I found the strength to keep it going from the viewers themselves. Many offered to send in ``voluntary subscription fees'' - an idea they came up with. When I refused to accept it, they said: ``This station belongs to Chinese people all over the world, not Mr Chua himself. Therefore he has no right to refuse to accept our contribution to help save the station.''

Their determination and strong support gave me the inspiration and strength to keep the station on air until we found a partner.

Despite my stress-related illness which nearly cost me my life in 1999, I would say it was all worth it, now that we have finalised the alliance with Time Warner, the world's largest and most respected media company. If an entrepreneur makes money a bigger priority than his vision for a business, it will just close down as soon as it gets into financial difficulties. It is much cheaper to cut one's losses by closing the company down and starting up a new one without the burden of debts.

I am glad I placed a higher value on my vision for CETV than pure financial gain or the station would have closed down two and a half years ago. The world would be a much better place if more media proprietors shared this kind of attitude.