In 1978, Deng Xiaoping’s economic reforms opened China to the world, kickstarting a boom that transformed the nation into an industrial powerhouse. Terry Gou played a pivotal role in this transformation, building Foxconn from a small electronics manufacturer into the world's largest contract electronics assembler.

By 1990, Shenzhen had grown exponentially from a sleepy fishing village to a bustling hub of manufacturing and innovation. The city’s rapid development was marked by slapdash construction and an environment that prioritized speed over quality—a stark contrast to today’s stringent standards.

The relationship between Apple and Foxconn is a testament to this transformation. In the 1980s, Apple engineers found Shenzhen a challenging place, with buildings that failed basic inspections. Yet, it was here they discovered the potential for cost-effective manufacturing that would eventually power the iPhone’s global success.

By 2010, Foxconn had grown to become an economic behemoth, surpassing its American competitors in revenue. This rise highlights not only the transformation of China but also how a single entrepreneur can shape the trajectory of technology and industry on a global scale.