Introduction
As part of the OSPO Roadshow initiated by the Linux Foundation APAC OSPO SIG, we have been visiting various companies across China since 2021 — including China Mobile Research Institute, Red Hat China, Didi, ZTE, and GitLab China — to share and exchange experiences about open source and enterprise collaboration.
In 2024, this community activity officially became part of the TODO Group China Chapter, further strengthening collaboration among local OSPOs.
On November 7, 2025, the OSPO Roadshow arrived at Midea Group’s headquarters in Shunde, Foshan, Guangdong Province.
Event Agenda
Date & Time: November 7, 2025 — 14:00 to 17:30
Venue: Midea Group Headquarters, Beijiao Town, Shunde District, Foshan, Guangdong, China
Agenda:
- 14:00 – 14:15 Participant introductions and networking
- 14:15 – 14:25 Welcome remarks from Midea OSPO
- 14:25 – 15:05 “Cold Start Challenges for Open Source Projects and Events” — Hanqin Wu
- 15:05 – 15:45 “Why OSPO? Embedding Modern Management Practices” — Jiansheng Li
- 15:45 – 16:00 Coffee break
- 16:00 – 16:40 “Open Source Compliance Challenges for Embedded Software” — Ye Tao
- 16:40 – 17:00 “OSPO Reflections and Practices” — Zhentao Yang
- 17:00 – 17:30 Group photo
- 17:30 – 21:00 Dinner and informal discussions
Highlights and Key Discussions
1. Cold Start Challenges for Open Source Projects and Events — Hanqin Wu
Hanqin shared practical approaches to solving the “cold start” problem in open source communities — how to move from 0 to 1, and then 1 to 100.
Topics included:
- How to attract and motivate volunteers in early project stages
- How to manage both code and non-code contributors
- How to build an information platform to consolidate open source events
- How to help companies transition from “wanting to open source” to actually executing it
This interactive session sparked strong discussion among attendees.
2. Why OSPO? Embedding Modern Management Practices — Jiansheng Li
Jiansheng explored the unique operational logic of open source collaboration — what he called the “third mode of operation”, distinct from traditional industrial management.
Drawing on examples such as Linux Foundation, Android, IBM WebSphere, and Red Hat Ansible, he illustrated how organizations can adapt management structures to embrace open source innovation, through lenses of law, economics, and organizational management.
3. Open Source Compliance for Embedded Software — Ye Tao
Ye Tao shared insights from real-world compliance practices, discussing the special requirements and challenges of open source governance in embedded software environments.
4. OSPO Reflections and Practices — Zhentao Yang
Zhentao offered an impromptu reflection on OSPO operations and cross-company collaboration, emphasizing the importance of community-driven innovation and shared learning.
Wrap Up
The meetup concluded with group discussions and a shared dinner, where participants exchanged views on the future of open source collaboration in China.
Through initiatives like the OSPO Roadshow, the TODO Group China Chapter continues to build a vibrant local ecosystem that connects enterprises, foundations, and communities.
Special thanks to Midea Group for hosting, and to all participants for their contributions to open source collaboration in China.