The Beijing Innovation Ecosystem:Into the Heart of the Dragon

The Asian Banker has been in China since 2000. We have a deep understanding in this amazing country’s evolution over the years, and our experience makes us the ideal guide to this vibrant landscape.

Our upcoming innovation tour in Beijing will coincide with the SIBOS annual conference of correspondent and transaction bankers. We welcome finance professionals from around the world to join us in this study tour, especially if you are coming for SIBOS.

This tour offers a deep dive into innovation, corporate culture, and relationships between entrepreneurs and the state.

Visit leading Chinese technology firms like Baidu, Bytedance, and JD.com. Beijing is also home to the largest concentration of artificial intelligence (AI) startups in China, with more than 1,048 thriving core companies.

The journey continues to technology centres of two of the largest four banks in the world. Engage with prominent Chinese economists to gain more nuanced understanding of the country and try your hand at using local apps—be it for booking a luxury cab or cycling on an autumn day.

A complimentary one-night stay along the majestic Great Wall, just outside Beijing, will be added this study tour.

We limit the study tour to no more than 30 participants so that everyone has the opportunity to network.

Key focus areas:

automation

Revolutionary integration of AI, large language model and machine learning in finance

financial-institutions

Digital banking transformation: Best practices and case studies

innovative

The latest in blockchain, digital currencies, and secure transactions

innovative

Consumer behaviour and its influence on digital banking solutions

innovative

Briefings by prominent venture capitalists and innovators in Beijing’s fintech landscape

innovative

Networking with fintech trailblazers

Tour Itinerary

Beijing AI Innovation Study Tour

Day-1, Wednesday 16 October 2024
08:00

Breakfast and introduction

Our hosts will provide an introduction to the programme and a run-down of the site visits and key innovation trends to be covered during the tour.

09:30

Depart from the hotel

10:00

Renminbi rising: CCB’s global strategy

A briefing with representatives from China Construction Bank to explore the bank’s ambitions for Renminbi internationalisation. Understand the initiatives and objectives shaping the future of the RMB on the global stage.

12:30

Lunch

14:00

Baidu’s blueprint: Innovation in AI, big data analytics and machine learning

Prowl through the Baidu campus, China’s Google, and uncover their strategies to compete on a global scale and how they retain top talents. Gain insights into how the organisation is integrating AI, big data analytics and machine learning into its platforms and redefining technology.

16:30

Bytedance unveiled: Strategies behind the global sensation

Bytedance, the brains behind viral video app TikTok – a glimpse into the innovative thinking and long-term strategies that drove that company’s rise to the top of social media globe.

19:00

Culinary harmony: Welcome dinner at TRB Hutong

Join us for a welcome dinner at TRB Hutong in Beijing’s historic alleyways. Enjoy a culinary experience steeped in heritage as you network with local bankers.

End of Day 1


Beijing AI Innovation Study Tour

Day-2, Thursday 17 October 2024
08:00

Breakfast at the hotel

08:45

Depart from the hotel

09:30

Inside JD: Automation in modern retail

JD, one of the world’s foremost B2C retailers—an exclusive look into their operations centre to witness the extent of automation that drives their success and learn about the innovative technologies propelling modern retail.

12:00

Lunch

13:30

ICBC’s tech titan: Managing scale and innovation

ICBC Bank is a global behemoth serving over 400 million customers with a staggering 700,000 employees. Discover the sophisticated systems and strategies that keep this giant together and at the forefront of the financial industry.

15:30

Financial evolution: Inside Bank of Beijing & ING

Explore the retail banking and wealth management sectors at Bank of Beijing and its transformation from a state-run entity to a modern financial institution, influenced by ING Bank’s investment. Understand the strategies and innovations shaping services and approach to wealth management in a rapidly evolving market.

18:00

Beijing duck dinner and hutong heritage experiencing

End of Day 2


Beijing AI Innovation Study Tour

Day-3, Friday 18 October 2024
08:00

Breakfast at the hotel

08:45

Depart from the hotel

09:15

Moonshot AI: China's AI Star on the Rise

Dive into the heart of Moonshot AI, China's leading contender in the large language model race. Explore their innovative approach to AI development, particularly their focus on handling long context text and data. Explore how Moonshot AI's Kimi chatbot is pushing the boundaries of human-computer interaction and reshaping the Chinese AI landscape.

11:30

Lunch

12:45

CATL: Electrifying the future

Buckle up for an electrifying fireside chat with a senior executive from CATL, the world's leading manufacturer of electric vehicle batteries. This session will delve into the company's cutting-edge technology and vision for the future of electric transportation. Get exclusive insights into CATL's R&D process, their innovative cell-to-pack technology, and their commitment to sustainability.

14:15

Venture Perspectives: Capitalising on innovation

Briefing with a seasoned venture capitalist to gain insights into the dynamics of domestic capital-raising. Explore the trends, challenges, and opportunities that define China’s burgeoning investment landscape.

16:00

Feedback and concluding session

We will recap the site visits and discussions with experts and exchange personal conclusions, ideas and inspirational thoughts. Delegates will be asked to present their feedback and takeaways from the tour.

17:00

End of tour and transfer to village to enjoy a bonus stay in a distinctive setting outside downtown Beijing.

19:00

Night talk: China’s economic insights and priorities

Join a leading economist for a comprehensive briefing on China’s current development landscape. Gain valuable insights into the nation’s economy and the pressing issues at the forefront of its growth trajectory.


Beijing AI Innovation Study Tour

Day-4, Saturday 19 October
08:00

Breakfast and visit to the Great Wall

12:30

Lunch

15:30

Transfer back to downtown Beijing and end of programme


Beijing AI Innovation Study Tour

Day-5, Sunday 20 October 2024
09:00

Breakfast and Transfers

End of programme and transfer back to Beijing and airport for your next activity.

People you will meet

A programme of this nature can only be presented by highly experienced professionals who have been entrenched in the industry over many years.

Barry Katz
Barry Katz
Professor, California College of the Arts,Consulting Professor,
Stanford University
Chacko Becca
Becca Carroll
Senior Director & Co-Lead, Last Mile Money Initiative,
IDEO

Tour Hosts

Marla Sofer
Marla Sofer
Founder & CEO, knomee

Who should attend?

bank

Chairmen, CEOs, and board members of banks from the United States, Europe, Africa, Middle East and rest of Asia seeking to integrate innovation into their business models

transaction

Heads of strategic planning

data

Heads of technology and operations

mobile-banking

C-level executives, including chief innovation officers; heads of digital finance and chief marketing officers

channel

Corporate professionals who are new to China

The Investment

US$ 8800

(Early Bird Rate Before 30th June 2024 US$ 7800)

  • Full access to Beijing Innovation Tour (16-19 October 2024).
  • Access to tour slides and videos.
  • 4-night accommodation (15- 18 October 2024).
  • All program-related breakfasts, lunches, and select dinners.

* Excludes airfare, visa fees, and airport transfers.

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