More than 140 EMBA alumni and students as well as guests joined a seminar organized by the HKUST EMBA Program Office on 15 July, where they had a lively discussion about how enterprises can innovate and transform in the new Internet era.
The seminar started with a talk by Professor Michael Zhang from the Department of Information Systems, Business Statistics & Operations Management (ISOM) of the HKUST Business School. He first introduced the latest developments and trends in the Internet market. He cited mainland Internet giants, saying that most of the successful website companies and enterprises today have created a highly popular “online platform”. They rely on these platforms to develop cross-sector businesses or new and unique products and services, changing many traditional businesses. Professor Zhang shared his research results on some real-life business cases including the innovative way a traditional mainland heated pump company called PHNIX used the Internet to transform itself into a larger company. He also discussed how Apple (itunes) missed out on an opportunity to expand its market share.
In an interactive discussion session, the Chairman of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association Dr Eddy Li talked about how the Internet can facilitate communication. He encouraged owners and management of traditional enterprises to develop a new mindset in preparing for future opportunities in the new Internet world. He gave the example of how warehousing and logistic businesses are thriving as a result of online shopping. He also called for the government to provide more support to cross-border e-commerce.
Mr Jeff Chen, Senior VP of ZTE and also an EMBA alumnus shared some real-life experiences of how ZTE uses some online communication channels to better connect staff and management.
In addition to EMBA alumni and students, members of the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association and representatives from Lenovo were invited to join the seminar to explore opportunities and challenges ahead in the Internet era.