If the future is played in such places, that isn't a great reason for him to visiting them now -- not to mention the huge language barriers in undeveloped or rural areas. I think his time will be more beneficially spent in Shenzhen, if it's to be spent in China. I do agree though that China will be a better option than Thailand or Indonesia (with some assumptions made of what will be attractive to those with a hacker mentality).

I'm still considering China too; definitely not out of the question. Curious to know more about why you think it will be more attractive than Thailand or Indonesia?

Because Thailand or Indonesia isn't the future, China is.

Your time and experiences as a whole will be more valuable in many aspects if they're spent in China.

Consider:

1) Exposure to the Chinese language -- Mandarin, the _most spoken_ in the world - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_languages_by_total_numb...

2) Shenzhen is the "technology hub" of China.

3) The biggest, most successful companies in China are headquartered there, or are planning to establish their headquarters in Shenzhen (Baidu, Skyworth, Hasee, Huawei, etc.)

4) Lots of emigrants there already -- more people in Shenzhen understand English than anywhere else in China

5) A bustling nightlife, and availability of 'luxury services' should you so desire them (as mentioned by someone else, it is the norm there for restaurants to be open until late)

Good points, but Beijing is the internet startup hub of China.