In September 2023, the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) conducted its annual overseas immersion programme in Beijing. Held yearly (except during pandemic periods), this programme offers DBA students an immersive learning opportunity abroad, enhancing their practical business experiences.
The ten-day overseas course includes two elective courses for DBA students, including "Marketing for the Future Economy" taught by Dr Dianna Chang, Senior Lecturer, Marketing Programme, SUSS School of Business and Dr Wang Yue, Head, Doctor of Business Administration Programme, SUSS School of Business and “Managing Technology and Innovation” by Dr Zhang Meilin, Senior Lecturer, Business Analytics Programme, SUSS School of Business and Dr Wang Peng, Lecturer, Business Analytics Programme, SUSS School of Business.
Dr Dianna Chang teaching the course, "Marketing for the Future Economy" at China Life Financial Center, Beijing
Dr Wang Yue delivering the course, “Marketing for the Future Economy” at the venue of 4 Paradigm company in Beijing.
Dr Zhang Meilin teaching the course, “Managing Technology and Innovation” at the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) in Beijing.
Dr Wang Peng teaching the course, “Managing Technology and Innovation” at the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) in Beijing.
Additionally, we are honoured to have distinguished teachers and experts from Chinese universities for special lectures and sharing.
These include Professor Chu Yanlai from the Marketing Department of Renmin University Business School, Professor Huang Zhuo from the National School of Development, Peking University, Qiu Xiaobo, Cheng Jie, and Zhou Xiaoguang from the Institute of Population and Labor Economics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, as well as Professor Zhang Leinan and Professor Xiong Wei from the University of International Business and Economics, who provided insightful discussions with regards to the below topics.
1) AI, Employment, and New Economic Thinking
The researchers Qu Xiaobo, Cheng Jie, and Zhou Xiaoguang from the Institute of Population and Labor Economics at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences conducted in-depth sharing sessions for DBA students. The topics covered included robots, artificial intelligence, employment, job tasks, the characteristics and challenges of China's demographic transition, and the economic logic and thinking framework under the new development pattern.
Qu Xiaobo emphasised that with the rapid development of AI, human-machine collaboration will become the new norm in the workplace. He stressed the importance of complementing human experience, emotions, and empathy with machine-intelligent algorithms to execute various tasks. To maximise the benefits of AI, companies need to recognise that technology, data, and talent are the three key elements for developing AI. He also mentioned that attracting innovative talent, investing in training and upgrading employees, and encouraging external collaboration for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are effective paths to achieve transformation and upgrading.
2) China's Global Leadership in Digital Finance and Future Trends
In the wave of the digital era, China's digital finance sector remains at the forefront globally, transforming the landscape of financial services through innovative financial technology.
During the DBA study trip in Beijing in September 2023, we were honoured to have Professor Huang Zhuo, Vice Dean and Tenured Associate Professor of the National School of Development at Peking University, as well as the Executive Deputy Director of the Peking University Digital Finance Research Center, conduct a highly informative sharing session for DBA students.
Professor Huang provided a profound analysis of China's leading position in digital finance internationally and outlined future development directions. He showcased the limitless possibilities of financial technology in the digital era. Through innovations such as the digital payment revolution, big data risk control, and online lending, China's digital finance is moving towards a broader future.
Professor Huang Zhuo conducted an insightful sharing session for DBA students.
3) Global Expansion of Chinese Brands
On 7 September 2023, we had the privilege of inviting Professor Zhang Leinan, the Dean of the Guizhou Research Institute and EMBA Programme Director at University of International Business and Economics (UIBE), along with Professor Xiong Wei, the Director of the Case Center at the School of International Business at UIBE to conduct a brown bag session where they shared insights on the global expansion of Chinese brands and discussed strategies for overseas brands entering the Chinese market.
A brownbag session with faculties from University of International Business and Economics (UIBE). From left to right: Zhang Leinan (UIBE), Xiong Wei (UIBE), Dr Wang Yue, Dr Zhang Meilin and DBA student Ma Lei.
Drawing from their personal experiences, DBA students were engaged in a fruitful dialogue with the professors, providing valuable responses to the insights shared. This interactive session offered a deeper understanding of the global expansion of Chinese brands and empowered students to better grasp the pulse of international business.
DBA would like to extend its gratitude to the teachers, experts, scholars, and students for their insightful contributions as they look forward to more academic feasts in the future!
DBA students and faculties