'Pick-up artist' Christopher Wu teaches Chinese men how to woo women

A few years ago, Christopher Wu was just another university graduate looking for a job in America. Although he had studied economics, finance and politics and graduated from Indiana University with honours, his prospects seemed dim in the wake of the global banking meltdown. Then he started thinking about a friend's business, Pick-Up Artist, a course that helps single young men overcome inhibitions and hone their dating skills. Wu realised such a business might have massive potential in his native China, where the one-child policy has contributed to a surplus of men looking for a wife. In 2010, he moved to Beijing to set up China's first Pick-Up Artist branch. It has been a huge success.

When I came back to China, speed-dating was booming. I realised that behind the heat there was actually the large gender gap of 30 million, leaving many young men as "leftovers". Also I noticed that lots of people tend to be shy about openly expressing their love. Perhaps Chinese schools that prioritise academic excellence and career development over romance and the traditional culture that discourages people from voicing their feelings should be blamed. I saw the rising market among the "leftovers" and decided to start a business for them.

I would say such changes will take generations because everyone has to go through fundamental changes in their mindsets and values. What we can do is merely start reshaping their ideas with elements they find most acceptable. But the journey ahead is hard and will take a long time.