it is the Chinese diaspora in Southeast Asia that is the most important, not only for the numbers but also for the economic contribution they made for both the host as well as the home countries. The economic organisation of the Southeast Asian Chinese has been unique in many respects and many studies show their retention of ancient cultural practices which proved to be their strength during the post-colonial era. This article is an attempt to look at the historical trajectory of Southeast Asian Chinese, their unique business practices and how globalisation has been an element of change in terms of their outlook towards making use of business opportunities and searching for new models and patterns to survive and succeed in the global economy.