Changemakers: Allen Zhang
20 years from now, most consumption could be virtual, says WeChat’s founder
As the ‘Father of WeChat’, the ‘super app’ that more than 1bn Chinese use daily for everything from sending messages to paying bills and hailing rides, Allen Zhang enjoys rock-star status in China. The story of how Zhang and his tiny team of developers created the first version of the app in just 70 days has become the stuff of legend.
Seldom seen in public, 49-year-old Zhang has become an increasingly influential figure in internet circles, not only in China but throughout the world. In a rare interview earlier this year he sat down with Julian Birkinshaw, Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at London Business School and LBS Sloan Fellow Dickie Liang-Hong Ke to talk about WeChat now and what’s coming down the line.
What is your approach to developing new software products?
Craftsmanship was highly valued in China in the past. In more modern times, respect for craftsmanship has been somewhat lacking, at a time when it has become widely adopted across industry abroad. China now needs a rethink regarding products and product excellence.
That goes for Internet products too -- because many people only recognize them for their commercial properties, which hardly makes for products distinguished by exceptional quality. The iPhone stands apart from most other American products, which show relatively less attention to detail. This explains why iPhones are adored by so many.
